Infertility- What it is and my experience
Something I never thought I would deal with- Infertility. I always knew I wanted a family, but I had no idea how hard it would be to get here. yikes. Ignorance is truly bliss. We wanted to enjoy being married for a bit before TTC. Then I kicked myself for potentially hindering a precious baby when a positive pregnancy test never came. However, I learned that this path is riddled with unexpected challenges. And holy cow, it's so common. Like SO COMMON. Infertility is not merely a medical condition; it is a deeply personal and emotional struggle that millions of individuals and couples face worldwide.
So- let's demystify the complexities of infertility, explore some common causes, and offer guidance on the path forward.
Defining Infertility: Infertility is not a singular diagnosis but a spectrum of conditions that hinder a couple's ability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Medically, infertility is often defined as the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy despite numerous attempts. This definition, while clinical, fails to capture the emotional toll that infertility exacts on those who grapple with it.
Causes of Infertility: Understanding infertility requires a comprehensive look at the myriad factors that contribute to this challenge. It's important to recognize that both male and female factors can play a role. Female reproductive health issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, are common culprits. Similarly, male factors like low sperm count or poor sperm motility contribute significantly to fertility struggles. Lifestyle choices, stress levels, and environmental factors also play pivotal roles, highlighting the intricate interplay of biological and external influences on reproductive health.
The emotional toll of infertility is often underestimated. Beyond the physical challenges, couples navigating infertility must confront a profound and often tumultuous emotional journey. The constant cycle of hope and disappointment can lead to anxiety, depression, and strained relationships. It's essential to recognize that the emotional impact of infertility is as significant as the medical aspects, and addressing both is crucial for holistic well-being.
This portion of your relationship may be a part you didn't anticipate when you and your partner embarked on beginning or growing your family. I know we didn't. Seeing a counselor to help you navigate this is an excellent resource. This is something they are VERY equipped to help with. Your partner can make this easier...if you let them. Often we tend to shield our partner from some of our most intimate fears. What if we can never get pregnant? How far are we going to go? Are we willing to ask family for help to get to our goals? Are we willing to adopt? Can we afford IVF? Are we willing to downsize our home to avoid debt if we have to get IVF? Should I change jobs to get one that has insurance that covers IVF? I used to let these thoughts consume me. They kept me up at night. Not once did I ask my husband & best friend what HE thought. I just sat alone in it. And then when I was short with Matt, he had no idea about my excruciating internal dialogue. So this was not the greatest time in our relationship. But it's our story, right? It taught me not to take on so much by myself. It gave me perspective to help other people navigate this portion. We learn and we grow.
Seeking Help: For couples grappling with infertility, seeking professional help is a crucial step. Consulting with a healthcare professional early on can help identify the root causes and determine appropriate courses of action. Fertility treatments, ranging from medications to assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer hope and possibilities for those on this challenging journey. Working with a fertility consultant can REALLY change the game.
I started doing research when I was getting my doctorate in nursing on ways to get pregnant without medical help. I realized my endometriosis could be affecting my ability to get pregnant. My midwife and PCP never mentioned anything about this. So I started researching how to decrease the effect of endometriosis. I started taking supplements to augment my fertility. I realized that ovulation predictor tests were not helpful for me. I realized the high intensity workouts I was doing (because I love them) were probably not helping me get pregnant.
If you want to have a baby soon, I would be honored to help you also navigate
- what barriers you have that may make it challenging.
- How to knock those barriers down using medical research and evidence.
Though infertility was a painful portion of my life, it opened my eyes. It showed me just how much I wanted to be a mom & have a family. It also revealed the huge lapse in healthcare that is either you're pregnant or you're not and thus being referred to see a reproductive medicine specialist. I now know that there is a lot in the in-between that can be tweaked to avoid the IVF route. And THAT is power. That is the gap that I can help bridge.
Just like you can treat blood pressure with a pill. Or you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure on your own. Today's medicine and mindset say a pill will be easier. But it's not looking at the route cause. Some people NEED blood pressure medicine. No doubt. But some people just need education and a plan to manage it on their own. Same with fertility. Some people NEED IVF to have a baby. But some people just need to make some changes based on their health to improve the odds of becoming pregnant. \
If you’re trying to conceive, please learn from my mistakes and use this insight to make better decisions than I originally did!
