Ever walked away from a situation and beat yourself up for how you handled it? 

“Ugh! I should have spoken up for myself!”

“I should have asked about this or that.”

“I should have said no.” 

We’ve all been there. But when you’re on your fertility journey, you (literally and figuratively) can’t afford to just do whatever your doctor tells you to do or to just blindly accept their advice without question.

It’s your body and your journey, and it’s time to take charge of YOUR health and YOUR dreams!

Advocating for yourself means speaking up for what you want and need, and taking ownership of the choices that you’re making for your life.

Educate Yourself

When it comes to advocating for yourself, it’s important to educate yourself. When you educate yourself – whether it’s researching doctors and fertility specialists to see what they offer and their expertise, or exploring all of the options (treatments and lifestyle changes) to support your natural fertility – you’ll feel more confident about making the decision that’s best for you. 

Trust Your Instincts

Your intuition is powerful. If something doesn’t feel right or if someone makes you uncomfortable, don’t just proceed and ignore the red flags. Be honest with yourself. And remember that your choices don’t have to look like anyone else’s. Make the decision that’s right for you and your family, even if it doesn’t “make sense” to anyone else.

Get Support

Bring your partner to your appointment. After all, it takes two! This isn’t just your solo fertility journey; they should be there every step of the way. And having someone there to hear what you’re hearing and to speak up alongside you will help you feel like you have an ally if anything feels amiss.

Speak Up

You are not being cared for by your doctor or fertility specialist. You are a partner with your doctor in your care. If you don’t understand something, ask questions – all of them! Specifically, ask about the benefits and risks to the different kinds of treatment. Ask about the live-birth rate. Don’t let the doctor or specialist make you feel rushed. After all, you’re paying for your treatment! You’ll also want to get a clear idea about the costs involved, including any medication, as they can vary greatly based on provider and location. And find out who will actually be handling your care, as that could change from your initial appointment.

It can be hard to speak up for yourself. But you’ll feel much more confident and in control of your life (and this important journey!) if you do!