Gena, 38

How did you first know you were dealing with infertility?

After 5 months of trying and things weren’t progressing I knew something might be wrong, and given my age, I didn’t want to wait to keep trying for a year (as some doctors recommend).
 
What happened once this was determined?

I made an appointment with my OBGYN to discuss and she ordered bloodwork on my hormone levels. Then a test to see if my fallopian tubes were blocked. Once everything with me came back normal, we checked my husband and that seemed to determine the problem.

What has the medical process been like for you?

​It has been long. I feel that if your intuition tells you something might be wrong, get checked out and go ahead and check your partner too. Do not wait for the doctor to recommend they be checked.
 
Have you tried anything beyond medical interventions?

During my second IVF cycle I participated in acupuncture. I am not sure if this helped but it was extremely relaxing. For an hour each week, my acupuncturists provided me not only with wonderful treatment, but also with positive affirmations that made me feel hopeful.
 
What has been helpful during this time?

Staying in the moment, taking each step as it happens-not looking ahead or in the past too much. Not necessarily being too optimistic or pessimistic.
 
What has been hardest for you during this time?

Finding out the cycle was not successful.
 
How has your partner dealt with the process?

He has been very supportive and hopeful. He is really gentle and great with giving me the injections.
 
What has been the least helpful thing someone has said to you?

“If it were me I would just buy an egg.” (This was coming from a woman who got pregnant in the blink of an eye and has two boys)
 
What has been the most helpful/supportive thing someone has said to you or done for you?

Women who have shared their success stories and tell me not to give up or lose sight of what we want.
 
What would you like others to know about your experience?

IVF, fertility treatments are wonderful. Someone scared me before I started them and I was anxious. I stayed stable the whole time and didn’t feel “crazy” as someone said I would.  It just becomes part of your daily routine. It was a bonding experience for my husband and I.
 
What advice would you give to someone about to begin the process of infertility interventions?
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To stay in the moment. Take each day and each step of the process as it comes-don’t think about it too much. Just Do It!!! And be excited about what the end result might be.