It's Begun

I just got off the phone with my IVF nurse and we went over what the next step will be towards our upcoming cycle in February. Next month I have to go for a sonohysterogram. The sonohysterogram or saline ultrasound, is a procesdure where saline is injected into the uterus while an ultrasound is performed. It is used to look for polyps, fibroids, and other uterine abnormalities that may get in the way of fertility.

My doctor will insert a speculum (probably the worst part of the procedure!), swabbed the cervix clean, insert a thin catheter through the cervix, removed the speculum, and inserted a transvaginal wand to use for the ultrasound. The doctor then slowly will allow saline water to move through the catheter and into the uterus so the uterus would expand. He will then move around the transvaginal wand to see the uterus and ovaries from different angles. During this time a trail embryo transfer will be done. Basically a small catheter, much like the one that will eventually have embryos in it, will be inserted into the cervix and injects a small amount of saline into the uterine cavity. The purpose is to show if there would be a problem with the eventual transfer (i.e. scar tissue, stenosis of the cervix). It also measures your uterus and length of your cervix.

I can't believe this is all happening. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.