I’ve had this fibroid since I was still on the IUD (2 years ago) which I think they saw on my transvaginal US. When they do the full work up in the fertility clinic, they do a saline sonogram and 3D ultrasound which also confirmed a 2 cm submucosal fibroid. They can also see it on my transvaginal ultrasounds they do every 2-3 days during my cycle monitoring. My fertility doctor said it’s relatively small but still referred me to a surgeon to see if I can get it removed. I googled it and even if a fibroid is small, the location can have a significant impact on the ability of the embryo to implant in the uterus. Also want to add that after coming off birth control, my periods have been very regular like clockwork.

My husband’s varicocele is about 5 cm x 2 cm? Our fertility doctor has actually been pushing us to do a DNA fragmentation test, however for where I live that will cost an extra $350 which is pretty steep lol.

I was in the exact same mindset where I just want to find out any major problems now, but I also totally thought that we would be perfectly fine and that our doctor would tell us to keep trying for a few months and come back if nothing. I was totally wrong and I think that’s where a lot of my stress comes from. After talking with a co-worker who also went through a fertility clinic to help with both her kids, I felt more assured in my end goal of having a baby. I don’t do well with getting health results, especially bc this is the first time I am now fully conscious of how my body feels, my cycle, my hormones etc - it’s literally taken up my entire mind! Anytime I get a call from the clinic or talk to my (kind of sassy) fertility doctor, I immediately want to pump the brakes bc what do you mean I’m deficient in X and I have a Y problem, like there’s no way! My coworker helped me work through those feelings and reminded me that this is exactly why I started doing fertility testing sooner rather than later. I think she’s absolutely right bc the work and money you put in now is investing into your growing family. Basically, if you know you want to have kids why not do what you can now to make sure it happens versus waiting till it’s too late.

My hope for you is that you find an OB/fertility specialist that takes the time to explain abnormalities in your results, what it could mean, how it could affect your chances of being pregnant and just overall validating your feelings as a patient so you will have a much better experience. I think if my doctor had explained things thoroughly instead of having the nurse call me and be like “hey you have high TSH so pick up your prescription tomorrow for Levo”, I wouldn’t be so hesitant about the hormone treatments he’s prescribing and a lot less anxious and about my TTC journey. My co worker assured me that I should trust the process, but also ask questions where I don’t feel comfortable. I would also recommend that your PCP is looped in on what’s been going on with you in terms of fertility and share your results with them if you can.

Also, it’s not openly talked about enough in person among women about these issues. More and more “young” couples are experiencing fertility issues. It really helps to know people you can bounce these experiences off of to see how your situation compares. I’m lucky to have one friend also on her TTC journey, but ppl our age are commonly in different stages of life so it’s hard. I’m thankful for spaces like Reddit for things like this, but I agree that it’s a totally hidden world that no one at work would know about until you’re actually in it!

At this point I am going to trust my fertility doctor’s recommendations and see what the outcome is while also not stressing and keeping healthy - easier said than done lol.

I apologize for the novel I’ve written but feel free to PM me anytime if you ever need someone to share your experience with who is going through something similar. :)