WINDSOR, Connecticut — Infertility is a deeply personal struggle affecting one in six individuals, according to the World Health Organization. For Windsor residents Yaneeke Calderon and Anthony Edwards, the journey to parenthood was marked by unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil.
The couple initially tried to conceive naturally, but after years of unsuccessful attempts, they sought medical guidance.
“It just wasn’t working, so I knew something had to be wrong,” Calderon recalled.
Following a series of medical tests, they received a devastating diagnosis.
“The doctor told me there was no way we could conceive naturally,” Edwards said. “Only 1% of my sperm was normal. With those numbers, he explained that natural conception was highly unlikely.”
At just 27 years old, Edwards found the news difficult to process.
“I was young, healthy, and active. I couldn’t understand why this was happening,” he said. “I started questioning everything—was it my phone in my pocket too long? My laptop on my hip? It was driving me crazy.”
The Emotional Toll of Infertility
Edwards admitted that the diagnosis deeply affected him.
“It was incredibly painful. I was angry at everything and everyone,” he shared. “If you’re serious about starting a family, I’d encourage men to get a semen analysis early. I wish I had known sooner.”
Determined to regain control, the couple made significant lifestyle changes.
“We adjusted our diet, went vegan, and increased our fitness efforts,” Calderon explained.
Their proactive approach aligns with a growing movement encouraging both men and women to optimize their health before conception. A viral TikTok trend, known as the “male fertility diet,” has highlighted the importance of nutrition and wellness in reproductive health.
Dr. Brooke Harnisch, a reproductive urologist at UConn Health, emphasizes that male fertility plays a crucial role in conception.
“In the past, discussions around fertility largely focused on women, but we now understand that men’s health is equally important,” Harnisch said. “Many men haven’t seen a doctor before facing fertility concerns, so when they come in, we assess both their reproductive and overall health.”
Steps Toward Fertility
Harnisch advises couples to make specific lifestyle modifications that can enhance fertility outcomes.
“We focus on maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, quality sleep, and minimizing alcohol, smoking, and drug use,” she said.
For Calderon and Edwards, dietary and fitness changes alone were not enough. However, with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF), they achieved their dream of parenthood.
Today, they are proud parents to three-year-old Anthony Edwards Jr. and three-month-old Ava Edwards.
“It’s an overwhelming, indescribable joy,” Edwards said, holding back tears. “My son is right here, and I’m just happy. I’m so happy that it worked.”
Their journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of medical advancements—offering hope to others facing similar struggles.
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