Kristine Sheriff and her husband, Dan, have been sharing their fertility struggles with their followers, revealing the emotional challenges and resilience they’ve faced along the way. The couple, who have been together since their teenage years, met in high school and began dating at 17. Dan, recalling their early days together, asked Kristine to be his date for their senior prom, and just days later, they became a couple. Their love story has remained strong, even as they navigated the difficult journey of infertility.
Now 35, Kristine was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 19. PCOS, a hormonal condition, is a common cause of infertility, making conception and pregnancy more challenging. While the couple didn’t actively try to conceive in the early years of their relationship, by the time they reached 25, they officially started trying to grow their family. Unfortunately, the road to pregnancy wasn’t an easy one.
Kristine shares with PEOPLE that after several months of trying naturally, they sought medical intervention. The couple underwent fertility treatments, resulting in the retrieval of 27 eggs. However, only nine of those eggs successfully fertilized and were frozen for future use. Their second round of IVF in November 2021 led to one of their embryos being implanted, but tragically, their hopes for a “Christmas miracle” were dashed when they suffered a miscarriage in January 2021, just after hearing their baby’s heartbeat.
The emotional toll of this loss was profound, and Kristine needed time to grieve and heal. During this period, she decided to address her PCOS symptoms more directly, opting for weight loss surgery. She documented her transformation online, shedding nearly 100 pounds, and, feeling empowered by the support she received, began to share her fertility journey with her TikTok followers.
Kristine’s decision to be transparent about her experience resonated with many, as infertility affects about one in six people globally, with PCOS being the leading cause among women. For those with PCOS, lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, are often recommended to improve the chances of conception.
Kristine’s optimism was tested during their third IVF transfer attempt, but despite her weight loss, neither of the two embryos successfully implanted. Still, she remains hopeful and committed to exploring new options with their medical team. “We’ve had our share of setbacks,” she says, “but we’re not giving up on our dream.”
To mark a significant milestone in their relationship, Kristine and Dan renewed their vows in Ireland for their 10th wedding anniversary. The couple now has three frozen embryos remaining and is hopeful that their Irish celebration might bring them the luck they need as they prepare for another round of IVF.
Kristine reflects on the impact that infertility has had on their marriage: “Infertility can test a relationship in unimaginable ways, but it can also make you stronger. Facing these challenges together has brought us closer and deepened our love. I’m incredibly thankful for Dan’s unwavering support, and no matter where this journey takes us, I feel blessed to have him by my side.”
While their fertility journey has been filled with heartache, Kristine and Dan remain focused on the future, holding on to hope, grief, joy, and even humor. As Kristine puts it, “This is not the end of our story; it’s just one chapter of it.” Together, they continue to navigate their path hand in hand, ready for whatever comes next.
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