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Amy Schumer shares candid photo about undergoing IVF: ‘I’m feeling run down and emotional’

Comedian says she and husband are ‘figuring out what to do’ to give their son a sibling

Friday 10 January 2020 08:54 GMT

(Getty Images)

Amy Schumer has shared a candid post on Instagram about what it is like to undergo IVF (in vitro fertilisation), saying she feels “run down and emotional”.

On Wednesday 8 January, the comedian, 38 – who gave birth to her son, Gene Attell Fischer, in May 2019 – shared a close-up picture on the social media platform of her stomach, showing her Caesarean section scar and bruising.

Schumer stated in the caption that she and her husband, chef Chris Fischer, are in the early stages of trying to conceive another child through IVF.

“I’m a week into IVF and feeling really run down and emotional,” the 38-year-old wrote.

“If anyone went through it and if you have any advice or wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with me please do.”

Schumer explained that she is having her eggs frozen, adding that she and her partner are “figuring out what to do to give Gene a sibling”.

The Trainwreck star has received an outpouring of support in the post’s comment section, from celebrity friends offering words of encouragement to Instagram users sharing their personal journeys with IVF.

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"One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world." United Nations Youth Assembly, New York, 2013

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“I appreciate you as a mother, a woman, a public figure, your vulnerability is so powerful,” wrote model and make-up artist Tess Holliday.

“You are amazing. Can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Sending you all the love and support in the world,” said YouTuber and comedian Colleen Ballinger.

Selena Gomez said she was “sorry” and that she was “praying” for Schumer and her husband.

The singer clarified in a further comment that she felt sorry for the way Schumer is feeling about undergoing IVF, writing: “My mum went through the same thing. It’s hard on women’s heart.”

One Instagram user emphasised how “physically, mentally and emotionally daunting” IVF can be, something that individuals may not be able to comprehend “unless you’ve gone through it yourself”.

“Just remember this is only a small moment in time that is going to change your life forever. It’s so hard, but it’s worth it,” they added.

Several hours after sharing her Instagram post, Schumer shared the same picture on her Instagram Story, drawing a smiley face over her stomach.

“Thanks for the encouragement sweet people! We are not alone,” she wrote as a caption.

(Instagram/@amyschumer (Instagram/@amyschumer)

According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the average cost of one cycle of IVF in the UK is £5,000.

HFEA outlines that IVF has a success rate of around 29 per cent for women under 35, 23 per cent for women aged between 35 and 37, 15 per cent for 38 to 39-year-olds and nine per cent for women aged between 40 and 42.

Following the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan on stepping down as “senior” members of the royal family, Schumer shared a light-hearted post on Instagram regarding the situation.

The comedian shared a photograph of herself being pushed by Fischer on a beach wheelchair, captioning the image: “Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support.”

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