IUI #3

Insemination #3 - Third Time's a Charm??

Welcome back to the two week wait! This IUI cycle was a little more eventful than the first two. It started with my baseline ultrasound on cycle day 3. The ultrasound revealed a large cyst in the left ovary, which sometimes happens with the Clomid medication. This was nothing to be alarmed by, just a left over follicle from the previous cycle that had not fully dissolved yet. However, there was a chance that my IUI cycle would be cancelled, if the cyst was producing Estrogen, so I had a blood draw to check my Estradiol level. Thankfully, my levels were normal, so the doctor gave the go ahead to continue the cycle as planned. 

My baseline ultrasound showing the large cyst

During the mid-cycle ultrasound the cyst was gone. Instead, we saw four beginning follicles, one in the right ovary and three in the left, but they were all too small, between 11-13 mm. The doctors want to see the follicles larger than 18 mm before scheduling the IUI. So I was asked to come in for a second ultrasound two days later. 

The second mid-cycle ultrasound revealed that only one follicle was still growing, the one in the right ovary. But, it had only grown to around 15.5 mm. Still not big enough to be considered "mature." Another ultrasound was scheduled, but I was told to start ovulation prediction tests the next day. If/when the ovulation test showed a positive result, I was to call and schedule the IUI. Ovulation tests are similar to at home pregnancy tests, but measure for the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which surges 12-24 hours before ovulation. Two days later the tests showed an LH surge, so I called and was told my insemination could be the next day.

Mid-Cycle Ultrasound

So, here we are, a few days past IUI #3. I got a little emotional while lying on the exam room table for the required ten minutes following the insemination. Just hoping and praying that this cycle works. If it fails again, we will be starting the very expensive, very intensive process of IVF. Again, the doctors at the clinic seemed hopeful for this cycle, despite the more eventful follicle action this time around, but we'll just have to wait and see. 

Much love,
Em