Over the past few years, friends have asked me exactly how infertility is defined. If you're like me, you hear the term and have a vague idea...but you don't consult WebMD or Dr. Koop until it becomes personal.
Here's what Webster says: in·fer·til·i·ty (ĭn'fər-tĭl'ĭ-tē) n. Absent or diminished fertility; the persistent inability to conceive a child. Although that's a pretty good start, the medical diagnosis is more precise. According to medical professionals, infertility is the failure of a couple to naturally conceive a pregnancy after trying to do so for at least one full year.
If you're wondering what the journey looks like, here are some numbers that may be helpful. Although everyone's road is different, our statistics look like this:
Months actively trying to conceive: 39
Natural cycles (no meds): 12
Cycles on Clomid: 12
Months on Clomid and injectibles: 2
Cycles on serious injectible medications: 6
IUI Cycles with injectible follicle stimulation meds: 4
IVF treatments: 1, going on 2
Months on post-ovulatory progesterone treatments: 29
Pregnancies: 4
Miscarriages: 3
Children at home: 1
Dollars invested in fertility treatments: A mind-blowing number.
Tears shed during infertility struggles: Countless.
Being a parent: Priceless.
2 comments:
Ramona,
How true it is - a priceless gift from God! MasterCard couldn't have said it better! All our best and our prayers as you travel this road.
John B.
Great minds think alike - this was my idea for a mastercard commercial. :-) Though our infertility treatments were not as invasive as yours, the end result is what we all treasure, long for, pray for - a child. Thank you, again, for sharing this with so many . . . that is also priceless.
Here's to success with the next IVF!!
Shelly R.
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