For many couples struggling to conceive, undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an intense, largely private experience. In order to shed some light on their journey, a St. Louis couple are undergoing the fertility treatment... on live TV.
For the past nine years, 33 year olds Jessica Menkhausen and Derek Manion have suffered the highs and lows of trying to start a family. The couple has even put off their wedding in order to fund the costly fertility treatment.
Two ectopic pregnancies later, Menkhausen has decided to go public with her journey in the hopes of helping other couples facing the same emotional and physical roller coaster.
"Why would I want to share my story, knowing in the back of my mind it could very well end in heartbreak?" said Menkhausen. "If I had to answer in a word, I would call it 'enlightenment.' ... sharing my story is helping me deal with some of my own fears, by courageously facing them head on."
According to an article in Today Moms, Menkhausen's fertility issues began when she was a teen experiencing endometriosis. She then tells how the painful condition caused her to lose her fetuses and both fallopian tubes on two separate occasions.
Her story will be broadcast live on Today as part of the week-long series #BornTODAY.
If you are considering IVF, will you watch Menkhausen to see what's involved in the medical procedure?
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