Aubree & Cameron

My husband and I married in 2018 and have now been together for just over 7 years total. I made him aware that I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 18 and that I had struggled with pain, heavy/irregular periods, and other problems long before the diagnosis; approximately since I started getting periods at 14. He was always very supportive of the fact that it may be difficult for us to have babies.

SGF’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Program seals the deal

We discovered that I had infertility after trying to conceive for a year with no luck and decided to seek professional help. With the referral from my gynecologist to another fertility clinic, we were seen and discovered that I also had adenomyosis on top of endometriosis and a blocked fallopian tube with other lesions. Further, we discovered that my husband, Cameron, had male factor infertility due to low sperm count, motility, and shape. We made the decision to leave our fertility clinic and seek more affordable in vitro fertilization (IVF) options, and that’s when a friend recommended Shady Grove Fertility. When we found out about the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program on top of all the wonderful things our friend had to say, it solidified the deal for us.

Making miracles possible

When we started treatment, it was the most exciting but nerve-wracking time in our life, partially because I had to spend quite a bit of time away from home and Cameron could only visit so often as we were approximately 6 hours away from the Denver location. But as far as the shots and number of medications went, it was nice to have something to let me know that we were really doing this, even when my body was sore, or I didn’t feel my best. I remember going over it again and again in my head how I was so fascinated by the science of the process and so grateful that we have advanced enough to make it possible. I also had to remember that we weren’t alone even when it felt like we were.

By the time it was ready for our retrieval and the fertilization process, we ended up with 16 eggs, 12 fertilized, and 9 total embryos made it to blast. After our transfer, the 2-week wait couldn’t go by fast enough, but I started getting positive pregnancy tests prior to finding out (I couldn’t wait that long). But the call really confirmed the reality that we were finally pregnant.

Unfortunately, the duration of the pregnancy wasn’t something I could call a positive experience. On top of a number of things, I was diagnosed high risk due to fetal growth restriction and was getting weekly ultrasounds by my third trimester. While I was thrilled to see my baby every week, it created an intense anxiety that he wouldn’t be healthy when he was born. My doctors made the decision to induce me early as a result.

Finding the missing piece of our hearts

However, we finally welcomed our baby boy, Jensen Dean, on July 27th, 2023 and not only was he a healthy 6 pounds and 4 ounces but the birth was the best part of the pregnancy journey! Our life feels so whole and complete, like he was the missing piece to our hearts. We couldn’t be more grateful. Dr. Roeca and her team were absolutely wonderful to work with.

Infertility does not define you

If I had anything to tell to future patients it would be to remind them that they are not alone, even when they feel alone. Infertility is a taxing journey mentally, physically, and emotionally. Your emotions matter and are completely validated. You’re entitled to feel them. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to question why, just know that it isn’t your fault. You are not less of a person and your infertility doesn’t define you.