Infertility brings frustration and heartbreak for so many couples, and it isn’t an easy topic to talk about for those women in the midst of it. Blogger Lori Green LeRoy knows these pains firsthand, but she’s opting to poke fun at some of the crazier aspects of the trials of infertility in her new book, The Inadequate Conception: From Barry White to Blastocytes: What your mom didn’t tell you about getting pregnant.
LeRoy makes her intent for the book clear from the beginning, stating that she is not necessarily sad about her infertility experiences, although she does get frustrated and angry. She’s taking the approach that by sharing her own funny observations and stories, as well as those of others facing infertility challenges, a type of catharsis may be the result. LeRoy doesn’t hold back any punches, and her descriptions of the (ahem) invasive appointments aren’t for the squeamish. For all the doctors, tests, treatments, and “samples,” the discomfort couples feel can so often be accompanied by laughter and levity.
From the beginning stages of seeking fertility assistance to undertaking the most complex treatments available, LeRoy shares stories of humorous moments. Here’s a sample of one related to the author:
Another pregnancy-seeking pal told me about the ridiculous brochures she and her husband were given when they were experienceing fertility problems. I guess they looked like something from the 1970s and were not only graphically ugly, but sexist. There were sensitive pencil drawings of sad women on the front– one of whom was inexplicably wearing footie pajamas. I’m no fertility doctor, but if you’re wearing footie pajamas to bed, it might be a deterrent to getting pregnant. I doubt that it is instrumental in instilling any romantic notions from your spouse.”
While I haven’t had issues with infertility myself, LeRoy’s authenticity and comfortable tone makes her stories accessible to any woman. The details of treatment options and the subsequent side effects are not for the faint of heart, and I respect the couples who go this road in their quest to become parents. It may not all be pretty or comfortable to talk about, but LeRoy gives a voice to those women (and men, too) who have put themselves in embarrassing positions with medical staff, been poked and prodded, and have lived to tell the tales in The Inadequate Conception.
Dawn’s love for books, NPR obsession, and funny-kid stories all help to make up the craziness that is her blog, my thoughts exactly.
This book sounds really interesting. I’m increasingly fascinated by fertility issues and becoming pregnant when you don’t want to and not becoming pregnant when you do. You make this book sound really intriguing. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Thanks Carrie- this is definitely the lighter side of infertility, but LeRoy also puts a real face on what some couples face.
Thanks for commenting!