Selena Gomez Shares Her Struggle With Infertility, Conditions That Can Affect A Pregnancy

Selena Gomez, a multi-talented singer and actor, has been candid about her health challenges, opening a window into the realities of living with chronic illnesses. Recently, in an emotional interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez revealed a deeply personal struggle that resonated with many — her inability to carry children due to medical issues.

As she navigates this difficult reality, Gomez sheds light on her broader health battles, including lupus, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The 32-year-old did not disclose the specific medical condition during the interview, but she has previously been open about her 2015 lupus diagnosis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. The following year, she was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression, both of which can be associated with lupus and the medications used to treat it.

Gomez's journey with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, has been at the forefront of her health battles. She was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, a revelation that came after years of mysterious symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, and swelling.

Lupus can affect various organs, including the kidneys, heart, and lungs, and its unpredictable nature makes it a particularly difficult illness to manage.

In 2017, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant, a lifesaving procedure made necessary by the damage lupus had inflicted on her kidneys. The transplant, which was donated by her close friend Francia Raisa, was a turning point in her health journey, but it also underscored the severity of her condition.

While the surgery provided some relief, lupus remains a chronic illness, and the battle is ongoing.

Lupus, as a medical condition, comes with a host of complications, many of which can affect reproductive health. Women with lupus are often advised against pregnancy, as the disease, combined with the medications required to manage it, can lead to high-risk pregnancies.

In Gomez’s case, her condition, coupled with other health concerns, has made pregnancy too dangerous, a reality she has had to come to terms with.

In addition to lupus, Gomez has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can range from depressive lows to manic highs. Bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage on its own, but the medications used to treat it can pose additional health risks, particularly when it comes to pregnancy.

Gomez has been open about her mental health struggles, revealing in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a particularly difficult period during which she experienced a psychotic episode. This episode, marked by hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, led her to seek treatment, and she has since found a combination of medications that helps her manage her symptoms.

However, these medications come with their own set of complications. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2022, Gomez shared that the medications she takes for bipolar disorder could make pregnancy unsafe. This added another layer of complexity to her desire for motherhood, as the risk posed by both her mental and physical health conditions meant that carrying a child would be too dangerous.

One of the most emotional aspects of Gomez’s recent revelations is the grief she has experienced over her inability to carry a child. In her interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about how difficult it was to accept that pregnancy would put both her life and the baby’s in jeopardy.

“That was something I had to grieve for a while,” she said, reflecting on the emotional toll that this realization took on her.

For many women, the ability to conceive and carry a child is a deeply personal and important part of their life plan. The societal expectation that motherhood is a natural next step in life can add additional pressure. For Gomez, this expectation was something she had envisioned for herself, particularly as she approached her mid-30s.

The idea of having to let go of this vision was heartbreaking, and she has been open about the emotional journey she has been on to come to terms with it.

However, Gomez’s story also speaks to the strength of her resilience. While she has grieved the loss of traditional motherhood, she has also embraced the possibility of becoming a parent through alternative means.

Adoption and surrogacy are two options that Gomez has considered, and she has expressed gratitude for the availability of these paths to parenthood. “I’m excited for what that journey will look like, but it’ll look a little different,” she said. “At the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby.”

Gomez’s story highlights a larger issue that affects many women — the intersection of chronic illness and infertility. Conditions like lupus, bipolar disorder, and the medications required to manage them can significantly impact reproductive health.

For women with these conditions, the decision to start a family is not always straightforward, and in many cases, pregnancy may not be a viable option.

The emotional toll of infertility, especially when it is compounded by chronic illness, can be devastating. For women, who had envisioned a future that included biological children, the reality of infertility can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and frustration.

Pregnancy is a complex process, and various physical and mental health conditions can significantly impact a woman's ability to conceive or carry a child to term. Below are some common conditions, both biological and mental, that can affect pregnancy:

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. For women like Selena Gomez, lupus can pose serious risks during pregnancy, including complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and increased risk of miscarriage. Medications taken to manage lupus may also affect fertility or the health of a developing fetus, requiring close medical supervision.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and fertility. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of male hormones, which can hinder pregnancy. PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and potentially leading to fertility problems. Women with endometriosis may face difficulties with conception and are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth.

Mental health plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes. Bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, can complicate pregnancy if not managed properly. The medications used to treat bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers, may pose risks to a developing fetus, including birth defects or developmental delays. As in Gomez’s case, ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder might make pregnancy unsafe without proper medical adjustments.

Chronic anxiety and depression can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy. These conditions can interfere with hormone regulation, making conception more difficult. In pregnant women, untreated anxiety and depression are linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the medications used to manage these mental health issues may need to be altered during pregnancy to minimize risks to the baby.

Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2 diabetes, can lead to complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels can result in birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Additionally, pregnant women with diabetes may be more likely to experience preeclampsia and premature delivery.

Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can impact fertility and pregnancy. These conditions may cause irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems, making it difficult to conceive. During pregnancy, thyroid disorders can lead to complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental issues in the baby.

Obesity can complicate pregnancy by increasing the risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Women with obesity may also experience difficulties with fertility due to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is essential for reducing these risks.

Chronic hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, restricted fetal growth, and premature birth. Women with hypertension may need careful monitoring and medication adjustments to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

However, Gomez’s openness about her journey offers a message of hope. By sharing her story, she is helping to normalize conversations around infertility, chronic illness, and the alternative paths to motherhood that many women are exploring.

Selena Gomez’s health journey serves as a reminder that chronic illness can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health to their mental well-being and even their ability to start a family. Her story is one of strength, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that, despite the obstacles, there are still countless possibilities for joy and fulfillment.