National Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, April 21-27. I know many people who suffer from infertility, I've seen the ups and downs they've felt. And I've felt them for them as well. I'm in no way comparing placing my son for adoption to the feelings that those who suffer from infertility feel when the people around them are getting pregnant and having children. But I know how much it can hurt.

We've been trying since he's been home, so going on 12 months. We even talked with an ob/gyn when we were in Hawaii because my PCM (Primary Care Manager) was convinced I had PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) even though the blood work and ultrasound came back negative. The ob/gyn explained it might take us a little longer since I was on anti-depressants for so long, and my body needs to start ovulating again. He said the anti-depressants made me stop ovulating.

I started having really irregular periods in July '11, before I stopped taking the anti-depressants. I stopped the anti-depressants in March/April '12. My longest cycle was 58 days, I had 3 cycles that were all over 45 days back to back. By August '12 I had two 12 day cycles, so that's why I called my PCM. Since that second 12 day cycle though, things have become more "normal." I'm hoping that means I've started ovulating. I've tried to use ovulation kits, but I'm not sure I'm doing it right, and I think that might be the only way I know if I ovulate because I can't tell, maybe I'm just not that intune with my body. Maybe I'm dumb...who knows...

We have decided that before we get that referral to a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist) we're going to give it a few more months. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself but it's hard when the biggest fear I had after placing my son seems to be coming true. I know God has a plan for us, and I know whatever he decides will be awesome!





For more information on infertility, National Infertility Awareness Week, and how you can be a part of the movement, check out these two links:

Basic understanding of the disease of infertility
About National Infertility Awareness Week