Kailyn Lowry’s Fertility Journey: Navigating PCOS, Egg Retrieval, and the Future of Her Family

For fans of the long-running reality series Teen Mom 2, Kailyn Lowry’s life has unfolded in front of the cameras, from her early days of navigating single motherhood to building a bustling household with four growing boys. Now, at 29 years old, the outspoken MTV star is embarking on a new and deeply personal chapter: undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg retrieval. This proactive step isn’t driven by an immediate desire to expand her family but rather a thoughtful decision to preserve her options for the future, especially after a significant health diagnosis.

Lowry, who has her hands full raising her four sons, Isaac, Lincoln, Lux, and Creed, recently shared her plans with Us Weekly while promoting the eleventh season of Teen Mom 2. “I don’t have any intentions any time soon to have more children,” Kailyn explained, clarifying her immediate stance. “But I’m going through IVF and egg retrievals so that I can potentially have the chance in the future, if that’s what I want.” This candid revelation sheds light on the complexities of modern family planning and Kailyn’s pragmatic approach to her reproductive health.

The decision to pursue egg retrieval comes just two months after Kailyn received a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in March 2021. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, often leading to irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. For many women, it can also complicate fertility, making natural conception more challenging. Kailyn had previously described experiencing severe symptoms, including heavy and prolonged periods, which ultimately prompted her to seek medical advice.

“I was having such heavy periods. I was bleeding through three and four changes of clothes per day during my period…and I would bleed through my mattress. I would bleed through everything,” she recounted during an episode of her popular Coffee Convos podcast. This experience was not only physically taxing but also a clear indicator that something significant was amiss. Her diagnosis, while initially overwhelming, was met with a positive and determined attitude. “It’s just kind of all new and overwhelming. But we’re gonna figure out a way to manage it, and we’ll work it out. It’ll be fine,” she affirmed, demonstrating her characteristic resilience.

The journey of egg retrieval, a vital component of IVF, involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then collected through a minor surgical procedure. These eggs can be frozen for later use, offering women the flexibility to delay pregnancy for various reasons, whether it’s career goals, finding the right partner, or managing health conditions like PCOS. For Kailyn, it provides a sense of control over her reproductive timeline, ensuring that even if natural conception becomes more difficult due to PCOS, she still holds the possibility of expanding her family in the future.

Kailyn’s existing family includes four spirited boys, each with a unique journey. Her eldest, Isaac, now 11, is from her relationship with ex Jo Rivera. Seven-year-old Lincoln is her son with ex-husband Javi Marroquin. And her two youngest, Lux, 3, and Creed, 9 months, are with ex-boyfriend Chris Lopez. The MTV star often speaks about the joys and challenges of raising her sons, who are quickly growing older. This stage of her life brings a newfound sense of personal freedom and independence, which she openly relishes.

The Coffee Convos podcast cohost emphasized her enjoyment of this phase. “I’m enjoying my independence and kind of getting [my] time back,” she told the publication, reiterating her immediate plans. “So, definitely no kids. No more kids [are] in my near future.” However, she remains open-minded about the distant future, reflecting on the possibility of becoming a mother of five one day. When asked about it, she simply stated, “Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see,” highlighting the evolving nature of her life and desires.

Kailyn’s journey with motherhood has been marked by candidness, and her past statements often reflect her immediate feelings and circumstances. She has previously expressed sentiments of being “done” with having children, a common feeling for many mothers navigating the demands of a large family. In earlier discussions, she admitted, “I’m not gonna say that I’m gonna have another child because I truly don’t know. It’s not on my radar anytime soon.” She even humorously remarked on a pattern: “And I always say this, every time I’m trying to get my life on track and I end up pregnant again. I know this. This time I might be done. Like, this time I might for real be done. I’ve got four f**king kids. I didn’t even want kids, ever.” These raw and honest reflections resonate with many, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of life and how perspectives on family can shift over time.

Her openness extends to discussing the gender of her children. With four boys, the question of desiring a girl often comes up. Kailyn has candidly shared that she was “never trying for a girl” in her previous pregnancies and that she likely won’t be in the future either. “I’m very well maybe done. With my luck it would be another boy. I’m not really down to have a starting five basketball team. I’m kind of over that,” she joked, highlighting the very real and sometimes overwhelming prospect of raising a large family, regardless of gender.

This latest step in Kailyn Lowry’s life underscores a broader trend of women taking control of their fertility through advanced medical options. For someone in the public eye, sharing such personal decisions can be both challenging and empowering. By openly discussing her PCOS diagnosis and her choice to undergo egg retrieval, Kailyn not only normalizes these conversations but also provides valuable insight and solidarity for countless individuals facing similar health and life planning choices. Her journey is a testament to embracing evolving desires, adapting to health realities, and meticulously planning for a future that remains beautifully uncertain.

As she continues to navigate her personal life alongside her career, co-hosting her podcast, and raising her four boys, Kailyn Lowry’s decision to preserve her fertility options speaks volumes. It’s a testament to her forward-thinking mindset and her commitment to ensuring all possibilities remain open, even as she cherishes her current independence. Fans will undoubtedly continue to follow her story, watching as she balances the present joys of motherhood with strategic planning for whatever the future may hold.