Not a Dirty Word

Today is a slow day at work so I decided to get on my new IVF doctor's website. He does everything online, and has a wealth of information on his website. He has probably 25 articles about the latest and greatest in IVF research, articles about facts and fiction about IVF, and even some popular stories we've read in the news. He posted not too long about cutting out the caffeine, tobacco (obviously) and alcohol for IVF. Well I don't smoke and have the occasional glass of wine. Going cold turkey on caffeine might be tougher though, but I think it's time I switch to decaf.

As I was reading through some of the articles, he was giving kudos to some of the celebrities who have come forward about their fertility woes. I knew Marcia Cross (Bree from Desperate Housewives) did IVF instead of going on a honeymoon just over 2 years ago, but did you know she used an egg donor? I was stunned to learn this (and slightly perplexed because I'm usually in the know of celebrity gossip). I remember reading the article in People after she had the twins, and thinking it was so great that she came out and said she did IVF. What some of the publications did not report was that the eggs are not technically hers. She has said this herself in other articles.

Courtney Cox (from Friends) is another celebrity that we know has done IVF. She recently stated that she and her husband might try for another baby, and that she'd have to do IVF again. Say it out loud, sista!

Lastly, I also just learned that Elizabeth Edwards (Jon Edwards wife) likely used egg donors for her 2 youngest children. She had them when she was 48 and 50, and 99.9% of the time, women stop producing eggs by the time they are 45. She won't admit to this, she has been quoted as saying that "it wouldn't be lady like to comment." She did say she used fertility treatments to get pregnant, just didn't elaborate. I get it though. I can only imagine how personal of a decision that would be, and something to be kept close to the vest if one chooses.

I wish fertility treatments and infertility didn't have to be such dirty words. I'd love to think of a way to unite all women to be able to be free with what is going on if they are dealing with infertility. Women come together to participate in breast cancer walks, march against gun violence or attend charity functions for spinal cord injuries. But what about our fight against infertility and getting the word out there. We don't judge women in our society for getting breast cancer, but for some reason when we know a woman is having a hard time getting pregnant the whispers ensue.

So thanks to the celebrities or women who have started the charge. Let us infertiles, IVFer's, IUI'ers, egg donor recipients and adoption choosers continue to get the (non-dirty) word out.