Family Stories
Michelle and Jason
We met as teenagers while working a summer job and began dating the following year. Nine years later we got married, and this year marks our sixth wedding anniversary. We always knew we wanted kids but never thought we would struggle with infertility. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 18, we knew there could be some obstacles to overcome but were hopeful that we'd be able to conceive naturally. We tried on our own for almost two years before making an appointment with a specialist. After undergoing months of testing and procedures, we were finally able to begin monitored cycles. Unfortunately, after six failed ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, we were emotionally drained and so discouraged. We realized that in vitro fertilization (IVF) would ultimately be our next step, but because our health insurance doesn't cover fertility treatments, we struggled with the decision on when we could move forward with it.
We met as teenagers while working a summer job and began dating the following year. Nine years later we got married, and this year marks our sixth wedding anniversary. We always knew we wanted kids but never thought we would struggle with infertility. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 18, we knew there could be some obstacles to overcome but were hopeful that we'd be able to conceive naturally. We tried on our own for almost two years before making an appointment with a specialist. After undergoing months of testing and procedures, we were finally able to begin monitored cycles. Unfortunately, after six failed ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, we were emotionally drained and so discouraged. We realized that in vitro fertilization (IVF) would ultimately be our next step, but because our health insurance doesn't cover fertility treatments, we struggled with the decision on when we could move forward with it.Words cannot explain how grateful we are to receive this grant from the Chicago Coalition for Family Building. We are beyond excited to be able to move forward in our journey to become parents!
Michelle and Jason are recipients of a donated cycle from our Partner Practice, the Reproductive Medicine Institute, Chicago.