I’ve never considered myself a selfish person until I encountered fertility challenges. After several failed pregnancy attempts, my life became an emotional roller coaster. I took infertility personal and at one point I felt alone. I just couldn’t fully digest “unexplained infertility” because my doctor said there were no signs of a reproductive medical condition.
It took a trip to the hospital for me to recognize my selfish ways thanks to a complete stranger. “Do you have any children,” asked a nurse as she prepared me for surgery. It was one of the coldest days of January and I was having a benign lump removed from my left breast. I quickly replied, “No, I don’t have any children.” Then the jovial nurse followed up with another personal question. “How old are you,” she asked. I answered and without hesitation she said, “I know what you’re going through, so don’t let it ruin your marriage. He’s suffering too.” My husband had just stepped out of the room and I was alone with the nurse when she made that comment. However, at that very moment, it hit me that I’ve never thought how infertility affected my husband. I only thought about myself and how it made me feel.
I don’t know how the nurse knew about my struggle but she certainly gave me something to think about. Maybe it was the way my husband and I looked at each other when questioned about children. According to the nurse, her marriage nearly came to an end because of infertility. Fortunately, after five years of trying to conceive she eventually became pregnant.
Statistics show that 1 in 8 American couples struggle with infertility. It’s a condition that’s just as familiar to men as it is to women. The truth is none of us are alone especially if you’re in a relationship. We are often surrounded by men and women who struggle daily with infertility. Why? Because it’s a condition that knows no race, sex, or age. So let's raise awareness, and encourage more open discussion so couples aren't ashamed to walk in their truth.