La-Anna Douglas, an advocate for having good reproductive health, has made it her business to share her story about her reproductive issues with the hopes it can help other women. She has suffered from uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, having a double uterus and double cervix, and pelvic inflammatory disease. As a result of her multiple conditions and failed pregnancies, Ms. Douglas suffered from depression and was at the point of suicide until God intervened. After many attempts at getting pregnant, she and her husband of eight years became pregnant in 2012; she was finally able to have their first child at 32-years-old. They have a beautiful daughter who is now 9 years old, and who they consider their miracle. I am happy to report, Ms. Douglas is now forty years old, and she and her husband are expecting their second child this spring.
Truth be told, there are a lot of women who have experienced having some of the same issues and their lives have been disrupted. Sadly, they are living in silence, mostly because of shame or fear of coming forward.
La-Anna Douglas has found the courage to share her story. She is helping and encouraging women all over the world to speak up and get help. This is her story.
Tell us how this health journey started for you.
My health journey began at birth as I was born with one kidney, a liver infection, and blood on my stomach. From the age of 10 years old, throughout my teenage years, and into my 20’s; I’ve experienced horrible periods that would be so painful I sometimes could not get out of bed. I was confused and hated my body. I went through so many embarrassing moments because I would have accidents at school, as well as at work. Over time, I noticed that I was having cramps on my left side for 2-3 days, and then cramps on my right side for 2-3 days. I was in for a big surprise in the coming years.
What made you fight past your fears to be an advocate for women’s reproductive health?
After years of suffering, I was finally properly diagnosed with a double uterus and a double cervix called a didelphys uterus (I have 2 separate systems, which means 2 separate cycles). In addition, I’ve suffered from endometriosis and fibroids after years of being told, “You’re just a girl that has bad periods.” I began to understand if I had not used my voice to get additional tests done, I would have continued to suffer in silence. When I shared my journey on my platform with other women, I received so many positive messages. I began to see that my platform is bigger than just me and my voice can amplify the voiceless who are currently suffering in silence.
What advice would you give to women who are dealing with fibroids and infertility?
I want to tell you to never give up on your journey to becoming a mother. No matter what the doctors or the nonbelievers may say, anything is possible if you believe. After I went through 8 years of infertility, 3 Laparoscopic surgeries, a failed IVF transfer, and thoughts of suicide; my husband and I became pregnant with our first child naturally, by the grace of God. And now at 40, I am pregnant again with our second miracle after experiencing 8 years of secondary infertility in my 30’s. I had 3 fibroids removed via a Robotic Laparoscopic Myomectomy in February of 2020. I know it is not easy on the journey to motherhood but I encourage you to never stop believing in a miracle of your own. Whether it be through surrogacy, adoption, infertility treatments, or surgery options to carry your own child; hold on to Hope no matter what.
Tell us about your business and how it came about, Hope Still Stands LLC.
The name has a special meaning especially because Hope is my middle name. I was so depressed after a failed IVF transfer and I was standing in front of the butcher board in my kitchen looking at the knives to see which one would be sharp enough to cut my throat. I heard in my spirit, “Hope Still Stands, your life has a purpose.” I thank God for opening my eyes to my purpose. I created the platform, Hope Still Stands, after the birth of my daughter. I have used this platform to uplift others who are going through infertility, depression, bullying, suicidal thoughts, and sexual abuse.
How are you using your platform to make an impact in women’s lives?
I have continued to share my story through public speaking, podcasts, modeling, and live streams to inspire others to never give up. I am transparent about my fertility journey, as I know there are so many who are suffering in silence and I use my story to encourage them to never lose hope.
What upcoming projects do you have?
My upcoming project is preparing for the birth of my second pregnancy. I am taking a break from modeling but I continue to raise awareness in every way I possibly can via social media and live streams.
You can follow La-Anna Douglas on Instagram @Hopestillstands
Featured Photo Credit: El Gaskins
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. Follow her on Instagram @iamdebbiestokes
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Wow such an interesting story!!! I thank God that she remained strong and didn’t let the devil get her. She truly been through a lot physically, mentally and emotionally but God stepped in and made it right. Thank God and I’m so proud of her as well. Continue on with your journey in hopes that you can encourage and help other women.
Thank you Rose for reading the article and commenting; I’m glad you found it interesting and I am proud of her too!