My FB status for NIAW if anyone wants them.

LuckynTigger

Infertility is, indeed, a very painful struggle. The pain is similar to the grief over losing a loved one, but it is unique because it is a recurring grief. It's the pain of the unknown. This process happens month after month, year after year. It's like having a deep cut that keeps getting opened right when it starts to heal. This might be a good time to look at some infertility myths, and consider what infertility is not. Infertility is not limited to women. Infertility is not all in your head. Infertility is not limited to unhealthy people. Infertility is not limited to older couples. Infertility is not going to go away if you just ?relax & go on vacation.? Adopting will also not take infertility away like Charlotte on Sex and the City.

Myth #1: If you just relax/go on vacation/get drunk/do it "like this" or hang around babies, rub the bellies of pregnant women (THIS DOES NOT WORK) or drink the water...you'll get pregnant! Reality: The truth is infertility is a disease!

Myth #2: If you do infertility treatments (IUI, IVF) you're going to have 6+ kids like Jon & Kate or Octomom. Reality: The goal of 99% of fertility doctors out there is to get ONE healthy baby. The irresponsible doctors like Octomom's are the exception, NOT the rule! In fact, w/ IVF your chance of high order multiples is reduced because you have more control over how many embryos are transferred.

Myth #3: If you adopt, you will get pregnant. Reality: Adoption is NOT a cure for infertility. It is a family building option that you should go into because you WANT to adopt not cause you want to get pregnant. Adoption is an amazing & beautiful thing and should be treated that way. Not like it was your second choice

Myth #4: If you can't get pregnant, it's because it's God's way of saying you shouldn't be a parent. Reality: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. It does NOT discriminate!! It affects ALL races, religions, men & women equally! Whether you resolve your journey by choosing ART or Adoption, or choosing to live child-free, it's a personal decision! One that should be respected!

 

Myth #5: Baby-sit a crying, crabby or sick baby and then you'll reconsider trying so hard to have one of your own. Reality: A couple struggling with infertility is VERY AWARE that parenthood isn't easy. We understand that babies cry, poop, get sick and have bad days, but that doesn't matter - our desire to be parents far outweighs the dirty diapers, the sleepless nights, the runny noses and the temper tantrums."

Myth #6: Infertility treatments are covered by insurance. Reality: Only 15 states have laws to mandate infertility coverage & MD is 1 of the. But there are loopholes that allow employers to not have to carry coverage. The average cost of 1 IVF cycle is $12,000. Of course, NOT EVERY IVF cycle works!!

Myth #7: Infertility is a woman's problem! Reality: 35% of infertility is related to Male Factor such as structural issues, sperm production disorders, as well as a few more problems. Some men find infertility somehow makes them "less of a man." Men experience profound feelings of guilt, anger & low self-esteem, which can affect ALL aspects of their lives

 

Myth #8: If you already have 1 child then you should have no problems conceiving again. Reality: Secondary infertility is very common. Approximately 12% of woman in the US have secondary infertility and it accounts for more than half of all infertility cases. Get Educated!!!!

Myth #9: International adoption is more $$ than domestic. Reality: Average cost of International adoption is $15,000-$50,000 & Domestic is $15,000-$30,000. Even if you us the most expensive agency doesn't mean they are the most reliable, quickest or most reputable. Sadly, I know people that had their agency take their $ & never received a child

Myth #10: Well at least you get to have "fun trying." Reality: FUN? When doctors dictate your sex life, pee on a stick, down horse pills, injectable meds, get violated for an ultrasounds, daily blood drawls, more tests, surgery, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, drained bank accts, another failed cycle. Heartache, fear, devastation, embarrassment, shame. Please tell me when the "fun" part begins?

Rachael07.07.07

I recognized a few lines in there there that I wrote over the years. Yay! I like your myth busting set up a lot! Good job!

here's a link to my thread last week on statuses that I've used the last few years.

Link

ETA: lol, I just saw your response on FB. Oh well, I got more excited seeing it as a surprise, hahaha.

LuckynTigger

Rachael07.07.07:

I recognized a few lines in there there that I wrote over the years. Yay! I like your myth busting set up a lot! Good job!

here's a link to my thread last week on statuses that I've used the last few years.

Link

ETA: lol, I just saw your response on FB. Oh well, I got more excited seeing it as a surprise, hahaha.

I like to give credit to whoever it "stole" from.  I just got pulled away from desk before I could post it here. 

I have so many because I try to post at least 2 a day

Rachael07.07.07

LuckynTigger:

I like to give credit to whoever it "stole" from.  I just got pulled away from desk before I could post it here. 

I have so many because I try to post at least 2 a day

lol. I couldn't care less who takes and tweaks. It just makes me smile when I know the awareness is getting out there. I am thinking about grabbing a myth or two myself. I really like some of those.

I'm trying to word a new one along the lines with "you have every right to complain about your pregnancy and motherhood. I have every right to feel sad about the prospect of never getting to experience those "pains." Please don't assume your infertile friend can handle being your ear to complain to." Or something like that.