004: IVF As Someone Who Gets Clammy About Needles and Has Avoided Bloodwork for Over a Decade

Candid and Cringe

I’ve been a long-time avoider of needles and bloodwork. Particularly blood work - to the point where I’ve contemplated not applying for insurance that requires any. However, persevering through an onslaught of needles and blood work, plus undergoing a minimally invasive procedure, has enabled me to make fertility decisions at my own pace, in my own way. It was a roller-coaster journey full of singing songs out loud in the clinic and a lot of Gatorade.

Host

Thuy Doan

Trigger Warnings

• Blood
• Needles
• Surgery

Topics Covered

• What is IVF?
• Why IVF?
• Getting ready for the process
• The stimulation process
• Egg retrieval procedure
• Post-surgery
• Reflection and future cycles
• The cost

Show Notes

• Podcast edited by Chris Enns at Lemon Productions
• Lilia, an egg-freezing concierge
• 8 Things You Should Consider Before Freezing Your Eggs
• Questions for Insurance Company or Employer (USA but generally applicable)
• Ontario Fertility Coverage (Canada)

Keep it candid,

Thuy