On September 20, 2019, we set out to expand our family by trying for our third child. Given our previous experiences—conceiving our first with ease and the second shortly after—we thought this journey would be just as smooth. However, after a year of trying, we sought help from a fertility specialist. Despite some not-so-great test results, the doctors assured us there was still hope for a natural conception. We tried IUI, but after seven unsuccessful attempts, our spirits were low. My partner’s sperm count was dropping, and my ovarian reserve seemed to be fading faster than expected. With only 22,000 motile sperm left, the outlook was grim.
On the same date two years later, our doctor told us our only option for conceiving was IVF, and we needed to act fast. We began the process, but the day before signing the paperwork, we had a change of heart. It just didn’t feel right. We already had a beautiful son and daughter, and if it was meant to be, it would happen. I tried not to fixate on it, but after two and a half years, I was beginning to lose hope.
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon mention of at-home insemination. I had never heard of it before, so I did some digging. Excitedly, I shared the information with my partner, and we thought, why not give it a go?
Our first attempt was a complete disaster. We were so anxious that we ended up making a mess of the whole process. We decided to commit to three tries (not counting our chaotic first attempt). Our third attempt fell on our 10th wedding anniversary. We took a weekend getaway to the beach, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to work, but we went through with it anyway.
Then, on September 20, 2022—three years from the day we started trying and one year from when the doctor suggested IVF—I received a positive pregnancy test. I couldn’t believe it! I’m now 15 weeks pregnant with a little girl, all thanks to our choice to explore at-home insemination.
If you’re curious about more stories like ours or want to dive deeper into the topic, check out this blog post on wellness and at-home insemination. It’s really informative! And for those seeking expert advice, don’t miss this insightful resource that covers IVF and fertility preservation.
In summary, our journey to conceive was filled with ups and downs, but by choosing at-home insemination, we found hope and success when we least expected it.