Not Just In The Legs

Varicose Veins.

Upon reading the words, what comes into mind? I suppose, the unsightly veins in the legs. That is also all I know about varicose veins until today.

I was googling about causes of infertility for men and chanced upon the word varicocele. I said to myself, varico-what?

So what is varicocele?

According to wikipedia, Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins in the scrotum draining the testicles. The testicular blood vessels originate in the abdomen and course down through th inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord on their way to the testis. Up-ward flow of blood in the veins is ensured by small one-way valves that prevent backflow. Defective valves, or compression of the vein by a nearby structure, can cause dilatation of the veins near the testis, leading to the formation of a varicocele. Varicocele can be diagnosed by undergoing scrotal ultrasound with doppler.

If a man underwent a Semen Analysis and the result indicates a low sperm count, varicocele is one factor to consider. Although there are recent researches claiming that there are men who have undergone surgery to cure varicocele who still did not see any improvement in terms of fertility.

The Chocolate Hills Adventure

When I was in elementary, we discussed in our Civics and Culture subject some of the Philippine's natural wonders. One of which I remember is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. The Chocolate Hills is a geological formation composed of limestones. They are perfectly cone-shaped hills of almost uniform size spread over an area of 50 square kilometers. It is one of Bohol's famous tourist attractions.


As a ten year old kid, I can't help but but imagine how great it is to someday see the Chocolate Hills. I am a dreamer. In my young mind, I am certain that when I grow up, I will be photographed having as background those beautiful sceneries I see in the pictures. It was in January of 2008 that I finally set my foot on the Chocolate Hills. There are thousands of them all covered with grass. I was informed that the best time to go there is during summer because all the grasses have dried up by then and the hills are all brown -- just like chocolate.
I did not pass up the chance to make my dream a reality -- having my photograph taken with the Chocolate Hills in the background. The beauty of the hills made me and my husband jumped with joy!


And who said only Harry Potter can travel with a broom?

The Rollercoaster Ride To Motherhood

Trying?
Still Trying?
Tried?
Contemplating on Trying?
Gave Up?

I was never aware of the emotional toll that couples trying to conceive face up until I decided to try to conceive. I thought, the moment I want to have a child I could have it at the snap of a finger. It seems baby making is as easy as shopping. You see women everywhere with baby bumps.

I was wrong.

I was so wrong.

After fourteen long months of trying and feeling the frustration every time a drop of blood shows up, I finally decided to seek help. I could no longer manage to walk in the dark. I have to satisfy my need to know. To know what is really in store for me.

I had my first visit to my OB Gyne last week. The Transvaginal Ultrasound result is good. The OB Gyne told me that this is a two way road. Many women seek help only to find later on in the treatment that there is really nothing wrong with her. The husband also plays a part in the work up. That he should also seek the help of the Urologist and have himself checked. A simple first step is the Semen Analysis.

We are on our first step of the journey.

For some, this journey has subjected them into all sorts of emotions. But for me, I am just beginning.

And I am hopeful.