National Infertility Awareness Week – Listen Up

Today kicks off National Infertility Awareness Week, which as stated in the name is obviously a week to bring awareness to infertility. The theme for this year is “Listen Up.” There are so many questions when it comes to infertility. I don’t think the questions ever stop, but before we talk discuss the theme, let’s talk about some facts about infertility (taken from resolve.org):

+Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for 12 months or to carry a pregnancy through a live birth

+1 in 8 couples or 15% of people go through infertility. Yes, that means someone you know is currently going through it whether they are open about it or not.

+1/3 of the diagnosis have to do with problems with the female, 1/3 is male and 1/3 are both

+Only 15 states have an insurance mandate to offer some form of insurance

Now to the theme. What does Listen Up even mean? I think it applies to everyone. Not only do people going through infertility need to understand their body, their diagnosis, their options, etc, but I think it also applies to those not going through it and/or the medical staff who treat infertility.

So first for the person going through infertility. I think for you, it’s so important to advocate for yourself. Not only do you need to learn how your body works, but you need to take the path that is best for you and your spouse. Often times, I hear of women jumping into treatments or trying XYZ all because that was the only option they were given. While there is nothing wrong with that, many have also said they didn’t have a peace about it. You need to advocate for yourself and your family.

For the medical provider, I think it’s important that they listen to the patients. Unfortunately, I have heard horror stories from women visiting practitioners who had no bedside manners and no sympathy, which I think is something that is so important for every doctor to have. I think it’s important that they take the least-aggressive option while considering things like diet and overall health of the patient.

For the person not going through infertility, I think it’s important to support and love the people you know who are. Most importantly, beyond prayer, I think it’s important to listen. Isn’t that what everyone wants, no matter what it is that they are battling?

And for the government and insurance companies, I think it’s important to know that 1 in 8 people want covered treatment for medical treatments. Why is infertility not covered under most insurances, yet so many other diseases or illnesses are?

This is my quick overview for National Infertility Awareness Week. This week I think it’s important to not talk so much about the theme, but advocate and bring an overall awareness to infertility so that people can help, support and become aware of what so many go through.

Also, if you are someone who is going through infertility, then we want you to come to the 1st annual Moms in the Making conference. You can learn more here.

PS. Have you picked up a copy of my book? Buy In Due Time, a 60-day devotional for hope + encouragement in the waiting.

PPS. I created a group on facebook as an extension of my book + blog to discuss anything + everything. Women only! Come join us!

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