Jessica White is still determined to become a mother following her traumatic 2020 miscarriage with ex-boyfriend Nick Cannon. In an exclusive interview with Page Six, published July 18, the 40-year-old model revealed that she was undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to successfully conceive on her own.
“The hormones are running rampant. I’m having hot flashes, I’m crying all the time. I’m mad about the wind blowing,” White told the outlet. “It’s working!”
IVF is a medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, typically in a laboratory dish. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then implanted into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.
IVF is often used to treat infertility caused by various factors, such as blocked fallopian tubes, cysts, or unexplained infertility. It can also be an option for individuals or couples who have difficulty conceiving through natural methods. Typically, daily injectable fertility drugs are administered to stimulate the growth and maturation of the woman’s eggs, according to the IVF Center.
White jokingly referred to herself as a “pin cushion,” noting how she’s constantly taking IVF shots under her treatment plan to make her dreams of motherhood come true. “We’re going to go in next month and retrieve all the eggs,” she continued. “You get tired of being picked … and having to stab yourself in the stomach. It’s crazy, but it’s worth it.”
Jessica White had more than one miscarriage along her journey to becoming a mother.
After her emotional miscarriage with Cannon, White remained persistent in her goal to have a child, but her journey has been filled with ups and downs. Doctors discovered that the model had “a sizable uterine fibroid and 10-centimeter cyst preventing her from successfully carrying a fetus to term,” Page Six noted.
Black women suffer from fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, at a disproportionate rate. According to McLeod Health, it is estimated that 25% of Black women will experience fibroids by the age of 25, and this prevalence increases to 80% by the age of 50, compared to 70% for white females. Due to the earlier onset of fibroids among Black women, they are also two to three times more likely to require surgery for fibroid-related issues.
“I had six miscarriages,” White revealed. “No baby could actually survive in my womb in the first place. It is a very lonely and isolating experience.”
Despite her painful experience, the Buffalo, New York, native remains hopeful that she will be able to achieve pregnancy using IVF. “I just keep thinking about those sweet two little babies that I’ll be implanting in my womb in the next couple of months,” the 5-foot-10 muse added, noting how she has already found the perfect sperm donor. “I have my baby’s daddy … and I’m stuck on that being the one.”
Is IVF successful for Black women?
The success rate of IVF can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the quality and quantity of the eggs and sperm, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. Generally, success rates for IVF are reported per cycle of treatment and can range widely.
According to a 2020 CDC report, shared by Fertility Space, the national average success rate for women under 35 achieving pregnancy on their first IVF attempt, defined as the first egg retrieval, is 55.1%. However, this success rate decreases progressively with age. For women aged 35 to 37, the success rate is 40.5%. Those aged 38 to 40 experience a lower success rate at 26.4%, while women over 40 have the lowest success rate at 8.2%, as per CDC data.
It’s important to note that IVF success can also be influenced by factors such as the woman’s overall health, the presence of any underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Additionally, some couples may require multiple IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Outcomes can also vary widely depending on ethnicity. A 2022 study analyzing 71,389 patient cycles following IVF procedures found that Black women showed a notably higher miscarriage rate of 8.0%, compared to 6.9% for white women, 7.4% for Hispanic/Latino women, and 7.5% for Asian women.
This disparity was particularly stark between Black and white patients but less pronounced when comparing Black patients to Hispanic or Asian patients. Furthermore, clinical pregnancy rates varied significantly across racial groups, with Black women achieving a rate of 45%, notably lower than rates observed in white (52%), Hispanic/Latino (52%), and Asian (53%) patients.
“The factors associated with the disparate outcomes of Black women undergoing IVF outcomes include older age starting IVF, higher body mass index, tubal factor infertility, and diabetes,” the study noted.
Consulting with a fertility specialist can provide more personalized information and help determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.
We’re wishing you the best of luck Jessica White!
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