by Reiko
Infertility is so common, but not talked about, so that’s why we have decided to share our story.
We do not share for sympathy, but for awareness and so others going through it know that they are not alone. 1 in 6 Canadian couples experience infertility. No one thinks it will be them, we sure didn’t. My husband and I are young, healthy, and were so excited to start a family. After coming up on almost 3 years with no luck, we are still here with not one positive pregnancy test.
The journey has been a wild ride testing us physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Physically, it has been exhausting. The countless tests, blood draws, needles, hormone medication, ultrasounds, and invasive procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfers. Emotionally and mentally has been a rollercoaster. We have been on the highest highs, like the news that we had 9 frozen embryos, and 4 of them came back from genetic testing as healthy euploids. But also, the lowest of lows getting the phone call on Christmas day hearing that our past embryo transfers failed.
Financially, treatments and medication are extremely expensive. To date, we have spent close to $40,000 in this venture so far, majority of it being out of pocket. There is no government financial support, and work benefits for most companies are very limited. Hopefully one day soon, this will change and there will be some sort of financial support for those going through this. The World Health Organization states that infertility is a disease. Anyone struggling to have children do not want to go through these hurdles, but sometimes do not have any option if they want a chance of creating a family. Fertility treatments do not guarantee a child is the outcome, but it gives us our best chance.
The rollercoaster every month of hope, excitement, and progress, just to be shattered with heartbreak is exhausting. I am so thankful to have such an incredible husband, our support system, and team of doctors, nurses, acupuncturist, and naturopath guiding us throughout this journey. To all of you going through your own journey, please know that you are a strong warrior and not alone. We know that one day, all of this will be worth it, when we will finally be able to hold out little miracle.
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