“AUSTRALIAS birthrate has fallen so dramatically that experts have called for the introduction of fertility education in high schools” (Daily Telegraph) Many women don’t realise that fertility declines after 31.
Educating high school students on fertility is not the answer! Equal employment opportunities, positive relationships, affordable housing, and mental health support would be a good start. Instead divorce rates are high, mortgages are scary or unattainable, and guys don’t seem to want serious relationships.
In many parts of the world, girls don’t get a choice what happens to their body. I’ve now signed two consent forms that allow me to undergo an optional procedure to my body. It’s called social egg freezing as I have chosen not to wait for a man and I understand that my fertility is declining.
The pelvic ultrasound I had was successful (and as discreet as possible), showing that my ovaries are producing approx 10 eggs and my womb looks healthy if I was to go on to fertilise an egg. Dr Knight explained that with some strong hormone drugs I can increase my chances developing a few more than 10.
I met with a nurse for an hour to understand the full process from day 1 of my cycle, to day 14. The most overwhelming part was wrapping my head around the appointments required!
I also met with a representative from finance….The costs are adding up. If I lived in the sea, I’d be desperately grappling at things to trade or have to start counting my seashells as currency. To commence this process, I need to pay $5,540 on day 1 and between $1,500-$3,000 for the medication day 1-3. The total costs will be almost $11,000.
With ‘normal’ life challenging enough, I have moments I feel like dropping the whole thing and backing out.
What am I doing to my body?
Do I really want to spend that much money?
What if all of this is for nothing?
However I have to remember to ground myself and my thoughts from spiralling out of control. I don’t want to look back when I’m 40+ and have regrets that I didn’t give myself every opportunity to have a healthy baby.
So far, no one has made me feel uncomfortable or awkward about not having a partner. Yes there’s couples in the waiting rooms, and sections for partners to complete in the forms, but the nurses and specialists have not asked me any questions about past, present or future partners that made me feel inadequate. It’s actually very empowering! I hope that if any of you are interested in going through this, you can feel the same taking control of your body.
My Life in the Ocean 