Dani Sharp speaks openly about fertility issues in her 20s, and her IVF success story through Queensland Fertility Group Toowoomba

In her mid 20s, a Lockyer Valley woman thought it would be easy to fall pregnant. However she almost missed her chance at motherhood, and is now urging others to check their fertility health before it’s too late.

From childhood, women are told their bodies have the capability to bring life into the world, however for one in six couples, it won’t happen without difficulties.

After both graduating from university and establishing their careers, Lockyer Valley couple Dani and Storm Sharp were shocked when falling pregnant was not as easy as the world made it seem.

After three years of trying to conceive while in their mid 20s, Mrs Sharp was convinced their fertility issues stemmed from her army husband’s work around fuel. However, she was stunned when she learnt she had almost missed her window of motherhood.

“Within one blood test, it showed I had a really low egg count, and I was told immediately to look at freezing some eggs and look into making some embryos,” she said.

“If I had waited another couple of years … it might have been too late.

“That’s really confronting to hear in your 20s.”

Dani Sharp with her son Dustin Sharp. Sharing awareness about fertility health, combined with declining birthrate and help break stigma. Friday, February 3, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mrs Sharp, who had no family history of fertility issues, underwent three cycles of IVF which resulted in two embryos, one of which became her seven-month-old son Dustin.

“You’re a woman, and you’re designed to have babies. It was like I failed at my primal duty,” she said.

“But it’s silly to think that because it’s nothing that I’ve done.

“It’s just my make up, and it doesn't mean I can’t have kids or that I’m not going to be a great mum; it’s just the card I was dealt. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.”

Mrs Sharp said more than half of her female friends were experiencing difficulty conceiving, with the process almost becoming clinical for Mrs Sharp and her husband.

“After three years, it was getting quite frustrating, so I rather enjoyed the (IVF) process,” she said.

“I knew exactly what was happening, I had a lot of support, and I felt like I was finally getting somewhere.”

Mrs Sharp called on young people, male and female, to get their fertility health checked.

“I didn’t know how easy it was. For me, it’s as simple as one appointment and a blood test … it was so non-invasive,” she said.

(From left) Dr Rachel Collings and Dani Sharp with her son Dustin Sharp. Sharing awareness about fertility health, combined with declining birthrate and help break stigma. Friday, February 3, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was almost normal that when you turn 21, you go and have a conversation about fertility and planning. That way if you know when you’re in your early 20s that you would potentially have problems, at least it gives you knowledge and some options if you one day want to have children.”

Australia’s current fertility rate at 1.70 births per woman, with predictions of it declining to 1.65 in 2024-25 and 1.62 by 2030-31.

“Knowledge is power, and it’s important that people are aware there are tests and investigations that can be done to get a picture of your fertility health,” Dr Rachel Collings, fertility specialist at Queensland Fertility Group’s Toowoomba clinic, said.
“You’re never too young to start thinking about that.”

If under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success, couples are encouraged to speak with a fertility specialist to assist.

However, those aged over 35 or with medical conditions that may cause fertility issues such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are encouraged to speak with a specialist after six months of trying.

Originally published as Dani Sharp speaks openly about fertility issues in her 20s, and her IVF success story through Queensland Fertility Group Toowoomba