Battling Infertility Together: Shaun and Jenna's Journey to Parenthood

Having no sperm destroyed me, ‘Spermageddon’ is coming for us all by 2045

From Heartbreak to Hope: Shaun and Jenna’s Journey Through Infertility

Shaun and Jenna’s Journey to Parenthood

When Shaun and Jenna Greenaway discovered he was infertile, their world turned upside down. But their journey through heartbreak and hope has a powerful message about love, resilience, and the many paths to becoming a family.

The Beginning: A Love Story

Jenna met Shaun at policing school in 2008. Part of a tight-knit group of friends, their connection deepened into a romance after they left school. They married in 2013, spending their early years together enjoying hobbies like traveling, snowboarding, and cycling. They cherished their carefree days, but by 2017, they felt ready to start a family.

The Heartbreaking Discovery

Despite their eagerness, months of trying to conceive brought no success. Almost a year in, they sought help from their GP. Shaun had a suspicion his past bout with mumps might be the culprit. Jenna’s tests came back clear, but Shaun received a call at work in January 2018 with a life-changing diagnosis: azoospermia, a condition where a man has no sperm.

Shaun was devastated. He felt he had failed Jenna and even suggested she leave him to find someone who could give her children. But Jenna stood by him, assuring him they would find a way through. Though her heart ached with questions and fears, her love for Shaun remained unwavering.

Searching for Solutions

Determined not to give up, Shaun’s doctors recommended further tests and procedures. In March 2019, Shaun underwent a varicocele embolisation, a procedure intended to improve sperm production by lowering the temperature of his testes. They knew it had only a 30% chance of success, but they held onto hope. Three months later, their hopes were dashed when they learned the procedure had failed.

Shaun, struggling with shame and embarrassment, hid their visits to the clinic from friends and colleagues, pretending they were routine dental appointments. Jenna’s heart broke seeing him suffer in silence.

In August 2019, they tried one last procedure: Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction (MicroTESE). This invasive surgery involved a urologist examining Shaun’s testicles under a microscope. After two hours, they found no sperm. Anticipating this outcome, Jenna and Shaun had already discussed using donor sperm.

Embracing Donor Conception

Shaun’s grief over not passing on his genetics was profound, but he insisted they use Jenna’s healthy eggs with donor sperm. They carefully selected a donor with traits similar to both of them, focusing on physical characteristics but avoiding other details to prevent preconceived notions about their future children’s personalities.

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In December 2019, Jenna underwent the egg retrieval process. Delayed by COVID-19 lockdowns, two healthy embryos were finally implanted in May 2020. By July, Jenna was pregnant. The couple felt cautious optimism, hesitant to celebrate too soon.

The Joy of New Life

August brought the first scan, revealing two healthy babies. As Jenna’s pregnancy progressed, Shaun found solace in self-help books and podcasts, eventually sharing their journey with friends and colleagues. Their support lifted a significant weight off his shoulders.

Shaun’s desire to help others led him to work with Fertility Matters at Work and start a social media support group called Knackered Knackers. He connected with other men experiencing similar struggles, transforming his pain into a source of support and community.

A Happy Ending

In February 2021, twins Ray and Evelyn were born. Holding their babies for the first time was a priceless moment. Genetics faded in importance as the bond between Shaun and his children grew. The twins, now three, are thriving, and Shaun and Jenna plan to be open with them about their origins, hoping it will highlight how deeply they were wanted and loved.

Shaun reflects on his journey with gratitude for Jenna’s unwavering support. Infertility challenged his identity, but he emerged stronger, helping others navigate similar paths.

Shaun and Jenna’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the many ways families can be formed. It reminds us that biology isn’t the only path to parenthood; sometimes, the heart’s capacity for love defines family more than genetics ever could.

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