My partner and I embarked on our journey of infertility three years after tying the knot, fully aware that we might require assistance in starting a family. My husband, a cancer survivor from his teenage years, faced challenges that left us seeking medical help to expand our family. After investing nearly $100,000 in fertility treatments, including three IUIs, three IVF cycles, one FET, and enduring a heartbreaking miscarriage, we are grateful to have our vibrant 2-year-old son. He is full of energy, intelligence, and an insatiable love for “Mickey Mouse.”
The emotional toll of the past few years has been overwhelming. Anyone in similar circumstances understands the depth of this struggle, while those outside it may never truly grasp it. Seeing other families with their children often brings me a sense of longing. I yearn for another child, a sibling for our son, and another bond with my husband. However, we have made the difficult decision to close this chapter and focus on the wonderful life we have with our son. As I shift my focus to the positives of this decision, here are five reasons why I’m at peace with ending our fertility treatments:
1. No More Waiting for Uncertainty
The year 2021 was particularly challenging for us. We had five frozen embryos from our successful IVF cycle, and we were hopeful for a positive outcome with our FET. Tragically, one embryo didn’t survive the thaw, and three others were genetically abnormal. The remaining female embryo, whom we lovingly named, ended in miscarriage. The emotional weight of that loss still lingers with me. After the heartache of two unsuccessful IVF attempts following our loss, I realized how important it is to cherish the life we have. My son is here, thriving, and I’m ready to embrace the known rather than dwell on the unknown.
2. Financial Freedom Ahead
Fertility treatments come with a hefty price tag, and our financial planning took a backseat during this journey. Each individual test, scan, and procedure served as a reminder of our past struggles, and the bills kept rolling in long after we thought the costs were behind us. Now, as the bills start to settle, my husband, son, and I can look forward to planning our financial future. We dream of building a home that fits our family perfectly, and without the uncertainty of expanding our family, we can now envision what tomorrow holds.
3. Exciting Adventures Await
My son’s obsession with Mickey Mouse is undeniable. He has a collection of 122 Mickey Mouse Clubhouses and countless episodes recorded on our DVR. While the repetition can be a bit much, his joy lights up the room. Throughout our fertility struggles, we hesitated to plan a trip to Disney, as the possibility of another child loomed over us. Now that we’ve decided to move forward, my husband and I can finally plan that magical trip to Disney. I can’t wait to witness the wonder in my son’s eyes when he meets “Mickey” in person.
4. Reclaiming My Body
The physical toll of fertility treatments has been significant. I’ve endured over 100 injections and a barrage of hormones that affected my mental health. With the end of this journey, my body is finally my own again. I can enjoy an occasional drink, train for a mini-marathon, and rediscover who I am outside of the fertility struggle. I’m excited to embrace this new chapter of my life and see what it has in store.
5. Focusing on My Son
In the past, I was always fixated on the next milestone or stage for my son, often planning for a future sibling. Now, I’m committed to being present in each moment with him. At two years old, he’s already growing up so fast, and I refuse to let any more time slip away without fully enjoying our time together. I’ve learned to appreciate his unique personality, and I’m dedicated to nurturing his emotional well-being without distractions.
While our journey of trying to conceive has come to an end, I look ahead with hope for what lies ahead for our little family. I acknowledge that the pain of infertility may never completely fade, but I am choosing to focus on the positives in my life, allowing the moments of sadness to become less frequent. If you’re interested in exploring more about options like at-home insemination, check out this cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit.
In summary, stepping away from fertility treatment has opened doors to new possibilities for our family. We can now embrace financial stability, enjoy adventures, reclaim my health, and dedicate our time to nurturing our son. If you’re seeking more information on this journey, consider checking out this resource or this insightful article on Modern Family Blog.