My month at the Reproductive Endocrinology clinic was not without a few faux pais, and some special new lessons:
1. This clinic is also known as the “fertility clinic,” not the “infertility clinic” (think positive here).
2. Be silent when human embryos are in the room.
3. Embryos are “transfered,” not “transplanted” into the uterus.
4. Put the condom on the vaginal ultrasound probe BEFORE the patient comes into the room.
5. RPL stands for “recurrent pregnancy loss,” not to be confused with RPR (the lab test for syphilis).
6. HSG is a histosalpingogram, not to be confused with SHG, a sonohistogram. Both are imaging studies of the uterus.
7. Eggs are “retrieved,” not “harvested,” thus the procedure is “Egg Retrieval,” not an “Egg Harvest.”
8. Do not leave anything with photos of babies anywhere near the patient exam rooms.
9. Finding the left ovary on vaginal ultrasound is the most difficult part. Save that for last.
10. Infertility treatments are physically and emotionally exhausting. Always keep plenty of tissues on hand.
#4…. hilarious!