Navigating the Emotional Journey of Infertility

Before my spouse and I got married, we had it all planned out: a couple of years in our condo, then move to a house, start a family with two kids, and perhaps even cultivate a backyard garden. Yet, life had other plans. The economy took a downturn, our condo remained unsold, and our attempts at conceiving were met with silence.

A year and a half of ovulation tracking, timed intercourse, and fertility aids yielded no results. Seeking professional help, we embarked on a journey with fertility specialists, which led to a series of tests and treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI). It wasn't until my spouse started a new medication identified by a urologist that, just before another round of IUI, we discovered I was pregnant.

Throughout this period, we experienced emotional turmoil, social isolation, and marital strain. Infertility is distressingly common, affecting an estimated 17.5% of adults globally, according to the World Health Organization. Access to treatment varies, and the emotional impact can be profound, with women often experiencing violence, stigma, and mental health issues.

Dealing with infertility requires self-compassion, education, support, communication with one's partner, boundary-setting, relaxation techniques, and sometimes taking a break from treatment. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed, and you don't have to face this alone.