It’s impossible to live in San Antonio without feeling a spring in your step the last two weeks in April. Look for Dr. Erika Munch and the TFC San Antonio staff and their families at the parades, NIOSA and St. Mary’s Oyster Bake. The 125-year-old tradition makes us happy to live and work in San Antonio.

As fertility specialists, we couldn’t help but take note that Fiesta and another important week on the calendar happen to overlap. Infertility Awareness Week falls on April 19-25th, and while it’s no reason to party, it does share some common themes with San Antonio Fiesta, April 16-26th.

• Surround yourself with friends. This year’s theme for Infertility Awareness Week is “You are not alone.” The crowds for San Antonio’s Texas Cavaliers River Parade alone top 250,000
• Raise your awareness. The first Parade of Roses took place in 1891 to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto. The Department of Health and Human Services recognizes Infertility Awareness Week as a time to raise awareness for the disease of infertility, encourage people to seek help after 12 months (6 months for women over 35) and to educate legislators about infertility’s devastating effect on Americans
• Play it safe. Via offers $5 roundtrip fares and Fiesta SafeRides™ provides free cab rides downtown to encourage partygoers to avoid drinking and driving. Your fertility specialist will remind you that drinking in excess while trying to get pregnant is counter-productive
• Take a leading role in resolving infertility. The Battle of Flowers parade is the only one in the country led and run 100 percent by women. While infertility affects men and women equally, it’s generally women who initiate a call to a fertility specialist. We applaud the courage and perseverance that it takes to pursue your dreams of having a baby
• Protect your eggs. Sure, it’s fun to smash cascarones (confetti eggs) with abandon during Fiesta, but in real life, eggs are precious. Women are born with all of the eggs they will ever have, and the quality and quantity decline over the years.

If you would like to learn more about fertility treatment options, including fertility preservation and egg freezing, contact TFC San Antonio. Meanwhile, have fun and be safe this Fiesta season!