I’m 43 years old and Karla is 30. It was essential for us that our baby would be a part of both of us. Karla had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which turned out to be advantageous as it meant we had numerous frozen eggs available.
Coming to terms with being gay, I had once thought having children wouldn’t be part of my life. However, meeting Karla, who desired children, changed that mindset. We contacted a fertility institute and began our journey. The process required synchronization of our menstrual cycles, medication, and Karla undergoing injections to stimulate and mature her eggs, while I prepared my uterus. Karla’s PCOS, initially seen as a hurdle, provided us with many eggs for potential insemination.
The process was not easy and came with discomfort, but our yearning for a child far outweighed these challenges. The doctors were always supportive. Our embryo transfer took place on November 18, 2019, leading to an anxious and expectant wait. I had a feeling I was pregnant, and when we received confirmation, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Despite the odds, we succeeded on our first attempt.
We followed medical advice meticulously, extending recommended bed rest and I even left my job to ensure the best possible outcome. Initially, we had a twin pregnancy, but by the sixth week, one embryo did not develop, which was deeply upsetting. During the pandemic, we moved to Monterrey to be with our families, wary of hospitals and concerned about potential health risks, like pre-eclampsia, due to my age. My blood pressure rose significantly in the last two weeks, leading to anxiety and nightmares. The day before my cesarean, my high blood pressure led to an earlier anesthesia, making me feel less present during the birth.
Karla had her fears too, but they dissipated when our son was born. Camilo arrived on July 22nd with a low birth weight. Though not everything went as planned, it was an incredibly beautiful experience and the happiest day of our lives. We achieved this with a mix of science and abundant love. It’s hard to imagine life without him now.
To women aspiring to become mothers, the key is taking that first step with clear decision-making and focus. Modern science offers many possibilities, including egg donation, insemination, and IVF. It’s a testament to the fact that we all have the right to a family, regardless of age or conditions like PCOS.
