A South Florida couple’s journey through fertility struggles has raised awareness about the hidden challenges many people face when trying to conceive. According to the World Health Organization, about one in six people worldwide experience fertility issues, yet many don’t realize the difficulty until they begin trying for a child. With couples waiting longer to start families, these struggles are becoming more common.
Natalie and Charles Sommers, a nurse and firefighter from South Florida, thought they had plenty of time to start a family. However, after their wedding, they faced unexpected challenges when trying to conceive.
Although Natalie eventually became pregnant, she suffered a miscarriage. Determined to try again, the couple faced continuous setbacks. Each doctor’s visit brought bad news. They discovered Natalie had adenomyosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall, and cervical stenosis, which causes narrowing of the cervix.
“It just felt relentless. Every time we went, something bad would come up,” Charles Sommers shared. “Another surgery, another setback. You start losing hope.”
Adenomyosis, which often affects women in their 40s, can cause pain, infertility, and heavy bleeding. While a third of women with adenomyosis show no symptoms, the condition can severely impact fertility.
Dr. Armando Hernandez-Rey, a fertility specialist, explained the issue: “The uterus becomes incapable of performing its functions properly, leading to pain, infertility, and bleeding.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Sommers did not give up. They turned to Dr. Hernandez-Rey and his team at Conceptions Florida, who were determined to help them become parents through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr. Hernandez-Rey noted that cases like Natalie’s are more complex than many people realize. “It’s not just about the eggs; the health of the uterus and other factors also play a big role as women age,” he said.
After undergoing IVF, the couple experienced a breakthrough. Natalie is now pregnant, and the couple is eagerly anticipating the birth of their child in August. Although Natalie will need a C-section due to her cervical stenosis, the couple is thrilled to be expecting their baby.
For now, they are focused on raising awareness about fertility challenges, hoping to make others feel less isolated in their struggles.
“I want women to talk openly with their partners and healthcare providers about fertility,” Natalie Sommers said. “It’s important to know your options and start the conversation early.”
The Sommers still have one embryo left and plan to try for a second child in the future. But for now, they are hopeful that their story will help others facing similar challenges.
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