General Infertility

In our attempts at parenthood, I have done my share of research.  I managed to overcome my needle-phobia so that I could benefit from acupuncture.  The meaning of this became especially clear when I was receiving after-transfer treatment last year.  Even though by then I had been going to acupuncture for some time, that day, it was different.  That day, I carried human life within me.  That day, I was a mother!  And as I lay there taking deep breaths and trying to think of my happy place while the acupuncturist inserted the various needles, I remember mentally telling my kids, “this is for you.” This cycle is the first time I am on estrogen.  I was thrilled that my doctor agreed to an injection-free protocol.  Instead, I wear four skin… [more]

The latest statistics released on birth and pregnancy in the United States show that out of all the couples who fall in the range of an appropriate child-producing age, almost 9% of them are infertile.  The promise and possibilities that an in vitro pregnancy can offer a couple or an individual who is incapable of having children via coital means can spark joy and life where there was once disappointment and shame.  However, this scientific innovation does not come without its many proponents and critics.  It is quite common for different political parties, organizations and groups to have a firm stance on topics such as these, understanding all of the facets of an IVF conception and process can lead you to making the soundest choice and decision on where this… [more]

Writing about the creation of life is about beginning again. There is so much information available today for most people who are trying to conceive. Websites, blogs, advertisements, all leading to potential answers and antidotes which will certainly help you become pregnant. After having gone through so many infertility treatments, experiments on my body, mind and soul, it would inevitable lead to the "Begin Again". And, every time, the begin again was so excruciating and so painful, and yet there was the promise of next time. This is where the mind is so powerful over being influenced by those involved in this multi-million dollar industry. Your goal is to be a parent and you will go through things so incredible to have a… [more]

In most societies, it is assumed that girls will grow up and have babies. We, as girls are given dolls to play with, babysit, help with others' kids and are taught nurturing skills in preparation to become a Mom. Historically, women had children at a much younger age and had more children. As women entered the work force, the size of families steadily became smaller and women waited later to start their families. Awaiting - It is a word that describes a longing for something. And, with the decision to become a Mom, we are awaiting the moment that we know is coming; we will be pregnant and have a baby. It is natural. Awaiting, for the woman… [more]

Welcome to the new series of Fertility Blogs! As a Mom and a woman who had some of the most excruciating experiences with my infertility treatments, I can empathize and sympathize with every woman, man and family during these emotional times. A friend once asked me to describe myself, using one word, starting with the letter of the alphabet. This gave me 26 ways to describe myself and I felt compelled to accept the challenge; knowing it would be simple, right? I began to ask other friends, family and colleagues to use a word that best described me in their eyes. Some were hilarious, others poignant, and still some even stung. As a columnist, I began a series on life from A-Z and it… [more]

When asked about the worst medication that I had to take when undergoing IVF, my surprising answer is - birth control pills. Of course, I didn’t love the shots, or hot flashes caused by other medicines, but the hormonal surges, caused by “the pill,” were by far the hardest to endure. I took birth control pills prior to trying to conceive (obviously before I knew that was unnecessary) and never found one without overwhelming side-effects. The pill made me moody and anxious, sad or irritable, gave me headaches, and just generally did not contribute to a good quality of life. The difference when I was taking them and when I wasn’t was so pronounced that it… [more]

A lot of the decisions I have made in my life can easily be judged by those around me, and admittedly the opinion formed may not always be positive. Thankfully, though, I am confident that the decisions I have made are the right ones for me. My family didn't think I should have moved onto IVF so soon, or at all in some cases. Many people openly judge me for working full-time rather than staying at-home with my long-awaited children. I am a proponent of child-rearing methods like "Cry-It-Out" and letting them dip their green beans in ketchup if that will coerce them to eat vegetables. Many other moms think things like this border on… [more]

You know you have struggled with infertility for way too long when you have inappropriate thoughts during a devastating natural disaster. I live in an area that was recently hard hit by Mother Nature and people throughout our city are trying to pick up the pieces after losing everything. It has been two weeks and each day I find more and more people and places that have been affected. I learn of friends who no longer have a place to live, a neighbor who had to report a body washed into her yard, and widespread lack of insurance making it virtually impossible for so many to rebuild their lives. In the face of all of… [more]

If my husband had let me I would have been one of those people who were home pregnancy test "addicts" after my IVF embryo transfer. Unfortunately, our doctor and nurse advised against testing at all and he was in the room to hear it (otherwise, he wouldn't have known the difference). For me, it was the not knowing what was going on that almost drove me insane. So, it was helpful to learn what was going on each day after the transfer, and knowing the timeline somewhat kept the complete crazies at bay (well, almost). I, of course, did sneak in a home pregnancy test or two but by the time I did it I knew… [more]

Tonight there is supposed to be a full moon. I grew up hearing tales of the effect of full moons on labor and birthrates (my mom was a Labor & Delivery nurse), and have always thought it interesting to hear about baby booms on evenings of a bright and full moon. There are also all sorts of myths and folklore out there about full moons and werewolves, crime sprees, accidents, suicides - you name it and the occurence of something or the increase in occurence has probably been blamed on a full moon at one time or another. So, I read with interest today a blurb that I got over email that proclaimed that the… [more]