Why can't I get pregnant?

I found this very interesting video describing some of the reasons behind fertility that I wish to share with you. Often times we are confuse about infertility or may think it is one thing when it is another. This video gives a detailed description of the reasons surrounding infertility. Please leave a comment if you find it helpful.

Your Fertility and you

It could be something different than you think:

So I have a thought today as I continue thinking about ways in which women can improve their fertility and manage the different issues of the uterus. What came to mind is Misdiagnose. For example, you may found out that you have fibroid after trying to get pregnant with no luck. Sometimes doctors fail to check you for other issues, when they found out you have one, but if you remembered my blog, you would realized that all the time I thought that fibroid was the reason for my infertility. I had done other tests, for instance, to check if my tubes were blocked and those were ok. It was only after my surgery to remove the fibroids, I found out that I also had endometriosis. I say that to say, that it might be good to get a wholistic health check, especially if you have already taken drastic measures such as surgery and are still faced with fertility issues. In the meantime, as hard this might be, try to maintain healthy weight by eating right and exercise and reduce stress levels. My prayers are still with all of you that God will bless you with the heritage of your womb. I found out something about a natural product recently, that a lady who has endometriosis and was unable to conceive, stated that at 39 years of age, she is pregnant with her first child, which she attributed to these products. I am still researching so I would say more in a later post, but what I can say now is that it helps balance hormones, which is a factor affecting many of us who are faced with issues of the uterus. If you want to hear more, you can inbox me, but I will say more in a later post.

Source: Author

When is it time to consult a fertility specialist?

Getting pregnant may not always happen as quickly as couples would like. Especially when pregnancy fails to result after months of trying to conceive, couples may want to consult an infertility doctor who can determine if either partner has a condition hindering conception. For couples that are already aware of an existing problem such as endometriosis or prior miscarriages, infertility doctors recommend seeing an expert when more than six months pass without getting pregnant. Even in the absence of a health condition, couples where the female partner is 35 years old or older should also consult a specialist after six months of unsuccessful conception. Couples in good health and of younger age can wait an additional six months before reaching out to an infertility doctor should they experience difficulties conceiving a child.

Source :http://www.chicagoinfertilitydoctor.com/835160/2014/06/13/when-is-it-time-to-consult-a-fertility-expert.html

Abortion and Infertility

I felt compelled today to research the topic of abortion and its link to infertility. I have heard about persons who had abortion and when they wanted to have kids later on, they were having difficult. Now I would state up front that I am a Christian and do not believe in abortion, but this article is not about judging anyone, but rather it is to offer insights into other possible conditions that may affect our uterus so that persons can become more informed and should they have a previous abortion/s and are having difficulties, they can decide to visit their health care provider for an assessment.

This topic is controversial and there are some who believe it does and others believe it doesn't cause abortion. The thing is though that many persons find a whole lot of ways to get an abortion done and when they are really desperate the methods take many forms. While some are not done by trained professionals, others involve some techniques that are relatively inexpensive for the birth mother, but also detrimental to their health.

Now what I have done is compiled information from different sites. Although it is not expected that abortion will infertility, it is a surgical procedure and as such there are some associated complications that may affect future fertility. Again, I am not here to judge or to condemn for we have all made some form of mistake one way or the other. Still, I will ask persons to reconsider  if you are currently thinking of it. You do not want to live with regrets.

 Amin GafarFertility treatment expert.

"It's very unlikely that a past termination, if it was straightforward, will affect your chances of getting pregnant. Most women who have had a termination go on to have a baby when they are ready without any problems. Having conceived before proves that you ovulate and can get pregnant. So, rest assured that if it's taking longer than you'd like to get pregnant, it's unlikely to be because of the termination. Occasionally, though, if the termination was not straightforward, it may affect your fertility. An incomplete termination (retained products of conception) can increase the risk of infection and scarring. An infection setting in after the procedure, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause a problem. If it's not treated early, PID can lead to blockages in and around the fallopian tubes. And there may be scarring at the top of your cervix (the entrance to your uterus) or inside your uterus."See for more information :http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x1013967/does-a-past-termination-affect-my-chances-of-getting-pregnant

That Abortion that Robbed me of my Children

In my many years of practice of medical ultrasound I have attended to thousands of women suffering from infertility due to many causes including abortion, legal or illegal. I had this patient, she has being married for over 7 years with no child. She came to me for ultrasound scan test, after the tests, I noticed that the endometrial cavity was thin and fibrosed with evidence of adhesion. I asked her if she had had a miscarriage, she told me that she had never being pregnant since she got married. I now asked her if she had ever being pregnant before she got married, and what happened to her. That was when she opened up and told me the whole story.
She was a virgin and had this boyfriend, after much pressure from the young man for some closer intimate moments with her, she finally gave in to keep the relationship. They had sex only once, but unfortunately for her she became pregnant. In an effort to hide it from their parents , since they were not ready to get married yet and were very young, they both agreed to have an abortion. They went to a clinic [qualified or not we cannot tell], and had the abortion, after that all was well. She separated from the young man , and had never had sex with any other man until she got married. Now for seven years she could not get pregnant, she thought she was cursed. She had done many tests and all results were normal but no improvement in her situation. Until she came to me and I made my findings.

In this article , I want to assure you that I am not here to talk about pro abortion nor con abortion issues. I am not here to condemn anyone, nor discuss moral issues of abortion. That is not my place. I am only interested in discussing about infertility, the causes, diagnostic tests, treatments especially a simple assisted reproductive technique called Intrauterine Insemination [IUI]. See for more information: http://www.nairaland.com/301409/abortion-robbed-me-children-infertility

Could an abortion increase the risk of problems in a subsequent pregnancy? Answers from Roger W. Harms, M.D.

• Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Placenta previa — when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can cause severe bleeding before or during delivery

See for more information: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551

Generally, abortion isn't thought to cause fertility issues or complications in subsequent pregnancies. However, some research suggests a possible link between abortion and an increased risk of:

Struggling with Infertility: Do not lose hope

Last night, in a conversation with my husband, I made the statement, suppose when we are ready for another child, I can't have and his response was If God will it, then it would be. This morning I found myself reflecting on my journey from childless to my beautiful baby girl and tears flow from my eyes. I lifted my eyes to heaven and I said thank you Lord and began praying. I said to the Lord, please do not let me forget your goodness to me. It is so easy to forget at times, but like Jeremiah, my testimony is like fire shut up in my bones and I need to encourage those who are currently discourage, to instill hope in those who have lost it and to inspire faith in those who have doubts. The Lord still heals, he still blesses, he still hear our prayers and cries, he still is miraculous, he is still able to grant us the desires of our hearts. His word is still true and so he will bless you with the heritage of your womb, just trust him and believe.

Several months ago, I was in a position where I was confused, doubtful and miserable. Why me? How come things always happen to me? What is your plan for my life Lord that I must go through this journey? Am I meant to have kids? Those are just a few of the questions plagued my mind daily. I cried out to the Lord, like Hannah, in fast and prayer. I began repenting for sin whether it was in words, thoughts or actions, not just for myself, but up the generational tree. If i ever thought about abortion, I repented. If I ever looked or heard anyone in my family called someone a mule, I repented. The reality was before my eyes and I knew I needed a cleansing from the Lord and his grace to be extended to me. I needed a fresh start. 

I was never quiet with my issue and it was a good thing because then God place someone in my way, someone who I didn't expect anything from. He placed it on the heart of one of my lecturer to ask if I was pregnant; a question that she herself said that she does not usually asked people, a question I could have simply said no and leave at that. Instead, in addition to no and I let her know that it was a fibroid and immediately she called a doctor and organized an appointment for me to the following day. I entered his office not knowing what to expect, but hoping for something positive. I knew it must have been God, for that senior surgeon decided to do my surgery and to accept only what the insurance can cover. Isn't my God magnificent? I didn't even know how much the surgery cost until after....JA$500 000 and I paid nothing from my pocket. A few months after I got pregnant and I give birth to my sweet Gabrielle. I am forever grateful to God. I do think someone needs to be reminded that God is still ready and available to bless you abundantly. Open your eyes to the doors that he is opening before you. It is a good thing to be private at times, but do not let privacy make you miss the open doors God is setting before you. Continue to trust God and may the wombs of those who desire children be blessed with child

Unwanted Hysterectomy

Until recently, I could not fathom what it is like to have a hysterectomy. I reflected on my hospital experience, a few hours before my myomectomy where I was given the speech by the doctor and asked to sign a paper for a hysterectomy. I had already stressed, over and over again, the need to keep my womb and I chose not to even think about the chance that a hysterectomy would have to be performed. I wanted to so that I can prepare myself mentally, but I could not. 

Recently, I visited my friend in the hospital. She went in for a myomectomy and ended up with a hysterectomy because of complications. At less than 30 years old and no kids, she had lost her womb. I looked at her. I wanted to say something positive, but I found myself lost for words. Even as a Christian, I could not muster up a few words. I wondered, what could anyone say to me if all hope of birthing a child was lost... probably nothing. I could not think of anything I would have wanted to hear and so there was nothing I could have said, except looked at her and offer her a listening ear. Yet, she was strong and thankful to God for life, realising that it could have been worse. 

A week after, I met another friend who underwent hysterectomy. A few years have passed, but it did not take away the emptiness of wanting a child and so she adopted one and she is extremely happy. You could not tell that she did not give birth to that child. The way she expressed her love was incredible and it let me know that the world is not over with a hysterectomy. That overtime, things will become clearer. Even though you cannot change what has happened, happiness is still within your grasp. It would not be east to accept, but you will get through.

Still, these two situations have shown me the need for persons to share their stories. I ask of you today, to use my blog to share your stories. If you cannot post, email me and I will post it for you. I am a myomectomy patient and I can relate to those who had the surgery. A year after, I was blessed with a baby girl (almost 5months to date). There are persons who have had multiple surgeries and are still waiting for their blessing, so while I might be able to give hope to many and encourage others through my personal story, there are many out there who can also help. You can let people know how you have found support through whatever you are going through. I remember the many silent tears I have cried and I know how uplifted I felt when I was able to speak to someone who is going through a similar condition. So again I asked, please share your stories. You can do it anonymously. Let us continue to support each other as women.

Pregnant after myomectomy: Baby Gabrielle is here

A year after my myomectomy, I got pregnant and I am happy to relate to all my followers that Baby Gabrielle is here and doing well. To all those who are struggling, there is still hope. I have proven that God is still into miracles and there is still hope for all.

I understand your struggle as I have been there. I understand the tears, not knowing who to talk to and have to listen to insensitive comments from people who does not understand what you are going through even though they are just trying to help.

In all of this, I have learnt to rely mainly on God as a source of strength and hope. I cherished and I am very grateful to my husband who never lost hope, never give up, was always a strong supporter and prayer warriour and my surgeon Professor Joseph Frederick who heads the fertility clinic at the University of the West Indies hospital in Kingston Jamaica ( he did my surgery and took my baby and as good as he is, he still called me a miracle woman and that's how you know God is above doctors because even with their greatest skills, sometimes they too lose hope, but God never does). I am also thankful to all of you who continue to read and support the blog, and supported me through my ordeal, your comments, emails, phone calls meant a lot and through it all it was good to know that I am not alone even though we do not wish any of these sickness on each other.

I hope you follow my page on Facebook because even though I was not getting a chance to blog especially during the pregnancy, I continued to share very interesting and important information about different issues of the uterus on the Facebook page. The information includes new research, healthy lifestyles, what PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids etc sufferers are experiencing, trying and what is working...So keep posted to that page and whenever you have a story share. If it is one thing I will encourage you to do even though it is the hardest thing to do (especially with how critical people can be) is TALK! Do not fear talking. If I had chosen to give little details when my lecturer asked me if I was pregnant, I never would have met Professor Frederick, one of the best surgeons and a researcher in the field of fibroid in Jamaica, I never would have  known the many people who are going through the same and can encourage them to stay strong and maybe today I would not have been looking at the face of my beautiful daughter. Just as me talking might have helped you, you talking may help someone else. Tell us your success story, your struggles, your treatments and how they are working and let us continue to help and encourage each other.

Being Pregnant after Myomectomy

When you have gone through some issue, no one understands you like you, unless there is someone else who have gone through the exact or similar things. This is what we are about and I share my personal story from time to time because I know the information I sought and still seek as a person who have suffered with fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. Prior to and following my myomectomy, I researched persons success story, what was the myomectomy like, did they get pregnant after healing and how soon, what are the risks, what was their pregnancy like? Today, though I am still on the journey, I wish to share a little.

Fear will creep in. Your thoughts of miscarriage will come and go and you have to be ready to shut it out. For me, I depend on the word of God. One thing I know is that you cannot afford to be stressed and you have to enjoy your pregnancy. You will not only worry about miscarriage, but the baby's development and most of all, what you are not doing right. Sometimes, I am afraid to lift a broom, afraid to walk for distances that were a normal part of my life and afraid to have sex...yes...but don't worry. Concerning sex, you might not be stressing your partner with lack of it because even he is careful and fearful. It takes a little coaxing even after the doctor says it is ok to have sex to get your partner to give you some and we know sex is not something men normally turn down.

Even after passing your 3 months (the high risk end), although you might feel a bit more confident, there will still be time that you wonder about the strength of your uterus as it stretches, especially if your baby is growing fast. After about 19 weeks, your baby will start to kick and they get harder as he grows, sometimes so close to the bladder, it will send you to be bathroom, but those kicks is your most wonderful experience. You rely on them to tell you the baby is alive and well since he is so active. 

I don't know what it is like to be pregnant before the surgery. I had the surgery April 2012, got pregnant, February 2013, roughly 4 months after my recovery and for me the myomectomy helped because I could not have gotten pregnant before it, mainly because of the endometriosis. The journey so far has been smooth, nothing out of the normal. I will be doing an ultrasound soon to look on the fetal anatomy and other aspects of the child development and hopefully will also know the gender. I will keep you abreast, but I leave this with you....Don't lose hope. If you plan to do the surgery, the most important thought for you, would be finding a skilled surgeon, absolutely important whenever cutting is involve and I will also advise you to pray...it would seem simple and fruitless for some, but I dont know what I would do without that connection to God.


UPDATE

Just adding a quick update following our ultrasound...It is a girllllllllllllll...Bless God. Below is our baby registry should you feel the need to bless our little one with a gift:

Rose-Ann Smith and Rahsaan Smith's Baby Registry Link: http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/2D65RQNY6BHGY

Thanks to all of your for your prayers, support, comments, emails etc...It is greatly appreciated.