Do not index
Do not index
In a world where women have historically thrived in collective endeavors, the realm of fertility often tells a different story—one of solitude and unmet expectations. This past November, I embarked on my own embryo preservation journey, motivated to explore how a fertility experience rooted in community could unfold.
As the Head of Partnerships at Sama Fertility, I’ve been deeply involved in various aspects of patient care, from navigating treatment plans to supporting patients through the highs and lows of their journeys. Listening to their stories, a common theme of isolation and vulnerability emerged, especially given the uncertain outcomes of fertility treatments.
Seeking to shift away from this isolating experience, I turned to some of the remarkable women in my life, each with her own unique fertility story. They joined me on my journey, helping with injections to ease my fear of needles and fostering open conversations about the challenges and hopes intertwined with fertility treatments.
Embracing the Collective Journey of Fertility Care
The first injection, administered by an older friend on a delayed journey to motherhood, revealed the anguish of multiple failed retrievals, highlighting the need for avenues to express dreams and goals beyond physical preparation. Despite her struggles and a diagnosis of low ovarian reserve, she remains a pillar of support to others, embracing roles like aunt and stepmom. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed a longing for a platform to discuss dreams and goals within the fertility field, emphasizing the need for mental preparedness alongside physical readiness.
The second injector, a friend who triumphed over poor retrieval outcomes through embryo creation with a donor egg, exemplified a path of growth and acceptance. She successfully carried both children to term and now enjoys watching them flourish in high school. Despite facing challenges and the absence of a biological connection to her children, she emphasized the positive outcomes that emerged from a journey initially deemed unpromising—a journey marked by growth and acceptance.
My third injector recently completed her own embryo preservation cycle and is now expecting naturally. Approaching the journey as a proactive measure, she saw each injection as a milestone toward an as-yet-unfolded future. This transformed the journey for her, rendering it empowering rather than daunting, altering the dynamics of the entire treatment process.
The last injector, currently planning her egg preservation, views this step as balancing her career goals with her desire to have children. Her experience was enriched by the shared journey and the marvels of the science behind it.
The Future of Fertility
These incredible women showcased strength within the fertility realm, filling me with gratitude for their vulnerability and camaraderie. For me, this collective journey through my fertility care unveiled a resounding call for change. Strong, beautiful, triumphant women expressed a desire for a larger dialogue on access and support in fertility care. While science and technology have advanced, the delivery of care to this specific cohort of patients remains lacking.
The future of fertility care lies in addressing the emotional, mental, and logistical needs of women, providing a comprehensive support system that aligns with their expectations and challenges. My hope is that Sama continues to lead this change, offering the kind of comprehensive care that combines humanity, access, and transparency.
Written by
