After our initial consultation, our doctors informed us that before beginning any treatment, we would need to undergo a series of tests. While none of the tests seemed overly complicated, the uncertainty of the results left us feeling anxious.

The Ultrasound Testing
The first test I underwent was an ultrasound to evaluate my ovaries and endometrium. They counted my follicles to assess my egg reserve and checked the thickness of my endometrium, the lining that sheds each month. My follicle count looked great—one piece of good news! However, my endometrial lining was slightly thinner than ideal. The doctor reassured us that it wasn’t a major concern at this point, so we tried not to dwell on it.
The Sperm Test
Next, Colin had a sperm analysis to assess count, motility (how well they swim), and overall quality. The clinic explained that if the results came back abnormal, we would likely need to pursue intrauterine insemination (IUI) or even in vitro fertilization (IVF)—both of which weren’t covered by insurance. That possibility was nerve-wracking. Fortunately, we received great news: Colin’s results were perfect! One less obstacle to worry about.
The Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Test
The HSG test was the one I was most apprehensive about. This procedure involves injecting dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes while taking X-rays to check for blockages. Having previously worked in radiology, I had assisted with several of these tests on patients—so I knew what to expect. But nothing prepared me for how painful it would be.
As the dye flowed through my tubes, I immediately noticed that my right fallopian tube wasn’t filling. I knew what that meant before the doctor even confirmed it—my tube was blocked. The news hit hard. No woman wants to hear that something is wrong with her reproductive organs. I felt defeated, overwhelmed, and heartbroken. To make things even harder, I had to push through the emotions and return to work at the pregnancy ultrasound facility, surrounded by expectant mothers.
Colin, sensing how crushed I was, showed up later with flowers and a stuffed bear to cheer me up. His support meant everything in that moment. But I still couldn’t shake the thoughts—Why me? Why does it seem so easy for everyone else?

Lab Testing & More Answers
At my follow-up appointment, the doctor explained that surgery to unblock the tube wasn’t necessary. In some cases they are. They reassured me that even with one functioning fallopian tube, we still had a good chance of conceiving. That brought some relief, but I also knew it might take longer for us to get pregnant—another test of patience.
The final test was a day 21 progesterone test, a blood test, which measures whether ovulation has occurred. When my results came back, we finally had a crucial answer: my progesterone was too low. I wasn’t ovulating.
It was frustrating yet oddly reassuring to finally have clarity. At least now we knew what we were up against.
What’s Next?
With these results in hand, we could finally move forward. In my next post, I’ll dive into how we tackled the ovulation challenges—tracking kits, additional lab work, and finally, the hope we had been waiting for.
Â
Â
Comments