OVAREACTION BY TENNILLE DANIELS

I don’t know about you but reproductive health for me between my teenage and young adult years consisted of period + pregnancy. I wanted to make sure that my period arrived (not pregnant) and that my spot checks always came back clean. In my mid-20s, however, I discovered I had large ovarian cysts and subsequently was diagnosed with endometriosis. I knew nothing about ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis or any of the other reproductive health issues women may experience before menopause hits. The thoughts, decisions, procedures, and surgeries I experienced in the days, months, and years following my initial diagnosis sparked OVAREACTION - how a woman reacts - her thoughts, feelings, decisions, and actions - to a matter involving her reproductive health. The OVAREACTION podcast is a safe space for women of color to share their stories, vulnerabilities, as well as their triumphs and victories. As a single black woman who has gone through a great deal of this journey alone, I have a special place for my single sisters who experience the highs and lows of reproductive health and may have to make hard decisions on their own. Join Tennille Daniels and this community as we share our OVAREACTION to educate and encourage women to stand firm in their decisions and confidently in their story.

All Episodes

OVAREACTION BY TENNILLE DANIELS

FIVE MILES TO EMPTY

April 28, 2021 • Tennille Daniels • Season 1 • Episode 4

On this week's episode of the OVAREACTION podcast, I share how I got the fresh start I was looking for at the end of 2011. Never did I imagine the fresh start God had in store for me was a move to the Windy City.

Part of settling into my new home required me to find a reproductive endocrinologist who could help me manage my endometriosis. Following our initial consultation, my doctor recommended a full panel of bloodwork to assess my reproductive health based on my hormone levels. The results of this assessment led to a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve and a recommendation to consider egg freezing if I desired kids in the future. I share how I felt post diagnosis and the factors I considered in making the decision to freeze my eggs.

The song of the episode is 5 Miles To Empty by Brownstone. The analogy my doctor used of the gas tank and my ovarian reserve immediately made me think of this song. Check out the playlist on Apple or Spotify. And if you have a song that reminds you or has helped you get through your reproductive health journey, email (hello@tennilledaniels.com) or DM (IG: @tennilledaniels) me to let me know. I would love to add it to the playlist.

~Tennille