WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Just 1
year ago, former First Lady, Michelle
Obama, opened up about her own infertility struggles in her
personal memoir that, after 15 days, became the best-selling book
of 2018 in the United States.
In the book, described by Obama as her "deeply personal
experience," Obama shared of feeling "lost and alone" after
suffering a miscarriage 20 years ago and eventually undergoing in
vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to have her daughters, Malia
and Sasha. At the time, Obama was in her mid-30s and expressed how
"the biological clock is real" and "egg production is limited."
Obama continued, "I think it's the worst thing that we do to
each other as women … not share the truth about our bodies and how
they work and how they don't work," a statement that has since
struck a very real cord with many women.
"I'm so thankful to our former First Lady for elevating the
conversation of miscarriage, loss, and infertility to the level of
importance it deserves. It's encouraging to see the increasing rate
of black women now seeking infertility care," says Desireé
McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H., a board certified reproductive
endocrinologist who sees patients in SGF Atlanta's Atlanta-Northside and Alpharetta locations.
"Too often black women don't seek care at the same rate as white
women, but infertility can impact anyone, regardless of their
race," added McCarthy-Keith. "And while we are still a long way
away from equality when it comes to the number of black women who
seek care compared to white women, Michelle
Obama shedding an important light, and igniting more women
to take action, is definitely a step in the right direction."
SGF, a national fertility center dedicated to advocating on
behalf of making high quality and affordable fertility more
accessible for all, is now reporting a larger share of women
self-reporting as black, African, or African-American, that are
going through IVF treatment—a previously underserved population
when it comes to electing fertility treatment.
"I cannot encourage my sisters of color enough to reach out,
make the call, heed the warning signs, and get help. You do not
have to suffer in silence. Infertility is a real medical condition,
and there are outstanding treatments available that can help almost
any woman conceive, provided she seeks appropriate help early,"
added McCarthy-Keith.
When comparing treatment data from SGF's mid-Atlantic fertility
centers from January 1 to June 30,
2018, to the same time period in 2019, the share of black
women starting treatment grew 50 percent faster compared to
treatment rates as a whole.
In a survey of over 1,000 women published by Women's Health
Magazine and Oprah Magazine in 2018, black women were less likely
to talk with their friends, family, or doctors, compared to their
white counterparts. The lack of conversation doesn't impact the
support of black women on their path to parenthood, but the
likelihood that they will seek the needed medical care to grow
their families.
To learn more about how SGF or to schedule a consult with a
physician to discuss options for overcoming infertility, call
1-888-761-1967 or fill out this brief online form.
About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more
than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 36 locations throughout
FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients
individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make
treatment affordable through innovative financial options,
including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their
patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit
ShadyGroveFertility.com.
SOURCE Shady Grove Fertility