When Emily and Jake from West Meon decided to start a family, they never anticipated the challenges that lay ahead. However, with the help of Ovulation Induction treatment, they are now joyful parents to their daughter, Bella, and baby son, Max.
Married in 2012, Emily and Jake thought conceiving would be straightforward. “We wanted to enjoy our first year together before diving into parenthood. We were young and healthy, so we didn’t expect any issues,” Emily reflects. But after a year of trying without success, they began to feel the pressure from family and friends regarding their plans for children. “Every time someone asked, it felt like a weight in my throat,” she recalls.
Their fertility journey began with an ultrasound of Emily’s ovaries, which she attended with her mother for support. The news was crushing: Emily was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). “I had heard about PCOS and its impact on fertility, so I was heartbroken,” Emily shares. They were referred to Dr. Sarah Collins at Wessex Fertility for further assistance.
In August 2013, Emily had her first appointment with Dr. Collins, who confirmed the severe nature of her PCOS diagnosis. The couple was advised to pursue Ovulation Induction using a medication called Gonal F, which involves self-administered injections to stimulate ovulation. A nurse guided them on how to administer the injections. “We were told that if we didn’t conceive after four cycles, we’d have to consider other options,” Emily explains. “I found the injections manageable; luckily I’m not too faint-hearted! I did experience side effects like headaches and mood swings.” Regrettably, after the first two-week wait, they learned that the first attempt hadn’t worked, leaving them disheartened.
A part of you thinks it’s just not going to happen – everyone tells you to relax, but that’s easier said than done.
They proceeded with two more cycles, both unsuccessful. As they approached their fourth round of treatment, the couple was increasingly aware of the ticking clock. After another nerve-wracking wait, Emily and Jake were thrilled to discover that they had finally succeeded! Their beautiful daughter Bella arrived in 2014, and they couldn’t have been more elated. “We were overjoyed to welcome Bella, and felt incredibly fortunate to have achieved it in just six months.”
In 2016, feeling more optimistic, they decided to try for a second child. “We were much more confident this time,” Emily recalls. “The doctors and nurses knew the right dosages that would work for us.” Although Emily experienced similar side effects from the medication, she was ecstatic to find out that this cycle was also successful. Nine months later, baby Max was born. “We were again beyond happy. We recognize that our journey is not typical; many couples wait years to get to this point.”
Many women take their fertility for granted; it’s not always easy to conceive. We were fortunate to have a close-knit family that supported us through this emotional journey.
“Our experience at Wessex Fertility was fantastic. The staff were always welcoming, and the receptionists were incredibly friendly, always available to help with any questions. This made everything easier,” Emily recalls. “Dr. Sarah Collins was amazing; she always took the time to address our concerns, no matter how busy she was. We’ve even recommended the clinic to several friends.”
For those interested in ovulation tracking, check out this article on how to chart your ovulation cycle for more tips. And if you’re looking to increase your chances of conception, consider exploring fertility supplements from trusted sources.
In summary, Emily and Jake’s fertility journey highlights both the struggles and joys of starting a family. With the right support and treatment, they were able to overcome their challenges and welcome two beautiful children into their lives.