Celebrity Infertility Spotlight: Samantha Busch

Infertility is often a taboo subject. However, when celebrities speak up about their struggles, it helps the general public understand how “normal” it is to have difficulty getting pregnant. It’s also cathartic to discuss the emotional turmoil of infertility with others who have experienced it. 

Samantha Busch—wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch—discusses her life on social media and as a cast member of CMT’s Racing Wives. From providing play-by-plays of Kyle’s races to discussing the couple’s infertility to documenting their heartbreaking miscarriage, no topic is off-limits. 

Samantha’s journey into motherhood started in 2012 at age 26 when she and Kyle decided to start a family. She chronicled her journey on social media, stating: 

“Trying to have a baby was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in life…You could handle one, two, three, four negative pregnancy tests. But by that ninth, 10th, 11th [one], that’s when it’s hard. It’s hard to pick up the pieces again.” 

She even opened up about the mental health struggles of treating infertility, saying: 

“We started the fertility drugs. They don’t tell you too much about the side effects of them. You turn insane. Nobody’s telling you what’s happening to yourself as a woman and what’s happening to your marriage. Nobody’s telling you that you’re going to sit on the floor and cry for hours and your husband’s going to be there to support you, but at the same time, you’re like, ‘What if I can’t give him kids?’” 

Samantha and Kyle’s son, Brexton, joined the Busch family in 2015 via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In an effort to comfort other couples facing similar challenges, Samantha shared her experience with IVF more in-depth when the couple pursued it again last year to have a second child.  

The procedure resulted in pregnancy, but Samantha disclosed the devastating news that she had had a miscarriage in November 2018: 

“Earlier this week I suffered a miscarriage. We lost our baby girl. My heart hurts more than words can describe.” 

While her original intent had been to help others “[not] feel so alone,” it was Samantha who received an outpouring of support from “so many women who had been through the exact same thing and understood the emotion that I was feeling and the pain and the confusion.” 

Though speaking up about infertility can be difficult, Samantha says being open about it has been therapeutic. More women share her experience than most people realize. Up to 15 percent of people who know they’re pregnant have a miscarriage. That’s why, through the Kyle Busch Foundation, the couple launched the Bundle of Joy Fund to help couples cover the cost of IVF, which can run thousands of dollars. Samantha continues to share her journey and provide online support to those who need it. 

Vasectomy can be a major roadblock to a couple’s fertility, but with vasectomy reversal, you can get back on the path to parenthood. To schedule a free consultation, please call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at 941.894.6428. 

How Infertility Can Negatively Impact Your Relationship in More Ways Than One

Even the best marriage can run into trouble when facing the challenges of infertility. Feelings of resentment and disappointment can creep in, and communication can become a struggle. Infertility doesn’t necessarily mean you can never have children, but it does mean that you and your partner will have to try harder than some other people, which can be a challenge. The best way to face it, as with any obstacle in your married life, is together. Be aware of common issues, and be proactive in keeping your marriage strong.  

• Don’t let fertility become an obsession. The tedium of charting, doctor’s appointments, giving samples, having injections, and more can make it feel like infertility is your whole life, and waiting for the results can be excruciating. Don’t let it all overwhelm you, but find ways to connect with your partner that doesn’t involve family planning. Have a weekly date night, making a rule that you can’t talk about babies.  
• Recognize that life is all about making a new plan. You have to live the life you have, even if it’s not the one you expected. Learning all about infertility, seeking new ways to communicate with your partner, and making a plan to move forward can help alleviate some of your stress.  
• Keep your sex life fun. When your sex life is all about fertility apps, calendars, and basal thermometers, it becomes less than sexy. Prioritize date night, making a point to connect in ways that have nothing to do with conception.  

• Try not to take your frustrations out on each other. When you’re living with the pain of not being able to conceive, it’s easy to become angry, depressed, or resentful. It’s important to learn how to communicate honestly and calmly, learning to compromise without resorting to anger. Remember that you are in it together, avoid placing blame, and take comfort in the love and compassion you have for each other.  
• Don’t allow infertility to isolate you. Infertility can be emotionally isolating, so reach out to others sharing your experience by finding a good support group, either online or locally.  
• Be realistic and cooperative when it comes to money. Fertility treatments are expensive, so it’s important to keep emotions out of your budget and come up with a realistic plan together.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and offer a payment plan for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Should Men Take Pre-Natal Vitamins?

When you’re trying to conceive, it’s extremely important to take care of your health. A woman who is trying to get pregnant will work to stay at a healthy weight, watch her diet, stop drinking and smoking, and take prenatal vitamins, to make sure she gives her potential baby the very best start possible. But what about the potential father? Men can also take steps to improve their fertility, including taking prenatal vitamins. 

Many of the things men can do to up their chances of fathering a child are the same things that women do when they’re trying to conceive. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and eating a healthful diet are all good steps to take, as are getting enough sleep and reducing stress. Additionally, men who want to procreate should not wear constrictive underwear or take long soaks in the bath or hot tub.  

Why take all of these measures? A man’s age, diet, and lifestyle can have an effect on his sperm health, which has an impact on fertility but also on the child’s development and long-term health. A newborn’s predisposition for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can result from poor behavior or health of the mother or father before they even conceive. Three to six months prior to conception is a great time to improve your lifestyle, and that includes taking a prenatal vitamin.  

The best prenatal vitamin for a man to take is not the same as a woman’s prenatal vitamin because some of the nutrients in prenatal vitamins can cause problems for men. It’s advised that men take a multivitamin formulated for adults or specifically for men, rather than taking a prenatal vitamin formulated for a woman. Men need nutrients like calcium and iron, which are in prenatal vitamins, but not at the doses those vitamins contain. In fact, too much calcium has been linked to cardiovascular disease in men, and too much iron can lead to a host of issues, including gastrointestinal problems, liver problems, and dangerously low blood pressure. What’s more, prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which is important for women to take to prevent birth defects, but which has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Before taking any kind of supplement, it’s smart to talk to your doctor and get a recommendation for the right formulation for you.  

One major roadblock to a man’s fertility is a vasectomy, but even that can be overcome with new microsurgery techniques for reconnecting the vas deferens. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

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