Campaign Story

Hi, my name is Essence and in 2020, I decided that I no longer wanted to be on birth control. I was 23 at the time and I had just ended a relationship and I figured there was no need to be taking birth control at the time. However as time went by I noticed that my cycle had not returned. My gynecologist at the time just told me to wait it out, it could take months. I felt as if she was not taking my concerns seriously so I changed doctors. After testing, I was diagnosed by my new doctor with Premature Ovarian Failure and it was recommended that I freeze my eggs for when I am ready. Unfortunately, after ultrasounds it was discovered that I did not have eggs left to freeze. At 24 years old, I was devastated. It sent me into a depression and I was truly in denial. My body was basically going into menopause in my twenties. I was having hot flashes and all the menopausal symptoms. It is a diagnosis that I still struggle with internally and symptomatically. I work in foster care and working with children that have been abused and neglected by their parents, while not being able to have my own has been extremely hard for me. I have watched people take childbearing for granted while I and so many others struggle with it.