Learn All About Christie Murphy's IUI Pregnancy Journey In This Exclusive Cryobank America Interview

When Christie Murphy and Jamie crossed paths ten years ago, little did they know that their encounter would lead to an extraordinary lifelong journey. During the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic, a mutual friend played matchmaker, sensing the potential for a deep connection between the two. And oh, how right they were!

Reflecting on that magical moment, Christie Murphy reminisces, "As cliché as it may sound, it was truly love at first sight"!

Christie Murphy with her wife, Jamie.

June 15, 2021: christie.murph wrote, "Impossible not to smile witchuuu 🧀"

Magic Beneath The Eiffel Tower: Christie Murphy Says, "I Do"

From that moment on, their lives became intertwined, inseparable in their new romance. In August of 2021, Jamie decided to take their relationship to new heights. In a picturesque outdoor setting adorned with vibrant flowers beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, Jamie got down on one knee and proposed to Christie. Joy and excitement flooded social media as friends and family shared congratulations and well wishes for their bright future together.

Jamie proposed to Christie in Paris in August 2021

August 23, 2021: christie.murph wrote, "Haven’t yet woken up from this dream. Engaged to the LOVE OF MY LIFE in Paris! 💍"

Christie Murphy and Jamie are officially engaged.

February 14, 2022: christie.murph wrote, "Never in my WILDEST dreams did I think I’d find someone half as perfect as you; my delicious chocolate truffle 💝 #Valentine"

The Big Day

April 2022 marked a new chapter in Christie and Jamie's love story. On a sandy beach surrounded by lush palm trees, they exchanged vows in front of loved ones. Christie and Jamie looked radiant in their stunning white wedding gowns, perfectly complementing the serene backdrop.

Sharing her thoughts on marriage, Christie took to Instagram to express her gratitude:

"I still can't believe I was a BRIDE! Honestly, I never envisioned myself as a bride growing up; NEVER. Most little girls dream about it, plan their fantasy wedding, picture their dream dress, and spend hours and days daydreaming about their 'someday.' Me? NEVER. I'm unsure if it was because I never pictured myself marrying a man, or maybe I couldn't picture myself in the big white dress. Maybe I didn't find myself worthy of being a bride like I didn't feel girly enough." 


"It's unbelievable, though; one day, out of nowhere, once I had grown up (and I mean grown up, into a confident, enlightened, and secure woman), I felt this sudden urge to get married and BE that bride I was once so emotionally detached from. I'm unsure if it's because I met "the one" or because I finally felt comfortable and safe enough to get married. All I know is that once I felt it, I couldn't reverse it. I pictured my dress, my flowers, my hair, my veil, my bride-to-be, her dress, her smile, ALL OF IT."

Christie Murphy

Christie Murphy On Family Planning

When we sat down with Christie and Jamie to discuss their decision to have children, their perspectives on parenthood were intriguingly different. Christie admitted that she never thought she needed to be a mother, but she was open to the idea. She explained, "I never really had that 'pull' to be a mom. I only started craving a baby after falling in love with Jamie." On the other hand, Jamie had always known that she wanted to have kids, a dream she had cherished since childhood.

Six months before the couple married, Christie and Jamie held Modern Fertility's TTC bundle with their fur babies.

October 6, 2021 christie.murph wrote, "Yes, we have our fur-babies, but Jamie & I talk about having REAL babies constantly! We’re getting married in 6 months, so we’ve already started prepping for our fertility journey with @modernfertility 🤰🏼💞🤰🏼"

Christie Murphy and her Wife, Jamie, Begin Their Donor Search

Not wasting any time, Christie and Jamie embarked on a search for the perfect sperm donor. Their quest took them across the country as they meticulously sifted through hundreds of donor profiles. In an exclusive interview, Christie shared their journey with us.

"We had specific criteria in mind, " Christie explained. "We wanted someone tall and European, with light eyes, because Jamie and I have light eyes. Resembling our families was important to us. We hoped for an athletic donor since Jamie played soccer her whole life, and I wanted him to be a brainiac."

September 21, 2022

Christie Murphy shares how she and her wife, Jamie, found their perfect donor.

After browsing through countless profiles, Christie and Jamie stumbled upon a donor who seemed tailor-made for them. A biomedical engineer with a passion for soccer and volleyball, he possessed all the qualities they sought. Cryobank America provided an audio recording, additional photos, and a handwritten letter, which allowed the couple to delve deeper into his life story, fostering an emotional connection that solidified their decision.

Christie and Jamie's IUI Pregnancy Journey Begins!

Christie and Jamie purchased Premium IUI vials, which acquire the highest concentration of motile sperm cells per milliliter. They purchased enough vials to try insemination multiple times while having the option to store extra vials for future siblings. To increase their chances of success, Christie diligently tracked her ovulation cycle using over-the-counter ovulation tests, such as Clear Blue Advanced Digital and Modern Fertility's TTC Bundle from Amazon, which detects a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. She gained a true sense of her peak fertile days by utilizing these resources for a few consecutive cycles.

When asked if she has any fertility tips, Christie enthusiastically shared her belief in the power of sea moss gel.

"I swear I always say sea moss got me pregnant! I took sea moss gel daily for a few weeks before we conceived. I continued to take it throughout the entire process, and I'm convinced it helped"! 

Home Insemination vs. In-Clinic IUI Procedure

Christie and Jamie opted for an intimate experience in their own home using one of Cryobank America's at-home insemination kits for their first insemination attempt. However, after not achieving pregnancy on their second try, they decided it would be best to have their OB-GYN perform intrauterine insemination (IUI) within his clinic to avoid wasting any vials.

Although not mandatory, Christie's OBGYN suggested taking a follicle-stimulating hormone to maximize the chances of timely and successful ovulation. While there was a slightly increased chance of conceiving multiples, Christie trusted her OB-GYN's recommendation and decided to proceed with this fertility-boosting option. She experienced no side effects from the medication but produced three follicles that cycle and ovulated all three eggs.

Reflecting on their IUI experience, Christie emphasized the importance of trust in your fertility specialist or OB-GYN.

"I think a big factor was trusting our doctor and having a good relationship with his entire team. Our doctor even let Jamie assist him in the procedure, and we were so grateful for this!"

Overall, their IUI journey was seamless, thanks to the strong relationship they had built with their medical team.

Christie Murphy's IUI Success: Christie and Jamie Share Their Pregnancy With Family

When asked about their reaction upon seeing a positive pregnancy test, Christie couldn't contain her excitement.

"We were extremely excited and even slightly shocked because we took our test prematurely, at only nine days past ovulation! The pregnancy test looked like a strong BFN (big fat negative) until a few minutes later! We thought our eyes were deceiving themselves because it seemed almost too good to be true! We sobbed tears of joy. Sure enough, those test indicators grew darker each day!"

Christie Murphy shares her wonderful miracle.

September 12, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "I don’t think I’ll ever get over what’s going on inside my body; Miracles ✨"

The couple decided to wait until they heard a heartbeat to share the news with their immediate family. They finally revealed that they were expecting a baby at around six weeks. Little did their loved ones know, they were in for an even bigger surprise. 

Christie and Jamie's Gender Reveal: Plot Twist!

On August 31, 2023, the newlyweds revealed that they wouldn't expect one baby but are expecting two bundles of joy! One by one, Christie and Jamie blasted their gender reveal cannons. Both cannons were pink, indicating Christie was carrying two twin girls!

Christie and Jamie documented their gender reveal party on Instagram, sharing pictures and videos that captured this highly anticipated moment. 

September 2, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "“THE REVEAL” - aka the day we shocked our entire family 🥹"

Donor Conception

In the cryobank community, one topic that often arises is determining the best approach to discussing donor conception with your donor-conceived child. It can be a sensitive subject for some, but Christie and Jamie are open to sharing their thoughts on discussing this with their twin girls someday.

"We don't have a concrete plan for communicating with our girls about donor conception yet," Christie says. "But one thing is for sure - we won't hide anything from them or keep any secrets. We believe in full transparency and honesty."

Christie and Jamie plan on waiting until their girls are old enough to fully understand the concept of donor conception before sharing the specific details and logistics. They want to ensure their daughters have the maturity and understanding to process this information.

"We won't tell them that the stork delivered them to our doorstep," Christie adds. "But we will save the specific details for when they are a bit older and can fully comprehend how they were conceived."

We Asked Christie If There Were Anything She Would Change

When asked if there were anything they would do differently throughout their pregnancy journey, Christie reflected on their decision to try conceiving at home.

"Honestly, we wouldn't do anything differently. We do wish we didn't waste vials through at-home insemination. While it was a memorable experience filled with privacy and intimacy, we now realize we had a greater chance for success with professional assistance."

Ultimately, every couple's pregnancy journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It is essential to approach the process with an open mind, realistic expectations, and a willingness to seek professional help.

Christie and Jamie hold ultrasound photos of their twin girls.

August 31, 2023: christie.murph wrote, "Marrying one another was the easiest decision we ever made; choosing to start a family was even EASIER. So much MORE love - COMING 2024 🍼"

Christie Murphy Shares Words Of Encouragement

With unwavering determination, Christie offers words of encouragement to those wishing to conceive through donor insemination. She emphasizes the uniqueness and specialness of each individual's journey towards motherhood.

"If you are someone who is trying to conceive using a sperm donor, just know that your journey to becoming a mom is so unique and so special! What is meant to happen will happen! Having trust in the journey is key! Remember to have patience, try to rely on your support system when needed, and have faith that every step of this journey will be worth it and offer so much more than you could ever imagine!"

Christie Murphy

Cryobank America Gives Special Thanks To Christie and Jamie!

Christie and Jamie's story is a testament to the power of honesty, trust, and community in navigating the path to donor conception. Their openness and willingness to share their experiences provide comfort and guidance for others embarking on this life-changing adventure. As the cryobank community grows, stories like Christie's and Jamie's remind us of the beauty and strength of embracing all unique paths to parenthood. Cryobank America feels privileged to have been part of their conception journey!

• From Genes to Swimmers: How Genetics Impact Sperm Health
• 6 Foods That Can Boost Fertility
• Cryobank America Family: Exclusive Interview With Christie Murphy On Her IUI Pregnancy Journey
• TRT and Male Fertility: Understanding the Impact on Sperm Count and Quality
• From Sperm Count to Ovarian Reserve: Understanding Fertility Testing for Men and Women

Understanding the Basics of IUI

IUI, also known as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman's uterus during her fertile window. This procedure benefits individuals and couples with sperm quality or quantity deficiencies, unexplained infertility, or cervical factor infertility. Unlike IVF, which involves fertilizing the egg outside the body, IUI allows natural fertilization within the woman's body.

A good candidate for IUI is a woman with open fallopian tubes, a normal uterine cavity, a partner with sufficient sperm count and motility, or donor sperm. Couples and individuals must undergo thorough fertility testing and evaluation before proceeding with IUI to ensure it is the appropriate treatment option for their situation.

Preparing for Your First IUI Procedure

Before undergoing an IUI procedure, individuals and couples will typically consult a fertility specialist. During the first consultation, the specialist will perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and discuss any previous fertility treatments or pregnancies. The specialist may also recommend additional fertility testing to determine the cause of infertility and to assess the woman's ovarian reserve.

In preparation for an IUI procedure, lifestyle changes may be recommended by your fertility clinic to improve the chances of success. These changes may include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and managing stress. Additionally, the woman may be prescribed fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries and increase the number of mature eggs available for fertilization.

What Happens During the IUI Procedure?

The IUI procedure typically occurs in the fertility clinic and does not require anesthesia. The woman will lie on an examination similar to a pelvic exam. The fertility specialist will insert a speculum into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The sperm sample, washed and concentrated to remove impurities, is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter.

The entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless. Some women may experience mild cramping or discomfort during the process, but this typically subsides quickly. After the procedure, the woman will lie down briefly to allow the sperm to swim towards the fallopian tubes.

The Role of Fertility Medications in IUI

Fertility medications are often used in conjunction with IUI to increase the chances of success. These medications stimulate the ovaries and promote the development of multiple mature eggs. The most commonly used medications in IUI are oral medications such as Clomid or letrozole, which help regulate ovulation.

In some cases, your fertility clinic may use injectable medications such as gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries. These medications contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which help promote the growth and maturation of multiple eggs. In cases where oral medications have not been successful or more mature eggs are needed, your fertility specialist will use injectable medications.

While fertility medications can increase the chances of success in an IUI procedure, they come with potential side effects. These side effects may include bloating, mood swings, hot flashes, and breast tenderness. Couples must discuss their fertility medications' potential risks and benefits with their fertility specialist before starting treatment.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of IUI

Like any medical procedure, IUI carries some risks. One of the most common risks associated with IUI is the possibility of multiple pregnancies. Because fertility medications stimulate the ovaries and increase the number of mature eggs, there is a higher chance of conceiving twins or even triplets. This risk can be minimized by ensuring your fertility specialist closely monitors your response to fertility medications and adjusts the dosage if necessary.

Regarding side effects, IUI is generally a well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort. Some women may experience mild cramping or spotting after the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside within a day or two. Infection or damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes may occur in rare cases, but these complications are extremely rare.

Post-IUI Care and Recovery

After an IUI procedure, couples will typically receive aftercare instructions from their fertility specialist. These instructions may include recommendations for rest, avoiding strenuous activities or exercise, and refraining from sexual intercourse for a certain period. Couples need to follow these instructions to optimize their chances of success.

Most women can resume their normal daily activities after an IUI procedure. However, it is essential to listen to your body and to take it easy if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain. You should also schedule a follow-up appointment with your fertility specialist to discuss your results and determine the next steps.

Interpreting the Results of Your IUI Procedure

The results of an IUI procedure are determined through a pregnancy test, usually done about two weeks after the procedure. A positive result indicates that pregnancy has occurred, while a negative result means pregnancy has not been achieved. It is important to note that a negative result does not necessarily mean the procedure was unsuccessful, as it may take multiple attempts before achieving a successful pregnancy.

If the results of the IUI procedure are positive, it is important to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician or midwife to confirm the pregnancy and to begin prenatal care. You should consult your fertility specialist to discuss the next steps if the results are negative. These may include repeating the IUI procedure, exploring other fertility treatment options such as ICSI or IVF, or further testing to determine the cause of infertility.

What to Do If Your First IUI is Unsuccessful

If your first IUI procedure is unsuccessful, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many couples require multiple attempts before achieving a successful pregnancy. It is important to discuss the reasons for the unsuccessful IUI with your fertility specialist and to explore other options.

Depending on the circumstances, your fertility specialist may recommend repeating the IUI procedure with or without additional fertility medications. Alternatively, they may suggest exploring other fertility treatment options, such as IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). An open and honest discussion with your fertility specialist is crucial to determining the best course of action for your situation.

Exploring Other Fertility Treatment Options

While IUI is a widely used and effective fertility treatment, it may not be the best option for every individual or couple. There are several other fertility treatment options available, including IVF and ICSI.

IVF involves fertilizing the egg outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus. ICSI is a similar procedure but involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg.

When considering other fertility treatment options, you must consider factors such as age, overall health, and the cause of infertility. Consulting with a fertility specialist can help determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

• From Genes to Swimmers: How Genetics Impact Sperm Health
• 6 Foods That Can Boost Fertility
• Cryobank America Family: Exclusive Interview With Christie Murphy On Her IUI Pregnancy Journey
• TRT and Male Fertility: Understanding the Impact on Sperm Count and Quality
• From Sperm Count to Ovarian Reserve: Understanding Fertility Testing for Men and Women

Different Vial Types:

If you have been curious about using sperm donors to help start your family, you may have looked at the prices of vials and noticed several different types available. What is an IUI, ICI, A.R.T., and IVF vial? This blog will let you know the differences between each one so that it can guide you in figuring out which vial is best for you.

IUI Premium Vials

IUI (Intrauterine insemination) vials undergo a "washing" procedure utilizing gradient separation methods, resulting in only the sperm and stabilizing media, making it safe for the uterus.

At Cryobank America, we guarantee 25 Million cells per milliliter (25M/ml). Each IUI vial is sold in a half-milliliter (0.5ml) unit, giving you 12.5M/ml of motile sperm cells per premium IUI vial. IUI specimens can be safely placed directly into the uterus by your treating physician because there are no "round" cells or other "junk" in them that causes cramping. These units are also ideal for at-home inseminations, where they'll be placed near the top of the vagina and cervix.

ICI Premium Vials

ICI (intracervical insemination) vials are considered "unwashed" since they have not undergone gradient separation steps, which remove the non-motile sperm cells, round cells, and other junk found in the ejaculate.

At Cryobank America, we guarantee 17 Million cells per milliliter (17M/ml). Each vial sold comprises one milliliter (1ml). ICI units are typically used for at-home insemination since these specimens cannot be placed into the uterus due to severe cramping. Some fertility clinics prefer to wash their patient's specimens in-house (usually at an additional cost to the patient); therefore, these units contain one milliliter of a specimen compared to IUI units, which are sold in half milliliter units (0.5ml). We recommend that our clients purchase IUI units since they can work for both in-clinic procedures and at-home inseminations.

IUI A.R.T. & ICI A.R.T.

A.R.T., or artificial reproductive technology, vials are lower quantity units. At Cryobank America, we guarantee 3-12 Million per half a milliliter (and 6-24 M/ml) for IUI ART and 6-24 M/ml for ICI ART units. These vials cost less since they contain fewer progressively motile sperm cells.

IUI/IVF & ICI/IVF (For IVF/ICSI)

Lastly, our IUI/IVF undergoes our wash process and is guaranteed at 0.5-2.5 Million per half (0.5) milliliter (1-5 M/ml). Our ICI/IVF vials are unwashed, guaranteeing 1-5 Million per (1) milliliter. We recommend these units for clients utilizing in-vitro fertilization or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures, where only a few sperm are needed.

If you still have questions concerning vial types and differences between the classes, don't hesitate to contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable Cryobank America staff members today!

Please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 817-945-8708

All pricing can be found at https://cryobankamerica.com/pricing/