The road to parenthood can be a bumpy one. Fortunately, for some it can be a straight and narrow path, but for others it can involve many twists and turns. Some of those unexpected obstacles may include infertility. There are more than 3 million cases of infertility per year in the United States. It’s estimated that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally. Although those statistics are staggering, it’s important to amplify the successful stories.
Cathy Karpiesiuk, Sales Account Executive with Thomas Medical, has experienced the ups and downs on that unpredictable road. Understandably, the emotions run high and can be exhausting at times for couples trying to successfully conceive a child. Cathy shared some thoughts and doubts that filled her mind while experiencing infertility.
“Infertility can be terrifying. A woman who wants to become a mother is rocked to her core at the thought of not being able to have a child,” explained Cathy. So many questions that really don’t have an immediate answer haunted her and so many people experiencing such trials. “Am I a complete woman? Will my husband still want me if I’m unable to have a child? What will people think as we grow in our marriage without kids? These thoughts tend to grow as time passes,” said Cathy.
Fortunately, there are diagnostic and subsequent treatment options available for couples trying to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy. “Testing and treatment can take their toll on couples and can, at times, diminish the intimacy of conception. However, after 7 years of trying to conceive, we sought the help of an infertility specialist,” explained Cathy. A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an imaging procedure done to view the health of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity, helps diagnose infertility in women. Cathy had this procedure done as an initial step on this journey.
“We finally received our miracle after what seemed like forever. Our daughter is now 26! I now work for Thomas Medical because I want to help other women have their chance at motherhood, too,” said Cathy.
Although the road to parenthood may be bumpy and dark at times, there are lights along the path that offer guidance and hope. Cathy Karpiesiuk is one of those lights.
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