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We’ve come a long way, baby! In vitro fertilization has turned many infertile couples into happy parents By Kerri S. MabeePublished: March, 2008

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It’s an assumption we all make: planning for a miracle that is not so much a right, as it is a privilege. However, not all couples can become pregnant. Infertility affects nearly 7.3 million people in the United States, according to RESOLVE.org, a national organization devoted to the education and support of couples wishing to grow their families. When a woman finds herself unable to conceive, there are many possible explanations, including common aging issues, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and other diseases of the reproductive system. And, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, “approximately 1/3 of infertility can be attributed to the male partner.” The National Woman’s Health Resource Center reports that even healthy couples, ranging in ages from 29 to 33 with a normal functioning reproductive system, have only a 20-25% chance of conceiving in any given month. Enter science Medical advances over the last 20 years have made it possible for many couples’ dreams for having a child come true. One of these technological marvels is a procedure known as “in vitro fertilization.” IVF is a process that involves removing a viable egg from the female’s ovaries and then allowing the male’s active semen sample to join with the egg in a laboratory dish. Once it’s been determined that the egg has been fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the hopeful mother’s uterus after an extensive series of hormones are administered to stimulate ovulation. How did all this begin? The first successful implantation via IVF was performed in 1981. Since that time, reports DocShop.com, an online source for finding qualified fertility specialists, “in the United States, IVF success rates have been relatively high. By the end of 2002, nearly 300,000 babies conceived through assisted-reproductive technology had been born…with approximately 37% of women under the age of 36 who undergo IVF experiencing a successful pregnancy.” While the numbers are encouraging, the process does have its challenges. Many couples report feeling as though they are on a roller coaster of hope and emotion that can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Stephanie’s story Stephanie Thomas and her husband, Mark, fully expected to start their family when they were good and ready. However, they eventually learned that conceiving a child naturally would not be possible for them. After 8 eight years and 7 IVF cycles, they were finally able to conceive a child through a gestational surrogate. “I’ve known of some couples who got pregnant on their first try. Others, like Mark and me, it took much longer. There is just no way to know in advance how it will be for you,” says Thomas, suggesting there can be an uncertain road ahead. Her advice to anyone mulling the procedure? “Find a support group. There’s so much information out there, and sifting through it all can be extremely overwhelming, especially on top of the emotional aspects one is already dealing with. Also, I would say, trust your gut instinct. Do the research, listen to what others have to say, but then make the decision that’s best for you. If you don’t get pregnant after an IVF attempt, the hope is that you and your doctor will have learned something and the next attempt will be adjusted to address the potential problem.” The first baby step Seek the counsel of a fertility specialist who can accurately diagnose the problem. A series of tests for both husband and wife will determine exactly what’s going on and the best course of action for conception. Organizations such as the American Fertility Association (afafamilymatters.com) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (asrm.org) are great resources for the latest medical advances and contact information for qualified specialists and clinics in your area. A family at last, but at what cost? With fees that can average from $12,000-$15,000 per cycle of IVF, and because most success rates depend on more than 1 cycle, the costs can be considerable. Fortunately, California is among 15 states that has laws on the books requiring insurance policies to cover at least a portion of the treatments. Fertility LifeLines (fertilitylifelines.com) offers a comprehensive look at what insurance plans cover and the various payment options available to patients who need them. Kerri S. Mabee is a regular contributor to OC Family Magazine. --- SIDE BAR --- After a devastating tragedy, an unbelievable miracle Orange County’s Chris and Lori Coble first made headlines on May 4, 2007, when a horrific automobile accident tragically took the lives of their 3 young children: Kyle, 5, Emma, 4, and Katie, 2. The devastating loss shook family, friends and the community who shared in the Coble’s mourning. Always knowing that they wanted more children, Chris and Lori turned to in vitro fertilization for help in rebuilding their family. Now pregnant with triplets, the Cobles have announced they are carrying 2 girls and a boy, and should deliver in May – near the first anniversary of the accident. Referring to this miracle in recent interviews as a “2-sided coin,” Chris shares that, while they will never forget the anguish of their loss, IVF has made it possible to feel hope and happiness again. The search for the right doctor and the right clinic is a journey. And it starts right here: >> Coastal Fertility Medical Center: coastalfertility.com >> Corona Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility: coronafertility.com >> Genesis IVF (Riverside County): genesisivf.com >> Newport Fertility Center: newportfertility.com >> Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine: socalfertility.com >> West Coast Fertility Centers: ivfbaby.com/

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