My name is Yesenia Caraballo, I’m 34 years old, and I’m from Puerto Rico. Twenty-two months ago, I became a mother after fighting infertility for more than six years.

 

My struggle with infertility began in 2014. My husband and I wanted to be parents, but months went by and it didn’t happen. All the questioning and watching my friends have children put a lot of pressure on me. I cried inconsolably. I was constantly reminded that my body was unable to do what it was supposed to do.

 

After a year, I went to my gynecologist. After doing several tests and finding everything in order, we decided to start treatment. But after several months, it didn’t happen. At that point, my husband and I decided to take a break since we were very upset.

 

In 2018, we talked about trying again and decided to go back to the doctor to look for other options. I made an appointment with my gynecologist. Everything seemed to be in order, so he suggested having an exploratory laparoscopy which resulted in a new diagnosis. I had stage 3 endometriosis, and I never suspected it. I had always thought my horrible period pains were normal.

 

After recovery, we started trying again with another treatment, but it didn’t happen so we decided to visit a specialist. My first consultation with the doctor was very good. She sent us to do several tests and told me to call her when we had the results to discuss them.

 

We were aware of my endometriosis and my hypothyroid condition. But there was even more – the results showed hyperprolactinemia. We discussed my case, the doctor put me in treatment to control prolactin levels, and she gave us our options. We agreed to try two cycles and if it didn’t work, then her recommendation was to try in-vitro fertilization. That option was not viable at that time because we didn’t have the money, so we had two opportunities to achieve pregnancy.

 

We started my first cycle of stimulation with injectables, but although everything seemed perfect, my first cycle failed and I couldn’t take my pain. We were destroyed, but we decided to continue with the last attempt, despite being almost hopeless.

 

It was our last chance, and I was terrified. After six years of trying, everything was against me. However, we had a little hope. This cycle, I responded much better to medications and had three mature follicles. On September 19, 2019, I took a test at home. I could not wait any longer!

 

POSITIVE. I was shaking. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe.

 

Our beta result: 108, confirmed I was pregnant. After six years, and after many tears, frustration and fears, we made it.

 

Today I dedicate myself, through my story, to make infertility visible on social networks and through my book. My purpose is giving hope and making sure that no woman feels alone in her process.

 

#WeCanALL help.

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