Finding Strength Through Fertility Challenges: Jessica Lee’s Story
Meet Jessica Lee, a patient at Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), whose fertility journey is still very much in progress—filled with ups, downs, and moments of courage. She and her care team are continuing to work toward her dream of becoming a parent. In sharing her story, Jessica hopes to give others navigating infertility a sense of connection and encouragement.
The Journey Begins
When Jessica and her husband, Josh, tied the knot in 2021, they immediately began dreaming of growing their family. But as months turned into a year with no success, they knew it was time to seek help. First, they sought support from Jessica’s obstetrician gynecologist.
“My OB/GYN thought I might have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Jessica shared. “We tried several rounds of [timed intercourse] with Letrozole, but nothing worked.” With these setbacks, Jessica decided to research fertility clinics on her own. In March 2024, she came across Indiana Fertility Institute and Dr. Meredith Provost, who eventually became her physician.
After a new patient consultation and initial diagnostics, Dr. Provost discovered that Jessica’s Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels were low and that she did not have PCOS as Jessica’s OB/GYN initially suspected. Jessica’s treatment plan began with a cycle of timed intercourse and medication, and then two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI), all of which were unsuccessful. It was at that point Dr. Provost decided it was time to move forward with one round of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
“I felt so much hope going into our cycle,” Jessica recalls. “[It felt] like this was the closest we had ever been to our baby.” Sadly, their first round of IVF did not result in a pregnancy.
Navigating the Highs and Lows
Despite the challenges, Jessica emphasizes how supported she felt at every step.
“The team at IFI is so supportive and compassionate,” she said. “Ali, the ultrasound tech, is so upbeat and makes frequent ultrasounds less mundane. The OR team is also incredibly kind. I’ll never forget the nurse who held my hand and handed me tissues as I cried happy tears after a successful egg retrieval. And Dr. Provost has held my hand before every sedated procedure—I’ve done three at this point. The team at IFI is just genuinely caring and kind.”
These small but meaningful acts made a huge difference for Jessica during such an emotional journey.
The hardest part for Jessica has been coping with failed cycles. “Even when you’re cautiously optimistic, getting another negative test is devastating,” she admitted. “I was blessed with an incredible support system. My husband and best friend carried me through every injection, tear, and failure. And I see a wonderful therapist regularly who helps me process everything.” Jessica was also careful to avoid spending too much time on social media.
Through the pain, Jessica has discovered strength she didn’t know she had. “Seeing and feeling my body pushed to the test mentally and physically has made me so proud of myself,” she said. The success of her egg retrieval procedure was a particularly special moment. “I think I had lost a lot of hope in my body and was really dogging on it for being overweight or not being able to get pregnant,” she remembers. “To have my body respond so well to the stims and finally do what I was asking it to was nice.”
Lessons and Encouragement
When reflecting on what she wishes she had known early on, Jessica shared: “The schedule I had in my head? Throw it out the window. My body was on its own timeline!”
Her advice for others considering fertility treatment is heartfelt and real: “It’s going to be hard. You’re going to cry. But this journey will bring you your people. And you can do this. If no one else believes in you, I do.”
A Message of Hope
Jessica’s journey is still unfolding, but her courage and honesty offer hope to others navigating infertility. Her story is a reminder that behind every treatment plan is a team of compassionate providers—and a patient whose strength is worth celebrating.