Belinda Adams, a 41-year-old London doctor, and her husband Chris, a 49-year-old lawyer, spent £100,000 on six rounds of IVF, accumulating £20,000 in debt, before welcoming two daughters. After years of unexplained infertility, they found success with a tailored supplement regime and a US clinic, leading Belinda to launch Fertility Hero in January to help others.
A Long and Costly Journey
Belinda and Chris began trying to conceive in 2015, but after two years without success, they turned to intrauterine insemination (IUI). Two medicated cycles failed, prompting them to start IVF. Belinda underwent three unsuccessful egg collections and embryo transfers, leaving her devastated. She recalls the emotional toll, including throwing her phone at a wall upon seeing a birth announcement on social media.
The couple faced isolation as friends, trying to protect them, stopped inviting them to child-related events. Belinda also experienced jealousy, saying, “Infertility separates you from your friends. I have a big friendship group from school and everyone got married after us, then just popped out two children with no trouble.”
The Turning Point: Supplements and a US Clinic
During her struggles, Belinda asked her obstetrician about supplements but received a shrug and “no evidence.” However, her brother's success at a US clinic inspired her to try the same. She flew to Colorado on March 11, 2020, the day the pandemic was declared, and Chris managed to join her just before US airspace closed. This round, which included a tailored supplement regime for both, resulted in a chromosomal normal embryo.
After returning to the UK, they replicated the protocol at a private UK clinic, leading to the birth of their first daughter nearly five years ago. A further IVF cycle brought their second daughter almost two years ago. Belinda believes supplements were crucial, stating, “Nobody even mentioned supplements to me until my fourth round of IVF. I wish someone had talked me through the research much earlier.”
Launching Fertility Hero
Drawing on her experience, Belinda launched Fertility Hero in January to provide evidence-based nutritional support. The products are based on nutrients and doses she found in research. She explains, “Eggs go through their most critical changes in the 90 days before ovulation, and sperm take about three months to develop. This is the period during which egg and sperm development is most responsive to nutritional support.”
Despite the financial strain, the couple cleared their £20,000 debt quickly and consider the £100,000 worth it. With two frozen embryos left, they are contemplating more children. Belinda concludes, “Having felt extremely unlucky, I now count myself as very, very lucky.”
