Inna Shevchenko became a mother at 46: a story you need to know in hospitals

At 46, she held a positive pregnancy test in her hands, but before that, she had to go through years of struggle and search for appropriate medical conditions. Inna Shevchenko’s story demonstrates that sometimes hope can outweigh statistical numbers.

Inna always dreamed of becoming a mother, but it always seemed that the time for this had not yet come. Career, travel, self-realization – all this seemed more important. She thought that she would still have time to make her choice.

While she was actively building her life, her body was facing changes that she had no idea about. In 2022, together with her partner, Laurent, they decided to try to conceive.

They underwent various tests and received specialist consultations. Everything seemed to be normal, but no gynecologist drew their attention to the fact that after 35 years, the chances of conception begin to decrease, and after 43, they become practically zero.

With the outbreak of the war, the dream of parenthood faded into the background. A year later, the couple revisited this topic and consulted one of the leading reproductive specialists in Paris. The impressions from the visit to the clinic were stunning, but the doctor was categorical:

“It’s a pity, but you’re already 44. In France, they don’t accept such patients, either as part of the state program or for payment. The chances are minimal.”

This was a shock for Inna because no doctor explained to her that at 43, the chances of successful conception are only 10-20%. However, at 44, only 3-5% of people. Egg quality indicators begin to decline at 35.

But the couple did not break down. Inna underwent hormonal protocols for six months, hoping for natural conception, but the attempts were unsuccessful. The next step was choosing a clinic in Turkey. She and Laurent spent a lot of time searching for the best institution in Istanbul.

The apartment was conveniently located next to the clinic where Inna underwent hormone-related procedures. The body was being prepared for the intervention: the follicles were ready, and the endometrium was prepared.

After the first puncture, the doctor said, “We received several eggs; we will try to fertilize.”

But the next day, she received a call with disappointing news: “Unfortunately, none of the eggs were fertilized.”

Three months later, the couple began a new protocol. This time, several eggs were fertilized, but by the fifth day, only one embryo had survived. The results of genetic tests were disappointing, as a genetic anomaly had been detected.

Inna returned home exhausted and without hope. But it was impossible to give up. After a short pause, they decided to change their approach radically – the country, the clinic, and the methodology.

Their new choice fell on Spain, where reproductive medicine is considered a woman’s right. In Barcelona, the doctor assured them that there were chances, albeit small ones.

The third protocol, the third administration of anesthesia. Without illusions, but with optimism in their hearts. And — the onset of a miracle. One embryo went through all the stages of development. It was transferred, and the wait began.

Inna did more than twenty tests. At first, only a faint strip appeared, then it became clearer. And for the first time in her life, she held a test with two important strips in her hands.

If someone had ever been warned about all this, her story could have turned out entirely differently. That is why Inna decided to share her experience.

This story can serve as a crucial signal for those who have not yet dared. Inna’s story is a happy exception to the general trend. Many women have been unable to realize their dreams due to impulsive decisions, silence, and the thought that “there is still time.”

So, the main message from Inna is: don’t put it off until later. Even if you don’t have plans to have children yet, consider freezing your eggs. This can serve as a precautionary measure for the future.