WRAL reveals the truth about infertility

For many young couples, starting a family is part of their dream. Trying for a baby can be an exciting time – many assume pregnancy will happen easily. But for some, the path to parenthood is long, frustrating and heartbreaking.

Infertility IS a disease, and it’s much more common than you may think. It affects 10 to 15 percent of couples trying to become pregnant in the U.S., which is over 7 million people. The diagnosis and treatment disrupts lives, triggering a range of emotions, including hurt, anger, resentment and depression.

The inability to fulfill this basic life goal comes as a shock to many couples. Some try for years and never see a positive pregnancy test; others suffer one miscarriage after another. Not conceiving or not being able to bring a baby to full-term both fall under infertility.

Ten percent of infertile cases are “unexplained,” meaning there’s no known medical reason as to why pregnancy is not happening. Infertility can damage one’s self-esteem, relationships and outlook on life. The very personal nature of trying to conceive – and failing at it – makes it hard to talk about and share.

On Monday at 5 p.m., I’ll share one local couple’s path to parenthood that took five years – how they coped, what they learned, and what they would tell others who are struggling to have a baby. Then at 6 p.m., I look into the financial burden of infertility.

An in vitro fertilization cycle can cost an average of $12,000. Fifteen states mandate infertility insurance coverage – North Carolina is NOT one of them. We’ll look at why some view that as an important benefit that should be state law.

For those coping with infertility, know you’re not alone. And for those who know someone who is going through it, perhaps these stories will help you better understand the emotional layers of infertility and support your loved one.

I hope you’ll join me Monday at 5 p.m. as we reveal the truth about infertility.