
I made a point of watching the Oprah show yesterday when the show's subject was infertility. The show covered everything from hiring surrogates from India to couples going through the rigors of IVF. One guest on the show was Martha Stewart's daughter who is currently 42, and going through assisted reproduction. She pulled out a huge box of drugs and needles and stoically spoke of her TTC journey (one which she admits she treats like a "job" and is costing her $28,000 per month !!???!!)
After my journey through fertility treatments and all my associated complications, I'm certainly more of an advocate of natural methods (especially since that is what worked for me). However, I must say that I do not pass judgement on the path that other women or couples choose to parenthood. Depending on their diagnosis, high tech treatments may be the only option.
Since Oprah is seen by women all over the world and is one of the most influential shows on television, I only wish that some mention had been made about the possible complications of fertility treatments and how there are natural methods to enhance fertility even for women over 40. The impression I was left with after this show was that if you're over 40,
good luck - you'd better run, not walk to the closest fertility clinic. Wouldn't it be fun if Oprah did a whole show on women who conceived naturally over the age of 40? There are plenty of us out there, but lets face it, it's just more exciting to peer into the world of space-age babymaking techology. Besides if she did a show on women conceiving naturally over 40, the critics would claim we're giving everyone "false hope".
I love Oprah's show, it's one of the few good things left on TV, but I only wish that this particular show had taken a broader view. Focusing on the high-tech fertility treatment industry only gives couples the impression that there's only one way to go. Unfortunately, many of these couples will spend their life's savings and walk away empty handed. And then there's people like me, not only did we spend tens of thousands of dollars, but I experienced a number of complications from fertility treatments which only further derailed us from our goal of getting pregnant. The natural route may not work for everyone, but I truly believe everyone should know
all their options before making any decision - especially one that may compromise their health and financial condition. Yes, you do have to try harder to get pregnant over 40 and it may take longer...but it's not impossible. As a matter of fact, the rate of unintended pregnancies in women over 40 is second only to teenagers...obviously, they weren't trying at all!