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

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

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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 IUI?
WHY IS IUI DONE, WHAT ARE THE RISKS, AND WHAT TO EXPECT?
WHAT IS IVF?
WHY IS IVF DONE?
RESOURCES FROM A FERTILITY COACH
ABOUT MARJORIE (SERIES CREATOR)
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A photo collage with two photos: one of a baby eating solid foods, the other of a dog jumping up at the baby.

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

A photo collage with two photos: the first of a woman walking her dog at the park, they walk away from the camera, the second photo a family portrait of two moms, their baby, and their puppy, taken at the park.

WHY IUI IS 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

A photo collage with three photos telling the story of baby's first steps. In the first photo, mom is watching him in awe and surprise, the second photo shows his other mother surprised and proud, and the third photo is of the baby taking his first steps.

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

A photo collage of two photos showing a toddler playing with magna-tiles and his two moms helping him put on his shoes.

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

Two photos: the first of a mom showing the camera a sonogram photo, the other a family photo taken on the couch of two moms, a toddler, and a dog licking mom's face.

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.”

Portrait of newborn and family photographer Marjorie Cohen.

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.