Speak Up. Speak Out. Finding Your Voice During National Infertility Awareness Week®.

In 1989, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, founded National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW). This year’s theme, “Find Your Voice,” seeks to empower those affected by infertility and encourages them to change the conversation around the issue. At Donor Egg Bank USA™ we are here to support you (especially during this week) as you Speak Up and Speak Out about infertility. That may mean becoming a local (or even national) advocate, or just being an informed voice among your friends and family. Because we can’t find the solutions​     ​ without starting the conversations.  
 
What Are We Talking About? 

If infertility is a part of your life, you already know all about the profound effect it can have personally. But are you aware of just how pervasive this issue can be? Let’s take a look at some staggering facts and figures to help inform your next conversation about the topic. 

• Approximately 1 in 8 couples (or 6.7 million people) are affected by infertility in the United States. 
• 7.4 million, or 11.9%, of women have received some infertility services in their lifetime. 
• There’s only a 20-25% chance that a couple who are ages 29-33 with a normal functioning reproductive system will conceive in any given month. 
• There’s a 50% decrease in fertility for women in their 30s (versus their early 20s).  
• A recent survey cited​ ​that 65% of women who have sought medical assistance for their infertility have given birth.  ​     ​ 

Speak Up. 
So, now that you know the facts, figures — and your own feelings — about infertility, it’s time to talk about it. That, of course, means different things to different people. ​R​egardless of just how you choose to make your voice heard, know that it can make a tremendous difference when it comes to providing information, stopping the spread of misinformation, offering valuable insight, and joining together to make change and discover solutions.  

Spread Truth 
Think about those times when you’re in a group and there’s a person who happily states their opinion as fact​:​ “You’ve just got to relax. Then the baby will come.” Or maybe you’re faced with someone who decides to share a myth they heard from a friend of a friend who “knows an expert”​:​ “Well, if you use an egg donor, you better be okay with twins. They never implant just one embryo.” (This is definitely a myth!) 

You, however, know better. Unfortunately, infertility cannot be solved with just “relaxing and remembering to breathe​.​” And using frozen donor egg is not a synonym for multiple births. Simply correcting these misinformed assumptions can help to stop the spread of misinformation, fear, and the stigma that surrounds this issue. ​And i​f you’re really feeling generous, you can always point people to articles from reputable sources for actual facts about the topic. 

Speak Out 

In addition to these types of conversations — when the chance to speak about infertility will come to you — there are other times when you can seek it out. ​T​here’s no better opportunity for that than social media. Take a moment to search relevant hashtags, such as #infertility, #infertilitywarrior, #NIAW, #donoreggbankusa, and more.  

You’ll discover there are a number of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok accounts that are dedicated to getting the message out. Here is where you’re likely to find your community and the support that comes with ​it​. ​T​hese are a​lso​ great places to join in — to show up and participate, or to add your voice and experience to what’s being said.  

Of course, you don’t have to confine your thoughts to these infertility-oriented groups. Spread the word, re-post important information, and share relevant links out to your social media community at large. RESOLVE is a helpful resource, with their suggestions for spreading awareness ​— ​that range from sharing infertility etiquette to starting a Facebook fundraiser and beyond. They even offer graphics that have been especially created for you to post during this week.

Stand Up 
Become an advocate. Get involved. Learn more about the barriers people are facing as they work to move forward, from infertility to parenthood. Once again, RESOLVE is a great place to start if you’re ready to lend your voice on a national, state, or local level. That could mean simply writing letters to legislators, educating the public, or even speaking face-to-face with important decision-makers.  
​D​on’t forget to​ also​ advocate for yourself. If you have questions for your health care providers — about a diagnosis, a procedure, or other medical issue — don’t stop asking them until you have the answers you’re looking for. ​And w​hen it comes to insurance coverage for fertility treatments, don’t hesitate to talk to your HR department and your insurance company about exactly what’s possible.  

Open Up 
Finally, if and when you’re ready, consider sharing your own story. There’s no reason for anyone to face the challenge of infertility alone. When we Speak Up and Speak Out, we have the chance to gain understanding​,​ to become ​even ​more empowered and more emboldened to ask for help in discovering solutions — for ourselves and others. That’s why this week, Donor Egg Bank USA is asking you to share your personal infertility warrior story on our Instagram page.  
 
Words matter. You can make a difference. So, this week (and every week), we’re asking you to find your voice and be heard. Speak Up and Speak Out about infertility​.​ ​A​nd know that we’re here to listen and to help make a difference.  
 
Ready to hear what Donor Egg Bank USA has to say about infertility and finding solutions? Just visit us at www.donoreggbankusa.com, or call 240-778-6210 for more information.