Renowned Nigerian actress Ini Edo has shared her emotional journey with infertility, revealing she experienced more than six miscarriages and multiple failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures before embracing surrogacy to fulfill her dream of motherhood.
Speaking candidly during an episode of the reality TV series ‘Young, Famous and African,’ the 42-year-old actress detailed her struggles, noting how her early expectations for her life differed from the challenges she eventually faced.
“I got married at the age of 26 because I thought at 31 I would have been done with childbearing and would have been retired and face my career. But life did not pan out that way,” Edo said.
The film star recounted her years-long battle with fertility issues, including repeated miscarriages.
“I have had over six miscarriages. I do not like to go into it. I tried. It was not a fancy way out for me. I have always wanted to do this. I have had IVF. I know what I have dealt with as a woman,” she said.
Despite these setbacks, Edo remained resolute in her desire to become a mother, eventually opting for surrogacy — a decision she initially struggled to share publicly.
“My journey is one that I have not really been wanting to talk about because it is personal. I went through surrogacy. I never thought I would be someone who would have fertility issues,” she said.
“But I have had issues carrying pregnancies long-term. And it looked like it was not going to happen the way I wanted it to happen. So, this option came and I took it.”
Edo’s reflections also touched on her single status, attributing it to her fear of engaging in a toxic relationship.
The actress, who was previously married to US-based businessman Philip Ehiagwina from 2008 to 2014.
