Approximately one in eight couples are affected by infertility in the United States. That’s about 6.7 million people each year who have trouble conceiving.
Does that blow your mind a little bit? I could hardly believe it when the doctor told us that the only way Justin and I would conceive was through IVF. Actually, I was so mad about it that the second we walked out of the doctor’s office I told Justin he needed a new doctor. Haha! Denial much?
In a million years I would have never thought that we would be faced with infertility. I spent a lot of time obsessing over all of the reasons why we shouldn’t have any issues trying to start a family.
Justin has a child, we are fit, we are healthy, I’m only 31, my whole family is extremely fertile, etc.
But, the truth is, infertility doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone and is likely happening to someone in your circle (1 in 8 couples) that you have no idea about.
In a world full of social media pregnancy announcements, bump dates, and gender reveals, remember there’s also a world full of couples who would do just about anything to start a family together.
I don’t say that so excited and expecting parents feel guilty about sharing their news, I say it more like an “it’s okay if you have felt sorry for yourself” when you see those things as I have for the past 3 years.
I support National Infertility Awareness Week because we have spent the past 3 years feeling alone in our journey, confused with the process, and completely unaware of the possibilities.
I hope that bringing awareness to the topic can change the conversation around infertility.
I hope that I help someone feel less alone and a little more understood.
I pray that the stories that are shared through Be Unstoppable Radio this week bring someone who needs it, the hope they need to keep pushing through in their own journey to start or grow their family.
If you know someone in a similar situation, spread the love and share the word with this post and help others feel the support they need during a difficult time.
Love, Cass
