Canadian Infertility Awareness Week #CIAW2017

May 7th-13th is Canadian Infertility Awareness Week. When I started this blog, that was my intent....to bring awareness. Did you know 1 in 6 couples in Canada suffer from infertility? (Which has doubled since the 80's) And out of 10 couples, 1 of them may not get an answer as to why they can't have children?

Also, did you know that on any normal cycle of healthy and fertile couple the chances of conceiving are only 30%? TONS of factors play into affect. Are you ovulating? IS the timing RIGHT?!? When was the last time you and your partner had sex? Is it fresh sperm? Is he shooting blanks? Are you eating right? Are you dehydrated? What is you BMI? Do you have PCOS? Endometriosis? Have you or your partner had an STD? Do you smoke? Drink? Are you over 35? Are you stressed? This list goes on forever!! There is a reason you have to wait a full year of actively trying before you can seek medical assistance. 70% of couples will conceive within 6-10 months.

I know, you are wondering how the hell all those 16 year old girls are getting pregnant, but you can't. Clearly the odds are in their favor. Their cycles are irregular, they are usually a healthier body weight, active, and infertility factors haven't started yet (like quality and count of eggs). It is proven that the older a women gets, the harder it is for her to get pregnant. Which is kind of a catch 22...because of how long fertility treatments take!

This week I encourage you to speak up! Don't be afraid to share your story! Tell someone who doesn't know. Share your story online (a few websites will feature your story which I will post below), I did last year and it felt liberating. Don't suffer from infertility but know someone who does? Show your support. Let them know you love them, and are thinking about them. Share "CIAW 2017" posts. Don't let them think they are in this alone.

*Dare you share your story?

https://www.olivefertility.com/share-your-story

http://fertilitymatters.ca/1-in-6-stories/