For five years, we struggled with the emotional stress of infertility. Five years of being disappointed. Sixty months of waiting and waiting for something. That something is a void. You know you are good people and will be great parents. This is our story of overcoming infertility together.
Then you start to think you will not get this. The void will not be filled. Maybe you aren’t a good person after all. Maybe you don’t deserve a child. Or, you are, but your partner is not. Maybe you or one of you is being punished.
That’s not rational thinking. But you get to a point where you are beyond rational thinking.
We have been reminded for five years that we are childless. People always had good intentions when they asked us about having a child.
We all know where good intentions lead.
Infertility can destroy a relationship. It’s hard not to blame each other. It’s harder, especially for me (and probably most guys), to ask for help.
So how did we do it?
First, watch what you say about adoption, especially “You can always adopt.”
It is not a simple process. It is a very invasive and one that can be more expensive than having a biological child. Even multiple IVFs can be less expensive than adoption.
There is also a period in which the biological mother can reclaim the child (it varies by state).
Yes, it is a wonderful option, but it’s not as simple as people make it out to be.
I’m sorry, but watch what you say to people. You don’t know what they are going through. You don’t know what they have tried or have not tried.
For five years, we were asked when we would have children. I always fell back on humor – “well, I try every chance she gives me!” – nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more.
But what I really was thinking inside was that I was less of a man. That I couldn’t give my wife what she wanted. I’m sure she felt the same way every time someone told her to relax. Or it will happen when you stop trying. Or don’t stress.
“Don’t stress? You are bringing it up, not us!”
I always wanted to scream that but I didn’t.
But if you are reading this, for the love of all things holy, stop doing that.
Be a positive force in helping others with their journey overcoming infertility together
Have you gone through this? Want to share your story? Either leave it in the comments or email us. We would love to hear from you!
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