Amy Schumer Thanks Fans, Gives Out Phone Number For Support Amid IVF Struggles
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Comedian Amy Schumer opened up on social media about feeling "lucky" in her current pregnancy efforts, thanking fans for support in her "painful and mentally grueling" fertility struggles and giving our her personal phone number to others wanting to talk about IVF.
"My number is in my bio if you are open to text me your experience or whatever you feel like," the New York-born celebrity said on her Instagram account about in vitro fertilization.
She welcomed texts from her 9.7 million followers via 1 (917) 970-9333, reports CBS2's Valerie Castro.
"I read them when I can't sleep or have time," she said.
The 38-year-old Schumer, star of the movie "Trainwreck" and TV series "Inside Amy Schumer," has one son with husband Chris Fischer. They are trying for a second child, using IVF to help.
"They retrieved 35 eggs from me. Not bad for the old gal right? Then 26 fertilized! Whoah right?" she said. "For all of those we got 1 normal embryo from that and 2 low level mosaic (mosaic means there are some abnormal cells but can still lead to a healthy baby) So we feel lucky we got 1!"
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She praised the support she's seen from fans and mothers who also went through IVF.
"Patients learn from each other," said Dr. Zaher Merhi of New Hope Fertility. "I think understanding other peoples' stories, you might relate to that better."
Merhi, the director of IVF research, helps patients at New Hope Fertility in Columbus Circle bring new life into the world. He says though infertility isn't really talked about, it's actually very common.
"Some people take it personally, as if they did something wrong or something is wrong with them," he said. "I respectfully disagree because it's an extremely common problem. Infertility is actually labeled as a disease."
The typically costly treatment is more now attainable. As of January 2020, large insurance carriers in New York State must cover up to three cycles of IVF for people with a medical diagnosis of infertility.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 12 to 13 couples out of every 100 in the United States have trouble becoming pregnant.
A couple should seek medical help if they have not been able to become pregnant after 12 months of having sex regularly without birth control.
If the woman is 35 years or older, she should see a healthcare provider after six months of trying to get pregnant.
"So many women go through many rounds of ivf which is painful and mentally grueling," said Schumer. "I heard from hundreds of women about my their miscarriages and struggles and also many hopeful stories about how after rounds and rounds of ivf it worked!! It has been really encouraging. Thank you."
Schumer was born on the Upper East Side and grew up on Long Island. She's related to New York's senior senator, Chuck Schumer, on her father's side.