She's here!!!

Let cycle 18 begin. I've never been so happy to see my period come before. I'm sure Mr. W is thankful as well since these past few days I've gone between wanting to cry and wanting to rip someone's head off. Finally, my favorite time of the month can come and then get the heck up outta here! I have an ultrasound and blood work scheduled for Friday of this week and hopefully I will begin my weekend by starting birth control. Hold up, why birth control? Let me explain why.

Birth control pills or, more correctly, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be used as a part of the IVF stimulation protocol in several different settings. In my case, OCPs may help mitigate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.Basically they suspect that since I ovulate normally on my own, I may respond well to these medications and they don't want too much of an effect. This is a way of controlling my hormones, preventing any cysts from forming, and putting my body at state to start from scratch so to speak.

So, I will be taking them for 14-21 days. Not sure when I find out exactly how long, but hopefully soon! Either way, its one step forward in this long, complicated, yet exciting process!