Infertility Support Group
In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.
Hi all,
as some of you may know I teach Sociology at University.
The other day our class topic was 'the family'.
I immediately thought about the one thing that is never talked about ... IF
so I dedicated almost the entire class at raising awareness and looking at what women with IF go through. we looked at stats for infertility as well as talked about the emotional and social struggles of women suffering from IF. we then did the 'stat' count up (one in 6 couples will have problems conceiving) and counted heads and I made them stand up if they where an "IF couple" and left me as the last of the '6'.
They all laughed when I said, well I guess I'm the sixth then, to which some responded "but you don't count coz you are pregnant.. " well they almost died of shock when I told them how long i struggled to get pregnant and that I actually had to go through IVF to conceive.
Ladies, let me tell you, the students for that class were the most intrigued and curious I have ever seen in my 5 years of teaching. they questioned, listen and some even got teary-eyed. Most felt they had learned a valuable lesson.
on my side I feel that if it means that the little insight they gained that night helps to stops a woman feeling isolated because of her IF or stops an insensitive comment or action toward a woman suffering IF from being said then I feel well repaid for opening up to my students about such a sensitive and personal issue.
I am today a very proud IF'er!
as some of you may know I teach Sociology at University.
The other day our class topic was 'the family'.
I immediately thought about the one thing that is never talked about ... IF
so I dedicated almost the entire class at raising awareness and looking at what women with IF go through. we looked at stats for infertility as well as talked about the emotional and social struggles of women suffering from IF. we then did the 'stat' count up (one in 6 couples will have problems conceiving) and counted heads and I made them stand up if they where an "IF couple" and left me as the last of the '6'.
They all laughed when I said, well I guess I'm the sixth then, to which some responded "but you don't count coz you are pregnant.. " well they almost died of shock when I told them how long i struggled to get pregnant and that I actually had to go through IVF to conceive.
Ladies, let me tell you, the students for that class were the most intrigued and curious I have ever seen in my 5 years of teaching. they questioned, listen and some even got teary-eyed. Most felt they had learned a valuable lesson.
on my side I feel that if it means that the little insight they gained that night helps to stops a woman feeling isolated because of her IF or stops an insensitive comment or action toward a woman suffering IF from being said then I feel well repaid for opening up to my students about such a sensitive and personal issue.
I am today a very proud IF'er!
deleted_user
That was a very brave and creative thing to do. That is wonderful when you're able to allow people to understand a difficult issue first hand from someone who experienced it. I am sure that is one lecture they will never forget. I like how you made the comment about how important it is for people to understand the struggle that infertile couples go through so that society can learn how to stray away from the hurtful words. I try my best to educate friends and family about the struggle that me and husband face. I hope that one day, I will have the courage to share my story and experiences with strangers or even the world so as to better help them understand this serious and emotional issue that women like us face. Very touching story.
deleted_user
what a wonderful teacher you are to share our journey with your students.I thinkl it is great that you shared your own story to show them that couples that suffer fron IF look just like everyone else.
deleted_user
What a great & valuable lesson to teach. Thanks for advocating for us.
deleted_user
Good for you. I share my story with family and close friends. Your story has shown me that others might be receptive also.
deleted_user
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! We are the silent. We all struggled to become parents, but most will not share their heartbreaks. I for one tell every single person I meet the truth. I always think that I may just be talking to a women who cried herself to sleep last night after getting ANOTHER BFN. I am an IF survivor, I was down, but not out. I tried for 11 years and I really had a one in a million chance. I was 34 with not previous BFP. That ment when I went for my IUI I had less then a 15% chance, I was over weight... that took it to 10%, I was a 34 year old Diabetic... now we were looking at a 6% chance... Then the sperm count was down and I only had one good Follie..4%. Well three babies later I am a mom. We can bring truth out of sorow. I am glad to hear that someone in you position would share your story. Maybe a student in that class will go through IF and know that their is hope because of what you did. THANK YOU FROM ALL THE IF WOMEN!!!!
deleted_user
You are an amazing teacher! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
JudylynS
Good for you! I agree with MissPrice that you are a very brave woman to open up like that with your students. IF is not something you think about until you are faced with it. Thank you for opening the eyes of the young to our struggles. Thank you.
deleted_user
Thank you for doing what you did. Wonderful!
rannah9
Amazing. Great job, prof!
deleted_user
Good for you! Thank you for sharing this story with us and for sharing your struggles wih your students. Unfortunately, many of them may go through this difficult experience and they can always look back to you as a sign of strenght and hope. Also, they will be much more aware of making hurtful comments to others.
macnjac
That is awesome! So glad you are spreading awareness!
deleted_user
Thats awesome!!! I'm so proud of you. Thank you for being such a great voice and advocate for infertility.
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