NIAW

did you know that its National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)? well now you do! 

odds are, you or somebody you know (that's me) have struggled with infertility at some point. its a lot more prevalent than people think. 

and just in case you wanted to brush up on your infertility know how (i know you're just dying to), here's a few facts for you:

1 in 8 women suffer from infertility AND 1 in 8 men

what is infertility defined as? 

infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages and the woman is under 35 years of age. if the woman is over 35 years old, it is diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse.

common myths:

>if God wanted you to have children, you would have them
>its the woman's fault
>you've waited too long to have kids
>if you just relax, you'll get pregnant
>if you already have one child, you know you are fertile and will have no problems conceiving again

infertility certainly doesn't define my life, but its definitely a part of it now. just like everyone else who struggles with it, i never thought it would happen to me. but when i look back on our infertility journey, i know its made me a stronger, more sympathetic and grateful person. and i wouldn't change a thing because it brought me to this point in my life (and i love my life).