Setting Limits for Yourself: Val Gale’s Refection on her Fertility Journey

In this poignant episode of Fertility in Focus, we sit down with  Val Gale, a dedicated nurse from Kitchener, to share her deeply personal fertility journey that began over 20 years ago. At 30, Val faced the daunting path of trying to conceive, a journey that stretched over four challenging years and included two courses of IVF before she finally became pregnant with her now 19-year-old daughter.

Val candidly discusses the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, from starting with oral medication and undergoing daily bloodwork to the complex process of dealing with an unexplained infertility diagnosis. She opens up about the strain this journey placed on her relationship with her then-partner and the importance of having open communication, setting limits, and having a contingency plan. 

Val offers valuable insights into how she maintained hope and found solace in seeing other women navigating similar struggles at the fertility clinic. She underscores the importance of understanding your limits, aligning with your partner, and finding strength in community support. Tune in to hear Val’s inspiring story and gain wisdom on managing the emotional and practical aspects of fertility challenges.

More About our Guest Speaker

Val Gale is a devoted mother to an 18-year-old daughter and a 25-year-old stepdaughter. She found love later in life, marrying her husband Kevin four years ago when they were 50 and 51.

Professionally, Val is an Advanced Practice Nurse working in an acute care mental health program. In addition to this demanding role, she holds a casual nursing position and teaches internationally trained nurses at the college level, enjoying the variety and challenge that comes with juggling multiple roles.

Val’s personal journey with infertility began at age 30. After five years of various treatments and interventions, she conceived her daughter at 35 and gave birth at 36 via IVF. Despite her efforts to have a second child without medical interventions until age 40, she was not successful. 

Throughout her fertility journey, Val learned the importance of maintaining hope, setting realistic goals, and establishing personal limits. Her experiences have given her valuable insights into staying positive during challenging times, and she is passionate about sharing these insights with others facing similar struggles.

First Response Canada

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the availability of EndomiR, the first validated diagnostic blood test for endometriosis. Afynia is currently offering EndomiR to Canadian fertility clinics for patients with unexplained infertility and/or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. EndomiR shortens the diagnostic pathway by providing physicians with actionable data to inform safe and effective treatment options. 

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.