I Understand How Human Reproduction Works, So Why Do I Keep Experiencing Pregnancy Scares?

pregnant woman sitting on bed in blue dress with coffee mugartificial insemination syringe

Friends, it pains me to share this, but I must be honest. I used to judge people who had “accidents” and ended up pregnant. I mean, we’re adults; we should know how reproduction functions by now, right? But now, I find myself in a similar predicament.

Despite diligently tracking my ovulation and not wanting a fifth child, my partner and I still choose to forgo condoms during intercourse. Of course, when I’m fertile, my desire for intimacy skyrockets, but then I have to endure the agonizing wait of two weeks to see if I’m expecting. And since I refuse to spend $15 on two pregnancy tests—seriously, what a rip-off—and I’ve run out of the pregnancy test strips I used to stockpile, I find myself in a limbo of uncertainty. Every premenstrual symptom becomes a potential sign of pregnancy.

It’s overwhelming.

Not to mention, there have been instances where I’ve told my partner about my ovulation, suggesting we use protection, but when the moment arises, we end up not using it. What can I say? We enjoy living on the edge.

The Reality of My Situation

The reality is, this situation is entirely preventable. I have a solid grasp of human biology, I’ve actively tried to conceive (and succeeded) four times, and I’ve written extensively about fertility and pregnancy. So why do I put myself in this position?

For starters, I absolutely dislike condoms. It’s irrational, I know—I can’t even tell if there’s a difference. I just have an aversion to the very idea of them, and despite having them on hand, we rarely use them.

Secondly, I refuse to return to hormonal birth control. After spending over a decade on it and having four consecutive pregnancies, I feel I’ve paid my dues. Why should the burden of birth control fall solely on me? Yes, I acknowledge that an unplanned pregnancy would be a bigger issue, but why is it my responsibility alone to prevent it?

I could consider getting a copper IUD, but I’m not interested. I also don’t want a tubal ligation, although I may have opted for one if my last pregnancy had required a C-section. I’m tired of taking on any more responsibilities related to contraception.

Communication and Education

Why can’t my partner just get a vasectomy? The procedure is straightforward! You watch a video, make an appointment, show up, and after a few simple steps, you’re done. It’s a minor procedure with a quick recovery, yet he hasn’t made the time for it. It’s been four and a half years since our last child—come on already!

Men also need to educate themselves about the female reproductive system. When I mentioned being four days late, my partner expressed annoyance at the thought of another child. When I reminded him that I’d previously informed him about my ovulation, he admitted he didn’t understand what that meant. I was shocked—a grown man didn’t know what ovulation signified for us.

Accepting the Possibility

Now, before anyone accuses me of being irresponsible, let me clarify: while we’d prefer not to have a fifth child, we’re financially and emotionally equipped to handle it if it happens. I’ve given away most of our baby items, and while I feel a twinge of jealousy seeing friends with newborns, I know we’re done having kids. Our current children are becoming more independent, and I cherish the freedom that comes with it.

So why do I take these risks? My only conclusion is that maybe, deep down, I wouldn’t mind another chubby baby with adorable rolls. Or maybe I’m just plain foolish.

Further Reading

For further reading on this topic, check out this insightful post about home insemination. If you’re really interested in understanding the process of artificial insemination, this resource is excellent.

Search Queries:

In summary, I find myself at a crossroads of understanding human reproduction yet still facing pregnancy scares due to a mix of personal preferences and a lack of communication with my partner. While we might not be actively trying for another child, the complexities of our choices often lead to uncertainty.

Keyphrase: Pregnancy Scares and Human Reproduction

Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]

modernfamilyblog.com