More about my jab meds

I had an earlier posted about some of the meds and jabs that I had, after the IVF, I was still on Proluton jab every 2 days, twice a day Cyclogest and Progynova during my 2-week wait.

Basically Proluton the injectable progesterone which works the same way at Cyclobest. This oily solution is injected intramuscular that hurts your bum for HOURS! I still have one of this in my fridge - doctor gave me in case of emergency if any bleeding occurs and I should go to any clinic and have the injection immediately.

Then this Cyclogest is progesterone pessaries that I had to insert *ahem* in my vee-jay-jay twice a day - 11am & 11pm. Progesterone is normally produced by the ovaries in the second half of the menstrual cycle and also during early pregnancy. This is to ensure the lining of the uterus is optimal for implantation of an embryo. Tips for those using Cyclogest: remember to wear a pantyliner after insertion, as some of the residue could melt and eventually giving you white waxing discharge. So don't freak out if there is any on your panty!

And lastly Progynova a synthetic hormone replacement for oestrogen. Like Cyclogest, this is used to build up the lining of the uterus by thickening of the vagina wall. Like Cyclogest, this will help the implantation of an embryo - i.e. so that baby will stick properly on where it is suppose to be.

I didn't have the Progynova during my failed IVF attempt and was given during this current successful cycle. I probably have really low ability to "stick" so doc gave me so many meds to help building of the lining of my uterus.

I told Dr F, I don't mind ALL the jabs, but the Cyclogest... hmmm... it's something that I wish I don't need to have. I was on twice a day, and reduced to once a day after Week 9. I'm still on my Progynova which is fine - it's so tiny that I can actually swallow it!

What is IVF?

Well, now that I have 2 more months before I restart my treatment, I've decided to do more research to understand IVF better. An overview of IVF...

IVF, In vitro fertilisation is a process where the eggs are fertilised by sperm outside the womb. The main treatment for IVF is infertility when all other methods of normal or assisted reproductive technology failed. For my case, we did an IUI before. Instead of giving it another go, I had my cyst removed and went straight to IVF. Now, the whole process of IVF includes hormonally controlled ovulation process, retrieval of eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with your partner's sperm. Once the eggs are fertilised, they are they transferred back to the female's uterus. My first treatment stopped at "hormonally controlled ovulation."

During which blood tests were carried out for hormonal measurement, ultra-scans took place to scan for the growth of follicles, hormones jabs were given to control and stimulate follicle growth. It's a long and difficult process that will strain your physically and mentally. Sometime, you might develop needle phobia! (I learn a new word today: Trypanophobia - for fear of medical procedure involving injections/needles)

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

IUI is where the "washed sperm" is inserted into uterus using a thin flexible catherer.

The process of inserting the catherer usually doesn't take very long, but since the procedure has to be done with a full bladder - the whole waiting for your bladder to fill up might take long.

The best timing to perform the IUI (according to Dr F) is to be done within the 24hours of ovulation- detected through LH surge in urine and ultrascan of the follicle. That's why I had to visit the doctor every 2 days to monitor.

For me the whole process leading to IUI procedure goes like this:

- Arrange to see doctor on 2nd or 3rd day of mensus

- Immediately start jab & medicine (Clomid) for continuous of 5 days

- Return to see doctor on day 11 (where I had 2 more jab), 13 then 15.

- On day 15, IUI is done. Along with the IUI, I had another jab - which is injected to the lower abdomen by the nurse with REAL NEEDLE/SHRINGE (the needle was as long as 2 inches!) and I am now on medication (Duphaston)- to stop on first sign on period

For now, it's gonna be a wait of 2-weeks or until 23 January.