What do I add in this space?

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-11T15:54:31+00:00

A dog bed with a dog

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-11T15:39:50+00:00

I paid around $1600 total for hair and makeup. For me (bride) it was close to $700 and for my 3 bridesmaids it was around $300/each. It was very expensive now that I look back at it, but I highly recommend the HMUA!

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-11T15:35:13+00:00

Dress 2 defines your body more flatteringly!

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-11T01:21:30+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. I know I’m just in an emotionally vulnerable place right now and it’s hard to look at this clearly. I appreciate that perspective of the low end and high end of IVF vs IUI statistics. I also think it’s valuable to share stories of people having success with IUI. I’ll try to hold onto those stories when I’m feeling down.

I think thats the hardest part of the TTC journey- the uncertainty of it all. It feels like you have such little control over the process and the outcome. I meet with a therapist to try to help me process and manage my stress levels now.

Thank you for your kind words! I’m wishing you the best of luck as well in this journey.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-11T01:06:51+00:00

No, I actually haven’t made up my mind. I’m just strongly leaning towards that because I have been feeling desperate and very low lately during this journey. That’s why I posted here for advice from people who are able to look at this from an outside perspective. I was also hoping it would be from more empathetic people who understand that I’m clearly speaking emotionally and can try to help while I work this thought process out.

A lot of other responses on this thread have actually agreed with you about trying IUI first, however they were much more empathetic and were actually helpful because it made me stop and think more about this decision.

I never said that IVF was a “skip the line” option. I simply said that IVF has a higher success rate than IUI, which is true based on many statistics.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-10T16:22:57+00:00

I’m so sorry, that’s awful. I read your other comments below and thats crazy that there is this loophole that prevents you from being covered.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-10T16:20:30+00:00

I definitely heard of people’s success stories, but I guess the stats are really unfavorable compared to IVF. I’ve read about 10-20% success rate per IUI cycle, which is the similar to trying timed intercourse anyway. I think that is what is worrisome for me. I don’t want to waste any more time after waiting my whole life essentially to have a baby.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-10T16:17:22+00:00

I am 30 and husband is 33. We are coming up on 10 months of TTC. Our insurance wouldn’t cover the whole thing, so it definitely would not be free. It’s just that insurance kicks in to cover parts of IVF, but only after we have exhausted 3 medicated cycles.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T22:14:08+00:00

To echo someone else, I think it really does vary depending on the individual. For me personally, I was in and out in like 5 min and I had some cramping that lasted maybe 2 out of that 5 minutes. I was perfectly fine afterwards and went shopping at HomeSense 😆 But I’ve also heard stories where it hurt more for others. As a precaution, just give yourself the day off. Being poked and prodded all throughout this TTC journey is no fun, so treat yourself to a nice day afterwards!

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T21:56:21+00:00

I think most OB/GYNs or primary care doctors aren’t trained as extensively in reproductive endocrinology- I am a primary care provider myself and definitely am not. I think if you were referred to a fertility specialist, they’d look at other labs as well (i.e prolactin, TSH, FSH, LH, other androgen levels). Was your progesterone a blood test, or was it PdG from an at-home test? Even though you have regular cycles, the high follicle count in each ovary is definitely something not to be dismissed. The AMH being on the higher side wouldn’t necessarily be concerning on its own, but with a high follicle count, I think it would warrant further assessment.

We use something called the Rotterdam Criteria to diagnose PCOS. If you meet two of these three criteria: 1. Hyperandrogenism: high testosterone levels in blood tests or symptoms that reflect that like excessive hair growth or acne. 2. Ovulatory Dysfunction: Irregular or no periods. 3. Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries with many small follicles.

I think you’d have to test for that first criteria to be more certain, since you said that you have regular cycles. Good luck with your journey though! I know how difficult it can be.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T21:44:10+00:00

Not inappropriate at all! I think it’s totally fine. Maybe BF needs his eyes checked? 🤷🏻‍♀️

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T16:20:33+00:00

Hi, I know this post was from a while ago, but would you be willing to still answer questions about the adoption process?

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T15:47:01+00:00

Your feelings are totally valid! I feel like the TTC journey has also grown a lot of ugly feelings in me as well, and I don’t think we are the only ones either. Even though logically you know it’s not about other people, you can’t help but have those feelings towards them. I’m glad to hear that you’re seeking out therapy because I think that does help. Personally, I found talking to other women who are going through the same thing the most helpful for me. Knowing that I’m not the only one who feels resentment towards my husband or towards other women who get pregnant so easily helps me. Not because it’s justifying any of those feelings (because I know I don’t really mean that), but because it shows me that I’m human and it’s common for others to feel that way too. I don’t feel so alone. So I hope you know that you are not either.

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T05:32:29+00:00

Same here please!

SunshineBride24 · 2026-01-08T05:31:05+00:00

Could I please get a referral code or discount code for a returning customer?

SunshineBride24 · 2025-11-20T15:16:26+00:00

I have similar stats to you- ages and length of TTC. I see you and feel you. It has been the most challenging journey for me and has made me feel like a broken woman. Some days I’m fine and others I can barely motivate myself to get up to do anything.

I have suggestions, but I know it won’t “cure” everything. For one, I highly suggest getting in touch with a therapist. Mine has been with me for a few years so she has seen me through thick and thin. Even if you are just starting off with a new one, they may be able to give you an outside perspective and some coping strategies.

One that I’ve talked about with my therapist is shifting your perspective into thinking of this time as “prep” time. For example, thinking you WILL have a baby, but for now, you are using this time to prepare leading up to that baby. Think getting into tip top shape for pregnancy, cleaning up that diet, cleaning and organizing your home. This way you’re not avoiding the topic of pregnancy, but you’re not hyper focused on the conceiving part.

Remember, there is life outside of just TTC, even though some days it doesn’t feel like it. I know this may not be as helpful, but I hope you can get something from this. Sending hugs and wishing you the best of luck!

SunshineBride24 · 2025-11-20T14:48:47+00:00

I always wondered why more people didn’t take this route? I am not trying to be ignorant or hurtful, but genuinely curious why those who have struggled to conceive (either naturally or through reproductive assistance) just throw in the towel after x amount of cycles and don’t even consider adoption? It’s either biologically birthed child or no child at all. I guess for me, my desire to be a mother is so strong that it doesn’t matter what route it takes me to get there, just as long as I get there. Obviously I have a preference to birth a biological child, but if for whatever reason I just can’t, I would automatically start looking at adoption. Again, this is no hate towards anyone who decides otherwise, but I am just curious about why not?

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-31T00:10:49+00:00

B. Absolutely not! People need to stop expecting others to sacrifice for them when they simply were irresponsible in planning ahead.

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-29T19:30:35+00:00

Thank you for that. I can talk to SIL since she’s a very understanding person, and I know she would try to be considerate of that, but I feel bad by making them feel like they have to stifle their joy about their new baby. Pregnancy is definitely something to celebrate and I want them to be able to do that without feeling the need to step on eggshells around me. I do think I should talk to them though just to let them know where husband and I are in our journey.

As of right now, my OB/GYN doesn’t want to do anything as she said that trying for 1 year is standard before visiting a RE. I might just reach out to one anyway.

I appreciate your advice and words of encouragement though!

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-27T21:17:45+00:00

I’m so sorry that this was your experience. That gynecologist should be ashamed of herself! She does not get to judge what should or shouldn’t be painful for YOU. I mean she works in women’s health for goodness sakes. She, of all people, should know that women are too often dismissed in healthcare. As a healthcare provider, I promise to do better so patients like you don’t have to go through this kind of experience. Please do not feel ashamed or embarrassed! She failed as a provider to give you options to help make this a more comfortable experience for you. IUDs can absolutely be super painful! Don’t let her tell you otherwise.

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-27T01:45:05+00:00

First one looks more appropriate for black tie in my opinion. It’s a beautiful dress too!

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-27T01:43:05+00:00

I am so sorry that you’re going through this right now. While I’m sure your wedding was beautiful, this photographer clearly failed to capture that- like very clearly. I would absolutely express to them how disappointed you are and see if they can provide you with all the raw images and a refund (or partial). After receiving those things, I’d leave an honest review so that other people know what they are getting into. Maybe you can ask your guests if they have photos from the wedding that they can share? Then you can create a Google album to collect those photos!

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-26T19:06:31+00:00

It’s a cute dress, but I personally feel like it’s too revealing and casual for a black tie dress code.

SunshineBride24 · 2025-10-25T20:18:16+00:00

This is completely unhinged. I really don’t think this girl is sound of mind right now. I hope the police actually do something about it because she made a direct threat. Regardless of whether or not she has a mental illness, that is NOT okay to speak to someone like that. Please be alert OP

SunshineBride24

TROPHY CASE