Fertility procedures thus far

I recently sent an email to the Yahoo group I belong to informing them of my blog. After I sent that email I realized that there were a series of topics that I should touch on including the procedures PRIOR to IVF, the costs, insurance coverage, etc.

My first topic is Fertility procedures prior to IVF. Here is a list of all that I've had done so far:

WARNING: This gets a little to TMI but I'm trying to be helpful!

• Blood draws-my blood was drawn to check for Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and various other blood disorders.
• Transvaginal ultrasound-They took an internal ultrasound to make sure I didn't have any cysts or abnormalities of my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.
  
• Saline Sonogram-Now this has been the WORST of the tests yet. A saline sonogram is where they fill your uterine cavity with saline solution for the doctor to get a better look at your uterine cavity. They are looking for growths, tumors, pollyps, etc. to make sure that your uterus is a "nonhostile environment" for when they do the implantation of embryos. I say it was the worst because I did have some mild cramping and a LARGE amount of spotting. It was seriously embarrassing.
• DNA testing: This was a simple blood draw at the lab. My blood was sent away to locate the mutation of my TCS. Hey, guess what!?!?! I have TCS. Who would have thunk it?!?! Anyway, I got my results but in four weeks.
  
• Pap-I always get my pap done at my yearly physicals. But if you haven't had your pap when you go in for your saline sonogram, you can ask your fertility doctor to do one right there. But come on girls, feel your boobies and get your paps!

These are the tests that David had done:

• Blood draw-David had the same blood draw that I had to check for Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and various other blood disorders.
  
• Sperm analysis-Yes, it's what you think it is. He had to collect his sperm in a cup and bring it to the doctor's office in a brown paper bag. We got the results within the week. Actually, our doctor called us with the results when we were in Vegas. She felt so bad for getting us out of bed but we were just taking advantage of the time difference!

The procedures I expect to have going forward would include the daily shots of fertility drugs and the IVF itself but I might be in for a rude awakening!

David will have to collect his sperm again. They give you the option to do this ahead of time or the day of the IVF procedure. I've already told him that he'll be doing it ahead of time. I don't want him to have the "pressure to perform" while I'm laying on the table all drugged up from propofol...yeah, they'll be giving me the MJ drug. Not so sure how I feel about that!