DH and I "performed" the se.men analysis (SA) today. It was such a strange experience.
For one, I felt so embarrassed. Talking about s.ex still makes me blush. Also, we haven't told family about our infertility/subfertility, so we had to be secretive about our "errands" while they watched our son. It felt a bit like lying. DH didn't like how he felt during the turn of today's events. He said it felt like he was cheating on me or something. Yes, it was odd. The hospital lab we used was just a tad too far from our house, so we got a room at a hotel. This was necessary so we could get the sample to the lab in under 30 minutes. Also, we had to use a (perforated) con.do.m to collect the specimen. Never used one of those before = STRANGE! Declaring out loud--in person--to the lab tech that we are Catholic and needed to take our cup out of the hospital and return it was a little embarrassing. (I called in beforehand to double check this was okay.) However, it seems to be getting easier with each subsequent conversation. It's also positive that we have probably educated some health care workers about the "Catholic way" of getting the specimen.
I have to say that although I don't want to have to reproduce today's activities ever again, I am happy with some of the fruits. First of all, today certainly humbled my husband and me. We are evermore aware that we are not in control of our fertility, nor do we create a life on our own. Secondly, although the method was stressful, it brought us together in a way that the typical SA would not. We had to rely on God, and this gave us no other choice than to cling to Him and to each other.
Oh my gosh, we hated doing it too! It was so awkward and unnatural. But like you said, it helps us rely on God more fully and humbles us to His will. I hope you get the results soon and that it brings more answers.
ReplyDeletePrayers for good results! We had a SFA done last June which came back normal :)
ReplyDeleteWe STILL haven't gotten ours yet. Mainly because of the awkwardness and really inconvenience of the whole thing. I know it's important so we really need to get it done!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the prayers, 2nd Chances & Katie.
ReplyDeleteNicole - It was a hassle. It's tricky to plan ahead (figure out the best time during your cycle...and around your personal schedules...get a babysitter...). Some labs require you to make an appointment for a specific time! We avoided those! Thank God we had a choice!
I know what you mean, I felt the same way!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad everything turned out well. We have to do a SFA too, and I am not looking forward to it--especially because our lab is the kind that requires an appointment. You're lucky you had a choice!
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