Page 8 of Calamity Rayne Knocked Up

“Trying to conceive can be emotionally challenging, especially when faced with difficulties.”

Difficulties?Did he find something alarming? Did he know something I didn’t know?

He wheeled back and removed his glove with a snap. “It’s important to have a strategyfor coping with the stress. There are a lot of emotions associated with procreation. You can sit up.”

I lowered my feet from the stirrups and scooted back, my gown crinkling with the subtlety of a frying pan falling down a flight of stairs. “You said difficulties. What did you mean by that?”

“Only that patience is a virtue and a difficult one at that.”

“So there’s nothing wrong? You didn’t see any red flags.”

“Everything looks healthy.”

After a year of trying, one little peek at my mystic treasures didn’t seem thorough enough. “Aren’t there some tests we can run?”

“There are certain fertility tests to identify any potential issues, but we like to start with a wide net and narrow down the possibilities.”

Yes, let’s make sure the HMO get all the co-pays possible before we get to the actual bottom of my fertility obstacles. “So, what’s the plan of action? Where do we start?” I needed answers.

“We can order some new bloodwork to check your hormone levels, and it might be a good time for some imaging.”

“Imaging?”

“A pelvic ultrasound. A semen analysis for your partner is an option as well.”

“Where does he get that done?” I highly doubted anything was wrong with Hale’s swimmers, but it was worth a look. Whenever I pictured his sperm, they were swimming around in little Armani ties.

“They’ll give you a referral at the front desk.”

“Okay.” My gut told me this was a me problem, not a Hale problem. “For the imaging too?”

“Yes.” He made a note in his laptop. “It’s important that you keep trying.”

“We are. Every day.”

“Well, that’s good.”

Was it? Sex was starting to feel like a football play.

Rayne’s on defense. Hale’s coming in on that final-yard line. The team’s fired up, and there’s the snap…

“What about IVF?”

“I’d say we’re a ways off from that.”

“Exactly how long is ‘a ways’?” I needed solid numbers.

“Ovulation induction,insemination, or in vitro fertilization are treatments typically considered after a thorough evaluation.”

“Doc, we’ve been evaluating the…situation,” I gestured toward my lady bits. “for over a year.”

“Like I said, we need more tests. Moving forward with any ovulation treatment depends on each patient’s unique circumstances.” He stood and handed me a pamphlet. “There’s some helpful information in here about counseling and support groups. It’s important that you educate yourself before making any decisions.”

Why did so many male doctors assume woman put no thought into decisions prior to entering their office. This was the only thing I thought about—every day—for more than a year.

“Thanks.”

I glanced down at the cornflower blue brochure, and my heart stopped at the boldly printed wordINFERTILITY.

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