Nov2008
Celebrities & Infertility
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Today, it's Julianne Hough, one of the pro dancers
on "Dancing with the Stars." Before that, it was
someone else. Another day, another name in the
limelight added to the roster of people with fertility-
impacting conditions.
Should you care about these personal revelations
about one of life's most intimate journeys?
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Public lives are hot items
For just a few years now, celebrities have either
revealed their infertility problems to the media or been
exposed through rumors. At first, secrecy surrounding
fertility treatment was the rule. Eventually, the stigma
of infertility started to fade. Some people give partial
credit for that occurrence to actors, singers, models,
and others who are well-liked by the public and are
willing to let the world in on their private lives.
One website has a page titled "
Celebrities with
infertility" which lists the names and brief infertility
accounts of many people who live in the spotlight.
Some are parents now, while others may be
continuing with treatment or changed their focus. All
anyone has to do for more is a Web search
for "celebrities and infertility."
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What's in it for you?
When famous people reveal their infertility struggles,
the result can be positive. More people in general are
made aware of the incidence of many common but
quiet conditions, like endometriosis in the case of
Julianne Hough. Greater awareness of infertility can
result in more than just sympathy; some think it could
add up to more chances at treatment-friendly
legislation, like mandating infertility insurance
coverage.
Julianne's situation -- in which she was treated for a
ruptured endometrioma, which might be linked to
fertility problems later -- is also an example where
younger women are made aware of the need to
protect their future fertility.
The impact of famous faces is important in the de-
stigmatizing of infertility. Patients often express
appreciation for celebrities who choose to share their
pain publicly. It can help them feel less like hiding and
more like taking action to resolve their own infertility.
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Privacy's firm line
While we're being grateful to those who are open
about their baby-making efforts, we should also
remember that no one owes that very private
information to the public. Titillating speculation about
how people "finally" conceived or seemed to suddenly
have children does not serve to support or educate the
public's needs for education about the real issues
surrounding infertility and its treatment.
I firmly believe that any patient, regardless of their
celebrity status in life, should be completely free to
have their confidentiality maintained and supported.
I'm happy to talk with you privately about rumors you
may have heard about various treatments and
possibilities. Rest assured that your complete privacy
is a priority.
Sincerely,
Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD
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