There’s nothing that sounds more glamorous and extravagant than being in a beauty pageant, and while it can certainly be rewarding, it can also be a very vulnerable experience. Opening yourself up to the world and sharing intimate details of your life can be incredibly daunting.  

In today’s episode, we hear from Amanda Klein, a 2019 Mrs. Nevada contestant and winner, who while preparing and planning for pageants, was simultaneously fighting her own battle with infertility. After experiencing three devastating pregnancy losses, Amanda discovered she had a bicornuate uterus, a condition involving a “heart-shaped” uterus and an increased risk of miscarriage. We’ll hear her story of trying to find the right doctor, coming to terms with the idea of using a gestational surrogate, and finding the courage to share her story. 

After winning Mrs. Nevada, Amanda not only won a title, but also a powerful platform. From traveling to Washington, DC with RESOLVE to meet with senators and congress members to hosting a community health fair with over 200 attendees to documenting her infertility journey on her blog — Amanda has become an infertility advocate that is vocal about her own experience and dedicated to creating change for others.  

We also hear from Dr. Whitten, a Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist at the Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, who educates us on the normal functioning of a uterus, the impact of a bicornuate uterus on fertility, and the various uses for gestational surrogacy.  

Guest: Amanda Klein, USOA Mrs. Nevada 2019 

Expert: Dr. Scott Whitten, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine 

Host: Shannon Zuber, Communications Associate at Progyny  

For more information visit Progyny’s Podcast page, RESOLVE, and Progyny’s Education page for more resources on how to best handle a miscarriage.   

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.  

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].