As shared with Jacquelyne Froeber
April 21-27 marks National Infertility Awareness Week.
As I entered my late thirties in 2018, the persistent ticking of my biological clock grew louder. Despite initially planning to remain child-free, the reality of my polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) began to weigh heavily on my mind, knowing the challenges it could pose for conceiving.
However, my own body’s signals spoke louder than any preconceived notions. Diagnosed with PCOS in 2008 after missing periods, the lack of information and support from healthcare providers left me feeling isolated and lost in the vast landscape of my new reality.
Driven by a need for knowledge, I embarked on a journey to create a resource for individuals grappling with PCOS. This endeavor led to the establishment of the nonprofit PCOS Challenge, providing a platform for advocacy, awareness, and support within the community.
After years of advocating for fertility rights as an essential component of healthcare for those with PCOS, my personal journey to motherhood took an unforeseen turn. Facing a trifecta of challenges – age, fibroids, and PCOS – my path to conceiving felt daunting.
Through surgical interventions and the resilience of hope, I ultimately found success in my journey to motherhood. Welcoming a healthy baby girl into the world after navigating the uncertainties of infertility treatment, my experience serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar obstacles.
My daughter not only represents a profound joy in my life but also underscores the crucial need for equitable access to infertility care. Infertility care is not just a luxury, it’s a fundamental aspect of healthcare that everyone deserves.
Do you have your own Real Women, Real Stories to share? Let us know.
Our Real Women, Real Stories feature genuine accounts of real women’s experiences. The opinions and views expressed in these stories do not necessarily reflect those of HealthyWomen.
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