U.S. soccer icon Carli Lloyd has gracefully opened up about her struggles with infertility and how she utilized in vitro fertilization (IVF) to finally realize her dream of motherhood.
Emotional Rollercoaster of Infertility
In a heartfelt piece penned for Women’s Health, Lloyd recounted the months of disappointment and uncertainty she endured.
- She wondered why her body was betraying her after years of dedicated training.
- She felt “out of control” and experienced a myriad of negative emotions, including stress, worry, and anxiety.
- The competitive nature of her journey added pressure, with Lloyd feeling she was “in a race against the clock.”
Initial Setbacks during IVF
Lloyd embarked on her IVF journey in April 2023, but faced a disheartening setback. Only three embryos were viable after 20 eggs were retrieved.
She and her husband, Brian Hollins, waited until October 2023 to attempt an embryo transfer. Despite taking precautions and doing everything necessary, the transfer ultimately failed.
Lloyd’s doctor explained that even with careful preparation, there’s only a 60% chance of success with genetically normal embryos.
As Lloyd candidly shared, “I felt sick to my stomach. He was heartbroken for us.” Undeterred, the couple resolved to try again, determined to increase their chances of future success.
A Change in Approach and Renewed Hope
For the third IVF attempt, Lloyd decided to shift her focus. She spent time in nature, meditated through journaling, and embraced a mindset of acceptance.
She and Hollins took a trip to the Bahamas, where they received encouraging news: four embryos had successfully progressed and two were genetically normal.
Miracle in the Making
In January, Lloyd underwent the next transfer procedure. The results were life-changing: she was finally pregnant.
Despite the initial concern from her doctor about a potential miscarriage, Lloyd remained positive by journaling, connecting with nature, and finding faith in God.
Joy and Gratitude
After 10 weeks of monitoring, Lloyd graduated from the fertility clinic to an ob-gyn, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
On Tuesday, she shared her extraordinary story with the world, expressing, “It is still hard to believe I am pregnant. It truly is a miracle, and we are so excited to be parents!”
Lloyd’s determination and resilience shine through in her story, serving as inspiration to others facing similar challenges with fertility.
As she aptly concludes, “It’s OK to feel broken and to feel hopeless, but to never give up and to keep going.”
