I'd like to start this post with a token of gratitude for those who have shared their infertility journeys with me. This blog has given me the opportunity to learn so much from individuals dealing with infertility. I have learned about patience, perseverance, love, support, and compassion. Hearing these stories has given me the opportunity to better understand the impact infertility can have on the well-being of patients. I know it has made me a better scientist and researcher.
One of the stories that were recently shared with me was from @undercover.ivf on Instagram. She and her husband started trying to conceive in August of 2018 but their relationship began earlier in 2006. In 2012, they got married but had not been actively trying to conceive. For a long time, they were content with the idea of maybe not having kids and focused on building their careers and business in their late 20s through to their 30s. In 2018, they decided that they were 'ready' and wanted to have at least 1 or 2 children. Her husband's business had taken off, and she had a good stable job, and so they began trying in August. They were both 34 at the time. After 12 months of trying and not being successful, she went to her GP and obtained a referral to see a fertility specialist. Neither of them knew much about fertility treatments, other than having heard about IVF.
They were finally able to secure a meeting with their fertility specialist in November 2019 and undertook a comprehensive series of tests/procedures - blood tests, semen analyses, a hysterosalpingography test (HSG), a hysteroscopy, and one round of ovulation tracking. Results all returned as normal, and thus they were diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
They started their first round of IVF treatment in March 2020 and that's when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They had to hold off from their treatment for 3 months which was ok for them at the time. They focused on exercising, eating healthy and taking supplements to make sure they were in the best possible shape for their egg retrieval. She also started yoga, walking and meditation to help with her state of mind.
In June 2020, when the elective surgery ban was lifted by the government, they started their first stimulation cycle. They had 9 eggs collected, which resulted in 3 blastocysts. Their first transfer was negative. The second transfer was positive but sadly she miscarried at 6 weeks. The early miscarriage was devastating for both of them. They were pessimistic on their third transfer which unfortunately failed. This, as well as the realisation that they had to now undergo another cycle of stimulation had a huge negative impact on their mental health. After their miscarriage, she started to connect with others online who were going through similar situations. She mentioned that in real life she is quite private about her journey so having the opportunity to meet encouraging, empathetic and generous people through Instagram was comforting for her.
They started their second cycle in January 2021 using an ultra-short flare protocol which resulted in 10 eggs being collected and 2 blastocysts forming which were frozen. Having had gone through a cycle previously, they now had something to compare to and they were both disappointed with the numbers. They transferred one blastocyst in March 2021 which failed to implant. They currently have one more blastocyst left to transfer. They are staying optimistic and full of determination through their journey to parenthood. They have been able to stay strong in their relationship and support each other through difficult times. They are confident in their medical team and the process which is an important aspect.
Human nature always looks for explanations and comparisons which is something that can be difficult to deal with when it comes to unexplained infertility. Staying optimistic through treatments and trusting the process can help in dealing with the diagnosis. Knowing that others have also been through similar situations can help with the overall process. Having the opportunity to connect with people and share their stories is an honour. With the platforms that we currently have, there are no borders and boundaries for us to support each other. Especially in cases where individuals may not feel comfortable sharing their stories in real life. I would like to point out that these stories are to allow people to feel part of a community and understand that they are not alone. However, every person's journey is slightly different and these stories should not be used for comparison or seen as medical advice. We are stronger together and sharing can help raise awareness about the issues associated with infertility to remove the associated stigmas. A special thank you to @undercover.ivf for sharing their special journey with us, we wish you all the best with your upcoming treatments.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to chat or have any comments.
