What Are My Options???

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, although you are medically considered an infertile woman, you do have options. But those options depend on the reason for your infertility. Here are some of the common reasons/causes for infertility:

Endometriosis, Ovulation disorders, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Early Menopause, Fallopian Tube damage or blockage, uterine fibroids, thyroid issues, reproductive cancers, weight issues

This is by no means an all inclusive list. But these are some of the most common issues. However, how will you know WHAT your issue is if you don't seek help? Well how do you know WHEN to seek help? If you are under 35 and have been having regular, unprotected sex for a year OR if you are over 35 and have been trying for at least 6 months, its probably time to seek help. Before you get to that point though, there are things that you can do to self assess such as using ovulation kits. These kits are available at any drugstore and they are used to gauge when the optimal time to try is. It gives you the best window (basically when you are ovulating). Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I will explore these causes for infertility and possible solutions. As well as MEN WHO ARE INFERTILE. Stay tuned...

The Statistics - WRONG!!!!

Every couple of years, fertility clinics are required to report on the number of cases they see in order to compile statistics regarding this issue. The latest statistics as reported by the American Pregnancy Association are that 6,000,000 women in America deal with infertility. And that 2,000,000 married couples are infertile. WRONG!! The most recent statistics according to the CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) are from 2009. That's the first reason I say WRONG!! Our latest stats are from 2009. That's 3 years ago! The second reason I say that is wrong is because those statistics are based ONLY on those that had the courage to even SEE a fertility specialist. What about the women that haven't gotten to that point yet? What about the women that are scared and never intend to see a specialist? What about the people that give up before trying? What about the women that don't even try to have children but without knowing could be infertile? That's a lot of people! Oh, one more. What about the single women who feel shame in seeking help alone so never go? There are so many groups of people to consider that aren't in those stats. This only furthers my argument. Its more common than you think!!! I want to encourage women to stand up and say ME TOO!!! Now, please understand that I know, after battling for 9 years to conceive, that this is a private and touchy matter. I am by no means saying wear a banner saying "I'M INFERTILE". Although it would be nice to have an alliance in this, I understand. But what I do mean by saying "me too" is seek help. Don't just say this is the way it is. Go see a specialist. Seek advice. Seek encouragement. That's why Fruit of the Womb is here. To be a source of encouragement and guidance. Am I an expert? No. Am I a professional in this area? No. But since I have been down this long road, I do know something! And I am willing to share that information with you privately and/or publicly. My hopes are to build a network of people. Medical professionals, counselors, and most importantly REAL PEOPLE that have had this struggle and made it through and those that are still in the midst of their test. If you want to join me in this fight, please email me at fruitofthewomb2012@gmail.com. Also, if there is a topic you would like me to discuss, please email me and I will do the research and report on it! Be blessed and stay encouraged.

"What's Wrong with Her?!?" - The Negative Stigma Attached to Infertility

"What's wrong with her? Why can't she get pregnant? How long have they been married? Shouldn't they have kids by now?" Those are the questions buzzing amongst the bees (better known as the gossipers). And it is that FIRST question "what's wrong with her?" that brings so much shame and sorrow to the woman that has difficulty getting pregnant. Yes, a woman is built to bear children. Her genetic make up says so. Therefore, when that process is not easy, people often think that something is WRONG with her because she can't. As a result, all of the negative thoughts and negative emotions begin to brew within the suffering woman which makes her feel inadequate and less of a woman. Although the "talker" does not know the effect it has on a suffering woman, it does more damage than the talker may think. Well my mission is to dispel that stigma! We ARE women. NOTHING is wrong with us. Our road is simply different than yours. We have a road that is generally longer, a lot of the time harder, and definitely more emotionally draining. It doesn't make one party "better" than the other. Just different. Infertility is nothing to be ashamed of. I struggled with that feeling though. Even now, it still lingers. But the only way to get over fear is to face it. So I'm facing it. If one person, whether it be the talker or the sufferer, changes their view of this issue, I will feel like I've done something. Not to stop there, but change is change and that's something to be happy for.

Infertility is simply difficulty in getting pregnant. The actual definition is considered the INABILITY to conceive but through God all things are possible. Therefore, I have replaced the word inability with difficulty. There are MANY causes for this condition. But the one thing to remember is that no one ASKED for this. Does the person that has asthma ask for it? Does the person that has cancer ask for it? Does the person that has eczema ask for it? No. They don't. We didn't ask to be infertile. No one asks for the challenges they face so why make them feel like less of a person because of it. If anything, be a source of encouragement for them. Let them know they are not alone. Help me in changing the mentality of the people. Which first starts with changing YOUR mentality. "I'm starting with the man in the mirror....." - Michael Jackson.

Fruit of the Womb

Fruit of the Womb is simply a source for encouragement, strength, hope and faith. Are we a bonafide non-profit organization? No. Could we be in the future? Definitely. Right now, this is step one. Fruit of the womb simply means producing a child (fruit) of your belly (womb); which we learn from the Bible is a gift. Psalms 127:3 states "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." And even before then, in the beginning of time, God said “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28. I stand on the Word of God because if He said it, it shall be.

This blog is geared towards those who face stumbling blocks or hurdles in their journey to reproduce, more commonly know as Infertility. Whatever the reason, however long your season, the one thing you must know is that you are still a WOMAN. Having difficulty makes you no LESS of a woman or a person. And if you DO have this struggle, I believe God wants to use you to be an example of His works. So, this is just the beginning. Where this will go, I'm not exactly sure. But my job is to be obedient to God. So that's what I'm doing. Be Blessed.

~April