The Beginning of my IVF journey

This is my very first blog post, and I’m both nervous and excited to share it with you. For a long time, I hesitated to start this project. But I finally realized what I was really looking for — a community. A place to connect with others going through similar struggles, to talk openly about fertility, and to feel supported without judgment.

Before I continue, here’s a little about me. My name is Alexandra, and I’m originally from Germany, now living in the U.S. I’ve been here for many years, and while English feels like home, every now and then a bit of my German side sneaks in. So if you see a random “typisch” or “besser spät als nie” pop up — that’s just me being me.

And one quick note before we dive in: I’m not a doctor, psychologist, or fertility specialist — just a normal person sharing her experience. Nothing I write here is medical advice. My goal is simply to share my story, help others feel less alone, and maybe build a safe corner of the internet where we can all support each other.

From Germany to Texas

I got married when I was 30 years old — a little later than I once imagined, but hey, besser spät als nie! (aka - better late than never). Before that, I had spent years studying, working, and building my career. I first came to the U.S. as a student, eager to learn English and see the world. Eventually, I was lucky enough to be sponsored by my company, and this country became my second home.

A few years after meeting my husband, we focused on stability, bought a home in Dallas, and finally felt ready for the next chapter — starting a family.

The Excitement (and the Amazon Carts)

When we decided to try for a baby, I went all in. I bought the fertility books, the ovulation trackers, the supplements, and even that “fertility-friendly” lube everyone online swore by. I tracked everything — temperatures, symptoms, moods. I was basically running a one-woman fertility lab.

My husband, being the scientist he is, didn’t exactly believe in all the supplements. Typisch, right? But I still tried to sneak a few vitamins into his yogurt or Coca-Cola whenever I could. Let’s just say I got creative.

When Worry Kicks In

After months with no success, I started to worry. Some cycles didn’t show an LH surge, and I had a feeling something wasn’t right. My OB-GYN ran some tests, and that’s when I learned that my AMH levels were very low. It was a hard moment — one that changed everything.

She advised us not to wait any longer and referred me straight to an IVF specialist. I was lucky that my job provided partial insurance coverage — not perfect, but enough to start. My first medicated cycle didn’t lead to pregnancy, but it marked the true beginning of this journey.

A quick note: if you have insurance, check with your provider before starting any treatments. My plan required three failed medicated cycles or IUIs before covering IVF — a detail that made a big difference in planning my next steps.

Looking Ahead

Part One of my story ends here, but this is just the beginning. The road ahead would take me through many IVF cycles, FETs, donor eggs, treatment overseas, and countless emotional ups and downs. It’s a journey full of hope, heartbreak, and learning to find strength in the little victories along the way.

I’m sharing this part of my story because I want anyone reading to know that you are not alone. Even when it feels overwhelming, there are steps you can take, and a community that can support you.

Thank you for being here and reading my story. Please come back for Part Two — there’s so much more to share, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

With love and hope,

Alexandra 💛