HSG - Hysterosalpinogram

When we set up our appointment at the fertility clinic, we were given a big list of tests to do before our appointment. One of the tests I had to get done was a hysterosalpinogram, or HSG. It is essentially an X-ray to see if your tubes are clear. It needs to be done after your period, but before CD 12.

I did some research on the test, and a lot of women said it as one of the most painful things they had ever gone through. I was quiet nervous going to the test, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to go back to work that day.

Fertility Doctor Consultation

DH and I went for our first appointment with the fertility doctor today. We were referred to Olive Fertility by my OB/GYN. Our doctor is Dr. Gary Nakhuda.

The overall experience was interesting. The first time I visited the clinic was about two months ago, when my OB brought me down to the office to schedule a consult. When I was there the first time, it was a ghost town. But today, I saw 4 - 5 couples coming to and from their appointments. It made me feel good to see that we're not alone in our struggle, but at the same time, I also felt bad that these couples were going through a similar thing.

Review: AIM Pregnancy Strips

When you're TTC, you want to know ASAP if you're pregnant. There are so many kinds of pregnancy tests, ranging from a few cents each, to upwards of $30! They are either dip tests, where you pee in a cup and dip the strip, dripping the pee into a cassette, or pee on the stick tests. I personally prefer peeing on a stick because I don't need to find a cup, and wash it out afterwards.

I got 5 AIM Pregnancy Strips when I ordered Pre-Seed from Amazon. These are dip strips, and they cost $13.99 for a 5-pack on Amazon. While these are not the cheapest tests on the market, they are pretty inexpensive.

Getting the news...

We had already gotten bad news when we received C's semen results. It was very upsetting. I completely broke down when we got home from the doctor.  All I have ever wanted was to have children and be a mother, and now that has been taken away from me. It was now a waiting game. There's nothing I can do until we see the specialists.

I had my OB/GYN appointment a few weeks ago. When C did his semen analysis, a copy of the results was also sent to my OB. My first appointment with Dr. Rosengarten was quick, there were some good things, and some not so good things.

Semen Analysis and Results

When I went to our family doctor for a referral to an OB/GYN, I figured I might as well get a lab requisition for C. There are only two labs in the Vancouver area that will take semen samples. We had to wait about 3 weeks to get our appointment.

We first had to pick up the approved cup from the lab before our test date. We also got a list of instructions to follow.

Review: Pre-seed

One of the problems I believe is making it more difficult for us to conceive is my lack of EWCM. After doing some research, I came across Pre-seed.

Pre-seed is a lubricant. But unlike most lubes, it is sperm friendly. It also claims to simulate your vagina's PH, and also fertile cervical mucus' consistency.

We typically don't use any lubricants, but since I was missing EWCM, I decided to give it a try. I bought my first tube from a fertility clinic in Vancouver. It was around $38. Once we finished the first tube, I searched online for a better deal, and was able to find it on Amazon for $48 for 2 boxes, plus some AIM pregnancy strips.

Supplements I have tried so far - For shortening my cycle

Estrosmart Plus

This was the first product I tried. At this point, I hadn't really done much research, I had just gotten off the pill. I was out shopping and walked into a health food store just for the hell of it. I told the sales associate that I had just gotten off the pill, and we are currently trying to conceive. She recommended Estrosmart Plus. I took the pills every day for a month. The cycle after I completed the pills was actually "normal" at 28 days.