Becoming a parent is a cherished dream for many. However, conceiving and delivering a child can be a challenging journey for some. FAITH AJAYI explores the stories of several entertainers who have faced struggles with infertility.
Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun
Media presenter and producer, Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun, has been open about her challenges with childbearing. Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 16, she documented her journey in the YouTube series, “African and Pregnant.”
In a March 7, 2020, interview with Saturday Beats, Coker-Aderinokun detailed her in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) experience. “It was not only draining but life-threatening as I developed Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome. My stomach became swollen with fluids. I threw up blood and was aspirated every day for a week,” she shared. This syndrome causes the ovaries to swell and become painful, posing significant health risks.
In another interview with Chude Jideonwo, she spoke about the impact of PCOS on her life, including not menstruating for a year. The trauma of trying to conceive naturally led her to opt for IVF, which eventually succeeded. Coker-Aderinokun married in December 2016 and had her first child in November 2019.
Nse Ikpe-Etim
Talented actress Nse Ikpe-Etim is beloved for her on-screen roles but has faced her own battles with infertility. Diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition that led to the removal of her womb, she opened up about her struggle at the ‘Conversation with Nse’ event in Lagos on May 11, 2019. “I was told I couldn’t have kids, so I had to have a hysterectomy to regain my health. I’m telling women and men that it really doesn’t matter if you can’t bear children. What matters is what you contribute to the world,” she said.
Ikpe-Etim described her journey through depression and societal pressure. In a 2020 interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, she addressed online trolls and the pain caused by their insensitive comments. Speaking with Chude Jideonwo in May 2022, she mentioned that she and her husband are currently dog parents, and while adoption is a possibility, it is not in their immediate plans. Ikpe-Etim married Clifford Sule, her childhood sweetheart, on February 14, 2013.
Biola Adebayo
Actress and producer Biola Adebayo welcomed her first child in her forties after a long struggle with infertility. On May 30, 2023, she shared her journey on YouTube, revealing that she and her husband decided to pursue IVF or surrogacy after six months without success. After a failed IVF attempt, one cancelled surrogacy cycle, and three failed surrogacies, her fourth attempt resulted in the birth of her son via surrogacy on April 11, 2023.
Announcing the news on social media, she wrote, “After one failed IVF, one cancelled surrogacy, and three failed surrogate attempts in two years, God has blessed us with a son through our surrogate mum. We are grateful for this testimony. Thank you, Abba Father.”
Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington has also faced significant challenges in her journey to motherhood. Despite experiencing decayed twin embryos, three failed IVF procedures, and dealing with PCOS, she shared her story at the Waterbrook Church. After marrying Bankole Wellington (Banky W) in 2017, they hoped to conceive quickly. However, after multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts, including the loss of twins, they faced a tough journey.
“The doctors said I had PCOS and that Banky’s sperm morphology wasn’t right. After the third failed IVF, I decided I wasn’t going to try anymore. If God gives me a child, praise Jesus; if not, that’s okay,” she shared. Eventually, she conceived naturally and gave birth to their son Hazaiah in February 2021.
Toyin Abraham
Actress and producer Toyin Abraham shared her struggle with infertility in October 2019. After trying traditional medicine, she launched ‘Toyins Herbal Female Fertility Booster.’ Although her first marriage to actor Adeniyi Johnson didn’t result in a child, she later married actor Kolawole Ajeyemi, and they welcomed a baby boy in August 2019.
Etinosa Idemudia
Actress Etinosa Idemudia has been candid about her infertility struggles and PCOS. On January 18, 2024, she took to Instagram to share her journey, saying, “If God can bless me with a child after years of PCOS, tears, and shame, He can do it for you too.”
Idemudia revealed that she had been trying to conceive for seven years. In a 2021 interview with Saturday Beats, she recounted her high-risk pregnancy and eventual joy at becoming a mother. “I waited for about seven years before having this child. My advice to awaiting mothers is to relax and let go, as hard as it may sound,” she concluded.
Wumi Toriola
It wasn’t until her son Zion’s second birthday in October 2021 that Wumi Toriola revealed her struggles with conceiving. She wrote, “I think it’s about time to tell my little story, and this is to encourage someone. I wanted to rest after marriage before trying to conceive, but when that ‘rest’ period ended, I found myself unable to get pregnant. I didn’t think it was a problem until someone said, ‘Is it that easy? She is married, but she has never been pregnant.’ As a playful person, it didn’t hit me until six months had passed. Then, it started to dawn on me.
“I went to a fertility hospital, but the annoying part was needing to go with my partner. That was tough because it made it seem like I had damaged my womb.
“To cut the story short, I was told there was no issue, and that it would happen. I underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI) twice. After the last IUI, I started having symptoms of pregnancy even without a test. I thought I was pregnant and became overly cautious.
“One month passed, and I did a test, but alas, no conception. I was mad at myself—30 days of injections and ‘hard work’ for nothing. My doctor would laugh and assure me there was no issue with us. I lost hope in IUI and was ready for IVF; then my miraculous conception happened.
“I wish I could explain the anger and sadness I felt during those times of waiting, but one day, all that was forgotten.”
She concluded by saying, “To everyone looking for a miracle, the time is now, and it shall not tarry. Please, don’t take medical advice lightly.”
Conclusion
The stories of these entertainers highlight the often silent and painful struggle with infertility that many face. Despite their public personas and successful careers, they each battled personal and emotional challenges in their journey to parenthood. Their openness not only sheds light on the realities of infertility but also offers hope and encouragement to others going through similar struggles. Whether through medical intervention, surrogacy, or embracing different paths to parenthood, their experiences underscore the importance of resilience, support, and faith. As these celebrities share their journeys, they remind us that the path to parenthood can be complex and varied, but ultimately, it is filled with hope and possibility.
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