AssistedConception.org

When my husband and I decided to start trying for a family a couple years ago we never thought for a moment that there would be any problems with conceiving. However, as the months passed without success, we began to suspect that there could be something wrong. About this time my periods, which had always been a bit of nightmare, became dramatically worse with every passing month. I searched the internet to try and find an explanation for some of the more worrying symptoms. It was during this search that I came across the term Endometriosis.

I made an appointment with my GP and was referred to a specialist. The appointment was in 5 months time but as my day-to-day life had become affected I decided to go private. Within days I saw a consultant and was scheduled to have laparoscopy shortly after which confirmed our suspicions.

The consultant recommended a course of injections to halt my cycle with a view that the endometrial implants would shrink, thus improving our chances of conception. Afterwards, when my cycle resumed we would have the option of trying again naturally or opting for IUI.

The injections started, and although I welcomed the prospect of having no periods for 6 months this meant there would be no chance of getting pregnant during this time. Christmas was approaching and instead of being the joyous occasion that it should be, the focus on family and children just made us feel the ever-widening gap in our lives. Things that had been so important to us before, social events, holidays were now empty and meaningless because constantly at the back of our minds was the harsh reality that we may never have a family.

Once my cycle had resumed we decided to try IUI. The first cycle began in March 2004 and we were fortunate to have our drugs funded by the NHS. The whole process was relatively straightforward. I produced 2 follicles of the required size and was able to go ahead with the procedure. Then the awful two week wait began.

When my period arrived we were completed floored - we had coaxed ourselves for months that all we needed was a little assistance. Despite being told that it rarely works first time round we were convinced that this had been our chance and if it didn’t work once why should it work at all. We decided to go ahead with subsequent IUI’s but believed we would need IVF to conceive. It was around this time that we decided to attend the Cradle support group. We found the chance to share thoughts and experiences with people in similar circumstances very uplifting.

The second IUI procedure was easier for us because we knew what to expect. We even found ourselves joking at some of the less dignified aspects of the whole process. After a long two weeks wait the day came to be tested and the nurse returned to say that we’d done it - it was positive. We were completed overwhelmed with a mixture a shock, relief and incredible happiness.

Now, with another Christmas almost upon us, we have everything to look forward to. Our baby is due in February 2005. We’re thoroughly enjoying every aspect of the pregnancy - even the morning sickness was a welcome part of the pregnancy as it was a reassurance that things were okay. It’s only now that we realise just how low we’d both become over the last 2 years. We’ve returned to happy couple that we used to be.

Anon