Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian actress Ini Edo has shared her deeply personal struggle with infertility on the reality TV show ‘Young, Famous & African.’ The 42-year-old star opened up about enduring over six miscarriages and unsuccessful IVF treatments before turning to surrogacy to become a mother.
Edo, who married at 26 with hopes of early motherhood, faced unexpected challenges. “I got married at the age of 26 because I thought at 31 I would have been done with childbearing and would have retired and focused on my career. But life did not pan out that way,” she explained during the show.
She detailed her experiences, saying, “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.”
Despite the personal nature of her journey, Edo decided to share her story to potentially inspire others. “My journey is one that I have not really been wanting to talk about because it is personal,” she said. “I went through surrogacy. I never thought I would be someone who would have fertility issues. 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.”
Her decision to use surrogacy came after years of trying other methods without success. In 2023, Ini Edo welcomed her child through this route, marking a significant milestone in her life.
Edo, who divorced her US-based businessman husband Philip Ehiagwina in 2014 after six years of marriage, also discussed how her past experiences have shaped her current views on relationships. She mentioned her fears of dating someone toxic as a reason for her current single status, highlighting her protective nature over her new role as a mother.
Her story not only sheds light on the often-private struggles of infertility but also celebrates the diverse paths to parenthood. Edo’s openness aims to provide comfort and solidarity to those navigating similar challenges.