Our 10-Year Fertility Journey – “I Wish I Knew…” Episode 01

Couple Sally and Rubí, who have been together for over 20 years, discuss their long journey to becoming parents. 

Our 10-Year Fertility Journey – Finding a Sperm Donor, IUI, and finally, IVF

Their path included finding the perfect sperm donor, several unsuccessful rounds of IUI (intrauterine insemination,) and finally, IVF (in-vitro fertilization.)   

Below, you’ll find resources on the topics covered in their interview. Please check out the linked articles for more information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Intrauterine Insemination (or IUI)?

“Intrauterine insemination (IUI) — a type of artificial insemination — is a procedure for treating infertility.

Sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly in your uterus around the time your ovary releases one or more eggs to be fertilized.

The hoped-for outcome of intrauterine insemination is for the sperm to swim into the fallopian tube and fertilize a waiting egg, resulting in pregnancy. Depending on the reasons for infertility, IUI can be coordinated with your normal cycle or with fertility medications.”

Source: The Mayo Clinic 

Why is IUI done, what are the risks, and what to expect?

IUI is most frequently used for individuals or couples who have:

• Donor sperm
• Unexplained infertility
• Endometriosis-related infertility
• Mild male factor infertility (subfertility)
• Cervical factor infertility
• Ovulatory factor infertility
• Semen allergy

IUI is considered a safe and low-risk procedure. Risks include:

• Infection
• Spotting
• Multiple pregnancy

For more information on IUI, including what to expect and how to prepare, please read the full article.

Source: The Mayo Clinic 

What is In-Vitro Fertilization (or IVF?)

“In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.

During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.

IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus — might be used.

Your chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility. In addition, IVF can be time-consuming, expensive and invasive. If more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus, IVF can result in a pregnancy with more than one fetus (multiple pregnancy).

Your doctor can help you understand how IVF works, the potential risks and whether this method of treating infertility is right for you.”

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Why is IVF done?

“In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. Sometimes, IVF is offered as a primary treatment for infertility in women over age 40. IVF can also be done if you or your partner has:

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Ovulation disorders
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Previous tubal sterilization or removal
• Impaired sperm production or function
• Unexplained infertility
• A genetic disorder
• Fertility preservation for cancer or other health conditions”

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Resources from a fertility coach

InCircle Fertility is a built-in support system to lean-on, and a resource to help you navigate this difficult and complex process.

Check out their resources page for:

• Reading list
• Websites We Love
• InCircle Fertility Blog
• (UN)Fun Facts
• Products We Love

And more!

About Marjorie

Hi, I’m Marjorie. I’m a Newborn & Family Photographer based in Los Angeles, California, and the creator of this documentary series, “I Wish I Knew… A Series on Parenthood.”

Soon after I started my business and began hanging out with different families, I realized every single parent I knew had gone through something. Everyone had a story.

I decided to use my background in filmmaking to create a platform where parents could share their stories. My hope is that we can learn from each other and normalize events and experiences that have been labeled as taboo.

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We cover topics such as mental health, pregnancy loss, adoption, divorce, out-of-hospital birth, and more.