In the fall, after discussing my situation with my doctor, we decided it was time to consult a gynecologist about intrauterine insemination (IUI). During our conversation, my doctor casually mentioned that she had heard of people successfully getting pregnant using the “turkey baster method.” This piqued my interest, and I began looking into at-home insemination options more seriously. Given my vaginismus, using a standard syringe was not a viable option for me. That’s when I discovered MakeAMom—a home insemination company offering a reusable option that was the size of a tampon and backed by medical experts.
Once I shared the idea with my partner, he was fully supportive, and we decided to give it a shot. We ordered the kit, and due to shipping delays around the holidays, it took about four weeks to arrive. During that waiting period, I immersed myself in research, and MakeAMom became an invaluable source of information and support. Their educational videos on ovulation and cervical mucus were not only informative but felt like I was learning from a friend. It gave me the time I needed to understand my cycle and ovulation kits, which was essential for my first experience using MakeAMom.
When the kit finally arrived after Christmas, I was ecstatic! Holding the MakeAMom syringe next to the tampons I had been practicing with filled me with hope. Even if it took several tries, I felt confident that I could manage this process both physically and mentally. The welcoming packaging felt like a gift rather than a clinical product, which was incredibly reassuring.
I took the MakeAMom syringe to my physiotherapy appointment before my ovulation cycle began so my therapist could see what I would be working with. She was incredibly supportive and excited about this new option for me. I tracked my ovulation closely and decided to use MakeAMom on one of my high-fertility days and again on my peak day, ensuring the sperm was ready for when my egg was released. We used a lubricant to assist with insertion, and to my surprise, the process was even less painful than a pap test—something I had dreaded due to past experiences. Being in the comfort of my home made a significant difference.
The week following our insemination attempts, I began to feel nauseous and fatigued, but I attributed that to my struggles with sleep. We decided to wait until three days before my period to take a pregnancy test instead of testing too early. It was important to us to have a calm weekend together, regardless of the outcome.
On that Saturday morning, I took my first test and then made a cup of tea while waiting for the result. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw two distinct pink lines! I immediately took a second test using the urine I’d saved and waited a few more minutes—another positive! I was filled with joy, laughing, crying, and jumping with excitement. I rushed upstairs to wake my partner, who was equally astonished. We never expected to conceive on our first attempt, and it felt incredible to finally have hope after years of uncertainty.
The next morning, I took another test, which confirmed it yet again. I am now eagerly awaiting my first appointment with my family doctor as we start planning our lives as a family of three!
A heartfelt thank you to MakeAMom for the impact you have had on our lives. Your support and resources are making a profound difference for so many couples facing similar challenges.
If you’re interested in learning more about at-home insemination, MakeAMom provides valuable resources, including their how it works page. Additionally, if you’re seeking support and connection, consider joining the MakeAMom Facebook group, a free sperm donor matching community. You can also explore other informative resources, like hormone testing for pregnancy and home insemination or read about the challenges and expected outcomes of successful pregnancies with home insemination techniques on this blog post. For authoritative insights on IUI, check out what to expect during your first IUI treatment on Parents.com.
To Summarize:
After years of trying to conceive and facing vaginismus, I found hope and success with the help of MakeAMom’s at-home insemination options. By utilizing their resources and support, I was able to navigate my journey and ultimately achieve a positive pregnancy test. I encourage others facing similar challenges to explore the available options and support systems.