Margolis tackles off-screen challenge
May 9, 2003

From cover girl to Internet queen, model and talk show host, Cindy Margolis seemed to have it all. But when I caught up with her at her home in California, she told me that despite all of her success, all she really wanted was a baby.

The disappointments continued month after month for Margolis and husband Guy Starkman. "You check the pregnancy test every month, and when it comes up negative it can start to wear on you," Margolis said.

Cindy and Guy finally consulted a fertility specialist. After many tests, the couple finally found out what the problem was ... sort of.

"We were diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility,' which sounds good in one respect, but on the other hand you almost want something wrong so there is a problem so you can fix it," Margolis said.

More than 5 million Americans are infertile -- or unable to conceive naturally within six to 12 months after first trying.

The two common causes of infertility in women are the failure to properly ovulate and endometriosis. When doctors are unable to determine the cause of the problem, they make a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Margolis and her husband tackled the problem by undergoing in-vitro fertilization. IVF typically involves a weekly series of injections. After the injections, a woman's eggs are removed, fertilized outside of the body and then re-implanted.

Cindy went through the procedure four times before she finally became pregnant. "I can never forget the day I found out that I was pregnant because it was my birthday," Margolis said. "Can you imagine a better gift than that?"

Nine months later, Margolis gave birth to Nicolas -- a happy, healthy baby boy.

Margolis now reaches out on her Web site to others going through the same ordeal. She said she responds to everyone who e-mails her. She's also detailed her own story on the Web site. Margolis said it's an invaluable aid for people going through the same emotions and processes she did.

"We're all struggling and the end result is a miracle, a baby."