Beaten, Broken, and Bruised: My Battle With Infertility

Infertility is a fight no one prepares you for. You step into the ring every day, taking hit after hit, just hoping the next round will be the one that changes everything.In this special episode of Live to 120, the roles are reversed. Gila interviews me about my personal journey. For the first time, I’m opening up about what it really felt like to be "beaten, broken, and bruised" by a system and a struggle that often stays in the shadows.In this episode:Gila shares her background and motivation for founding Yesh Tikva to support those facing infertility in the Jewish communityThe common misconceptions and emotional toll of infertility, including community pressure and misinformationKey steps in the fertility journey, from initial doubts to working with reproductive endocrinologistsThe impact of medical and emotional support, including the importance of finding compassionate healthcare providersThe ups and downs of IVF, including embryo freezing, genetic testing, and managing setbacksThe critical need for community, advocacy, and addressing the intangible loss experienced by those with infertilityPractical advice for interacting with others about fertility, emphasizing empathy and avoiding assumptionsResources and ways to connect with support networks, including Yesh Tikva's programsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest Gila Block's background02:50 - Understanding infertility: prevalence and emotional impact05:11 - Personal infertility story and initial misconceptions07:27 - The importance of seeking specialized care and second opinions09:19 - Navigating community pressure and medical advice11:20 - Recognizing early signs and advocating for yourself13:08 - When to see a reproductive endocrinologist15:10 - IVF process: from stimulation to embryo freezing19:07 - The realities of embryo transfer and success rates28:26 - Dealing with miscarriages and emotional resilience34:07 - Pregnancy after infertility: challenges and support needed43:29 - Handling setbacks, including uterine health and genetic testing47:10 - Emotional toll and the importance of community support50:23 - How words and actions impact those struggling with infertility52:00 - Final advice on empathy and awareness54:24 - Connecting with Yesh Tikva and community resourcesConnect with Gila:Yesh Tikva WebsiteThis episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, advocacy, and community support in the fertility journey. Whether you're facing similar challenges or wish to support someone who is, these insights aim to foster understanding and resilience.