ACRM

We were referred by Dr Bilek to a specialized center for reproduction called ACRM (Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine). There we found out she had PCOD (polycystic ovary decease) and her condition was somewhat critical and common, requiring immediate treatment. The doctor prescribed Avandia, a medication normally used to treat diabetes, but, in Tina’s case, administered to balance hormones and regulate ovulation. Even with the success of Avandia, no pregnancy occurred. Another round of Clomid produced large, painful cysts on her left ovary. Shortly after the cysts were drained, the ovaries appeared normal. Tina continued the Avandia with different dosages of Clomid while all the time being monitored for follicle and cyst development.

At our doctor’s suggestion, we checked with our insurance company and discovered that our policy covered three IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) trials. After two unsuccessful attempts, we were very disappointed to learn that we were not going to be parents anytime soon and very disheartened in our realization that our only hopes of becoming parents were being diminished by every month of trying. Nonetheless, we decided that if it wasn’t going to happen by IUI, we had other options and we would continue with our plans.

IVF

With the disappointment of our last IUI trial, we decided to wait two months before trying again and, in the meantime, learn about IVF (in vitro fertilization), which, we already knew, would  be covered 100 percent by our insurance company.

One condition, however, was that we had been trying for at least two years before IVF would be covered. Fortunately for us, our doctors were able to convince insurance representatives to allow us to try IVF immediately, and after the O.K., we embarked on what would become the final one of our trials: IVF.

The whole process was a very detailed procedure, somewhat scary to us. The doctors at the clinic advised us to see a psychological counselor to prepare us for what was going to come for the next two months, a long and tedious process that would require me to give Tina injections and her to have extensive visits two or more times a week.

The process began with injections to prevent ovarian activity for the first month. In the second month, Tina began medication to produce multiple eggs; the result was twenty-two eggs and a great deal of pain and discomfort. By the last days of her ovulating cycle, Tina was being monitored very closely to determine the perfect time to release the eggs. At a specified time, she received a final injection which facilitated egg retrieval. During the retrieval process, Tina was anesthetized in the operating room while, at the same time, my sperm was being extracted. Immediately thereafter, eggs and sperm were united using a process called ICSI, where the sperm is injected in the egg to have better chances of conceiving. Of the twenty two eggs, sixteen were successfully fertilized, proving that her eggs and my sperm were compatible.