The Good News Is, You Don’t Have Endometriosis by Jade Barrett
What's It About?
"The Good News Is, You Don’t Have Endometriosis"is a hilariously intense story of Jade Barrett’s IVF quest to parenthood and how you can advocate for the best possible care from infertility clinics.The stats seem to vary, but according to the World Health Organization, about 15% of couples worldwide are unable to conceive after trying to get pregnant for one year. I’ve even read the number can be as high as 1 out of 4. This is not something I have experienced myself, but I know many women in my life who have struggled with infertility. Some have had successful outcomes with IVF (and other alternative methods) and some, sadly, have not. I have seen what a difficult process this is … physically, mentally, financially.
If you or someone you know is faced with infertility, then The Good News Is, You Don’t Have Endometriosis by Jade Barrett is a must read. It’s a manageable book (just about 100 pages) with short chapters that are easy to read, but it is chock full of helpful information.
As Barrett states in the introduction, “I hope my story inspires you to be persistent and to be your own best advocate, whether that’s during the IVF process or with anything else you pursue in life.” Reading the author’s experience is like having your best friend take you by the hand and lead you through the landmines of infertility and IVF with humor, compassion, empathy and advice.
Jade appeared to have it all. She was in her 30s, had an amazing husband, a good job, was healthy, successful, and happy. The time just seemed right to have a baby and start growing their family. All should have gone well. But after all those younger years carefully and diligently doing everything to avoid pregnancy, all of a sudden it just wasn’t happening. After several years of trying “the old-fashioned way” Jade and her husband, Brendan, finally entered the world of infertility. Jade just couldn’t believe this was happening to her and it really threw her into a tailspin.
Jade is very open and honest about her feelings and all the challenges that come with dealing with infertility and doing IVF. She writes about her experiences to help others facing similar circumstances. She opens up about the emotional toll the process takes (and suggests seeing a therapist to help you cope), acknowledges the “knuckleheads” who try to help with unhelpful pep talks (“Just relax, and it’ll happen.” / “Maybe you two should take a vacation.” / “Maybe it’s just not God’s plan for you to be parents. / Ok, NOT helpful!). She acknowledges that a woman going through infertility feels angry/frustrated, ashamed, isolated, inadequate/like a failure/out of control, but in actuality is a “badass,” resilient, determined, courageous, and mentally and physically strong. She’s been there, she knows and offers helpful advice from the “inside.”
Going through infertility and IVF is tough. It’s hard on a marriage, friendships, personal mental health — not to mention the physical and financial toll. And the really sad part is that it doesn’t always work. But it’s important for those going through it to know that they’re not alone (even if it often feels like they are).
As the author says, “If you take away nothing else from this book, please know that you have to be your own best advocate when it comes to IVF (and health care in general). As much as [your doctors and nurses] may care about your health, you are the one who has to live in your body and handle the treatments.” She goes on to say, “If you’re experiencing infertility, I hope you will feel a little less isolated by reading my story.” Now, THAT’s a real help!
About the author:
Jade Barrett is an American high school teacher who experienced infertility from 2017-2021.
She hopes to help other women and couples who are struggling with infertility through her story, The Good News Is, You Don’t Have Endometriosis: How I Survived IVF with My Sanity (Mostly) Intact.
It is the story of triumph over adversity and how you can advocate from the best possible care from your fertility clinic.
