When Dr. L told me he would like for me to get on birth control I looked at him like he had lost his mind. I am trying to get pregnant - not prevent a pregnancy! But after he chuckled at my reaction he explained the reasons and it all made sense.

Being on birth control (BC) before doing an IUI cycle, has 3 benefits:

1. BC keeps testosterone levels lower, which tend to be elevated in someone with polysistic ovaries.
2. BC can prevent cysts from developing on the ovaries which makes it difficult for eggs to be released at ovulation.
3. BC allows my cycle to be programmed which in turn optimizes timing when doing the IUI.

Dr. L wants me to be on birth control for a minimum of 2 weeks to suppress my ovaries before doing the IUI. A nurse called me today and told me she will be my nurse throughout this process. She told me she is making me a calendar of events and will be mailing the calendar and my prescription for Clomid to me in the next few days. Her name is H.

I am excited! This is what I have been waiting for for 8 months now. No, actually A LOT longer than that. A picture from a long, long time ago just flashed in my mind. I was about 6 or 7 years old, standing in the dining room of my parents’ house. I had this overly large sweater on and had stuffed a ball up the sweater to be “pregnant”. Lord willing, one day soon, it will be the real deal, and no longer just pretend.

- Elaine