In this episode of Down There Aware, Amy is joined by Yolanda, who shares her nine-year infertility battle—3 IVFs and 2 IUI's, and not a single pregnancy. No doctor ever told her that egg quality crashes at 35, so she delayed family planning for career and didn't start trying until 37. After three failed cycles at her first clinic, she switched to a second one that discovered she has three rare blood clotting mutations that prevented embryo implantation. She shares about daily blood work and ultrasounds while hiding it from her corporate job, receiving "you're not pregnant" calls at work, losing three 20-year friendships to grief, years of depression, and the complex joy and heartbreak of being a devoted stepmom to two sons while mourning the biological children she'll never have.

Key Components

• The clock was ticking, but no one told her: Yolanda wasn't told that egg quality drops sharply at 35. Had she known, she might have frozen eggs or made different choices—instead, she was given no information.
• Blood work and internal ultrasounds, hormone injections at home, a swollen uterus she couldn't hide, and the devastation of getting told "you're not pregnant" via phone call at work while in high-pressure corporate meetings.
• Her hidden blood clotting disorder: Yolanda discovered she has all three rare genetic mutations affecting blood clotting (Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin, MTHFR)—which affects just 0.04% of the population.
• How her infertility meant profound isolation: She lost three 20-year friendships because they couldn't handle her grief, spent years on depression medication and therapy, and couldn't tell anyone at work for fear of losing promotions.

"Going through infertility is extremely lonely because no one understands. I want to celebrate with you, but I can't come to your baby shower. I can't be around diaper games. It's not that we're selfish—it's trauma. It's a traumatic experience."

Connect with Yolanda at Full Circle Digital and Put The Kettle On

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🤘 Podcast produced by Binge-Worthy Studio

For informational and entertainment purposes only — not medical advice. We're here to get loud, not to play doctor.