Have you ever noticed how much people like to play the blame game? I remember once, early on in my infertility journey, a doctor who was not a reproductive endocrinologist said to me that endometriosis is a Type A woman's disease. He was pointing fingers at a "certain type," the kind of overachiever who puts in long hours at the office and the gym and is maybe a tad high strung and usually, too thin and of course, too old. His high-falutin' medical translation? Your infertility is your own fault, baby. And to make matters even worse, he was contrasting these Type A endo women with slovenly, Type B PCOS women. These women were equally to blame for their infertility but for a different reason. They were overweight, sluggish and sedentary. Thanks, Doc, for your illustrious opinion. And by that I mean your narrow-minded stupidity.

 

Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition which can result in infertility. It's cause is currently unknown. It afflicts close to 200 million women and girls world wide, including young girls in their pre-teen years, as well as teenagers. Endo runs in families quite often, so these young girls often find themselves reaching out to their own, endo-inflicted moms, when it hurts too much to go to school. That was the case with my friend Allie, who understood all too well what was happening to her 14-year old daughter when she came to her, clutching her stomach and crying, "Mommy, it hurts." My laid back, crunchy friend Allie, who thinks a hot night consists of knitting in front of the TV and drinking cocoa could hardly be considered Type A, not that it matters. Her daughter was conceived shortly after laparoscopic surgery and she called pregnancy her most blissful, pain-free time. Unlike me, she couldn't wait for menopause to begin, when her pain would subside forever.

 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This issue of Connect is devoted to sharing information with you about the impact of this disease on both body, mind and fertility. Endometriosis is no one's fault. There is no villain here and no one to blame. Except of course, for those who point fingers at the infertile, thinking our inability to get pregnant is our own fault. To them I say, go get a life. I invite you to say the same. 

 

Spring is starting people, and you deserve a good time. Have a happy day. And, happy reading -

Endometriosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Are Ready to Conceive  Dr. Drew Moffitt of Arizona Reproductive Medicine Specialists  discusses your options in this short, informative video sponsored by Attain Fertility Centers

Many nutritionists are convinced that diet can play a pivotal role in controlling endometriosis and the often debilitating symptoms that accompany it. Put down those potato chips and learn more here.

Infertility Awareness Stamps in a variety of colors, and lots of other cool stuff too, can be found in The AFA's online store. If you're planning on mailing out cards or announcements this Spring, you've got a tailor-made opportunity to raise public awareness about infertility. And, if you're planning a baby shower, consider showing your solidarity with those less fortunate by popping these beautiful stamps on your invitations. 

Every month in Connect, The AFA will feature a different list of supporters, professional members, and donors.  This month, we'd like to thank the following:

 

Platinum Sponsors

Boston IVF

Center for Human Reproduction - North Shore LIJ

Fertility Centers of Illinois

Fertility Physicians of Northern California

HRC Fertility

IVF Florida Reproductive Associates

Long Island IVF

Reproductive Biology Associates

Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York

Seattle Reproductive Medicine

 

Gold Sponsors

California Fertility Partners

Fertility Center of the Carolinas

Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine

Reproductive Science Center of New England

 

Silver Sponsors

Carolina Conceptions

Center for Male Reproductive Medicine

ConceiveAbilities

Growing Generations

Heartfelt Egg Donation

International Fertility Law Group

Katherine Ellis-Hernandez, Ph.D.

Leia Ogburn, LCSW, CADC

Rite Options

The Law Office of Judith A. Hoechst

Tree Of Life Acupuncture

Victoria Hopewell.

There are events taking place across the country to help educate and support you on your family building journey. Please take a look through our calendar to find classes, discussion groups, workshops and emotional support groups on infertility, adoption, third party reproduction and LGBT family building.

 

To learn about all of The AFA's support groups, including those for Mind/Body and Over 40 issues,click here.