Transvaginal ultrasound in a couple of weeks. Fertility testing....surprisingly nervous

[OreoCheeseCake]

Hello

So my DW and I are wanting to increase our family (already have a teenager from previous relationship) and I've been trying to get myself pregnancy ready with diet/supplements and general fitness....mixed success with that but just thought at 35, I should try to increase my chances wherever I can.

Anyway, we're going to start with at home insemination, but I wanted a fertility test beforehand, as this route might be a waste of money if the results aren't good.

We're going to a private clinic and I shall be having the internal scan, followed by blood tests and then a consultation with a consultant to go through the results 🤞🤞

I was just excited when I booked, but now it's getting closer, I'm becoming increasingly nervous. Mainly about the results, but also the scan.

I have actually had a couple before for irregular bleeding and they weren't uncomfortable, but neither were smear tests for me back then, but the last 3 smears I've had, have been almost unbearable, so I'm worried my body has changed over time and so maybe I'll also find this exam painful too. I know it's a different procedure, but still.

Would be great to hear from any of you who have had the same investigations. Would really appreciate hearing any advice and experiences.

TIA

I haven’t had the other investigations but I did have a couple of trans vaginal scans when I was pregnant with ds1. They were significantly less uncomfortable than a smear for me. Best of luck!

Thanks, @Musicalstatues.

I also don't know if my DW should come in with me. I think given the reasons, it seems like maybe the 'done' thing, but that said, I'm not sure I want her to see me with my legs in stirrups Need to keep some romance alive!

Hi OP! I've had a transvaginal ultrasound. There were no legs in stirrups, just the normal feet soles together, let legs fall apart and pelvic area covered with a sheet. The probe is quite thin and is covered in a condom 😁

I did find the sonographer pressed really hard and that was not fun. She was pressing the end of the probe onto the top of my vagina/cervix. However, there was nothing of the cranking open feeling you get with a smear as they don't use a speculum.

My OH came with me and it was fine. Perhaps you could enquire as to how they do the procedure so you feel more informed?

Best of luck

I've just had one, but not for same reasons. I promise it was absolutely fine - MUCH less uncomfortable than a smear (which I find really uncomfortable).

Mine did a great position with bum right at the bottom edge of the couch, with feet then on a lower stool. They gave me time to get changed in private and get myself in position - I had a nice cover to put over myself so I didn't feel exposed, and they were looking at the screen rather than my nether regions, so it didn't feel nearly as intrusive as other investigations/smears I've had.

They did have to wangle the wand around a little bit to get all the vistas (!) required, but it wasn't at all painful.

Oh, and I'm not sure if you'll be having an external scan before the internal, but if so, they'll want the full bladder for the external, and then let you go for a (horse-like!) pee before coming back for the vaginal, so don't worry about that .

Hope this serves to reassure - and good luck to you and DW in your journey

Hi, @SophiaLarsen. Thanks for that.

Hmm I remember stirrups 🤔 Hopefully I've just mixed things up.

Thanks @JeanmichelBisquiat

I definitely do feel more reassured about the actual scan. Trying not to worry too much about the results. Not doing so well with that. I think maybe because we had decided that if there were significant issues, we wouldn't actually try. This may sound incredibly defeatist, but I've seen too many couples lives absolutely taken over by fertility issues for years. Decades even. Basically we will know that day if we actually want to give it a go, so a big day

That does sound like a big day, @OreoCheeseCake - sending you and DW crossed finger vibes.....

Hand one sprung on me recently. Went for an abdominal ultrasound and was told an internal would also be beneficial. It was fine. Legs weren't in stirrups, had a blanket over my legs. At my age dignity is long gone, between scans, having babies, smears ...

Thank you @JeanMichelBisquiat

@Drum2018 haha well I'm generally not that embarrassed with these kind of things, but I suppose the prospect of DW being there is making me feel a little I'm sure she'd understand if said I'd rather go in alone, but I'd feel bad asking her to wait outside. I would for anything else! Just seems she should be there under the circumstances.

Echo what PPs have said, it isn't anywhere near as uncomfortable as a smear test and doesn't go in very far. Bit of pressure when they waggle it around to see different parts. The woman who did mine talked to me about what she could see too which put my mind at rest whilst waiting for the results, I'm sure they'd do that for you as well. Good luck

I don't think your DW needs to be in the room with you for this at all. Think about it - if it were a heterosexual couple aiming to get pregnant, would the male expect the female to be in the room when he's providing a sperm sample? This is a personal medical examination so if you feel better being on your own then that's what you should do.

@Esmerelda1988, thanks. Hopefully I won't find it any more uncomfortable this time.

@Drum2018, hmm I get what you mean, I think I've always just assumed that when it's to do with fertility, you're supposed to go through all tests, exams etc together. Obviously not that test Although some men might find that quite handy...no pun intended!

She wants to be part of the insemination, which I want too and obviously she'll be there at the birth, where, let's face it...all romance goes out the window for a while, so maybe I'm just over thinking this.