Megan McKenna Shares Rollercoaster Fertility Journey With ‘Months of Injections’
MEGAN McKenna has opened up about her rollercoaster fertility journey just weeks before her due date.
The TOWIE star, 32, is expecting her first child with footballer Oliver “Oli” Burke, 27, thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
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When Megan was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as a teenager, she always knew that becoming pregnant would not be an easy journey for her.
PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts that, in the absence of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant.
According to the World Health Organization, it is the leading cause of infertility.
Megan and Oli, who froze embryos early in their relationship, tried to conceive naturally for a while before heading to an IVF clinic.
“We tried it naturally for a while, but I just felt something wasn’t right,” says Megan.
“We decided to get checked out at an IVF clinic and wow, it was the best decision we ever made.
“We discovered that my uterine lining was very thin, which prevented our embryos from being naturally maintained in the implantation phase.
“Always go with your feelings.
“If we hadn’t gone and looked, who knows how long we would have tried, and it wouldn’t have happened naturally anyway.”
The reality star turned country singer got candid in an interview with the baby products brand, Silver Cross.
She courageously recalled “months of medication, injections and suffering from excessive hyperstimulation of her ovaries.”
This led to her being hospitalized for a week and requiring more injections until her uterine lining “finally” thickened.
“We lost a lot of embryos during the thawing process,” she says.
“We still don’t know why they didn’t survive, but we had two high-quality specimens that did.
How to apply for IVF through the NHS
If you have problems becoming pregnant, consult your doctor.
Your doctor will review your medical history and physically examine you.
Normally, you are only eligible for examination and treatment of infertility if you have been trying to conceive for at least a year without becoming pregnant.
Your GP may refer you to a fertility specialist at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic for this examination.
Once you see a specialist, they will ask about your fertility history and may perform another physical exam.
Women may have tests to check the hormone levels in their blood and how well their ovaries are working, as well as an ultrasound to see if there are any blockages or structural problems.
Men may be asked for a semen sample to test semen quality.
If IVF is the best treatment for you, the specialist will refer you to an assisted conception department.
“We were then able to use a frozen embryo for transfer.”
Megan and Oli moved to Germany during her third trimester because of his football career.
The Scottish professional was loaned out to Birmingham City last year, but is now back playing for his home club Werder Bremen.
Megan is now preparing to give birth abroad.
“I was nervous at first, but after the conversation with our consultant it put my mind at ease,” she says.
“The maternity ward was great and he showed us around the whole hospital.
‘My mother is flying over so she can be with me too.
“It’s so exciting.
“Not much longer and the baby will be here with all of us.”
