The "Wash" Cycle

Published on 8 October 2024 at 10:05

Following our egg retrieval process in July and August (featured in a separate tab,) I entered what was called the Wash month, or recovery month. During this process, no medications are administered besides being put back on birth control. The doctors do this, to monitor all aspects of my cycle- therefore they're in control of it. I must say, being taken on and off birth control, and going from injection medications to nothing, really messes with ones hormones! YAY!

Throughout this month, I had to get a uterine inspection, and a TET "Trial Embryo Transfer" done. For the uterine inspection- also known as an SHG (Sonohysterogram), a small scope is inserted into the uterus through the cervical opening. They put a small camera inside that captures images of the uterus. In order to place the scope inside, they stick what is referred to as a balloon inside the uterus and expand it. This was extremely uncomfortable, borderline painful. It was a fairly quick procedure, but felt like forever. I remember my palms sweaty, and they kept telling me to focus on my breathing, but all I could think was that something inside of me was going to burst. 

Following the procedure above, I got the TET. For that portion, a FULL bladder was required. I needed to drink 40oz of water in 15 minutes, one hour prior to the TET. The doctors stuck a speculum inside to visualize the cervix. Then they used an ultrasound to insert a special catheter into the uterus. This process was important to ensure that the transfer of the embryo would go on without complications. 

Both of these procedures went on without any issues. I continued taking the birth control pills for the month of September and into early October as I waited for my next steps!

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