From discouragement to twin boys
Sometimes the right support can make all the difference. For Adrienne and her husband, Justin, that support came in the form of Fertility Centers of Illinois and the physician.
The couple, who met in their early 20s at Michigan State, had always known they wanted children. After getting married at age 26, they decided to go off birth control. While they weren’t actively trying to become pregnant, they weren’t opposed to having a baby. They enjoyed traveling and spending time together, but after six years, Adrienne had never had a pregnancy scare.
Concerned, Adrienne went to see her OB, who suggested that she try for another six months and track her periods. They eventually learned that Adrienne wasn’t ovulating properly and her periods were irregular. Ovulatory disorders are among the most common fertility issues in women.
Adrienne’s doctor started her on Clomid, an oral medication that can be used to stimulate ovulation. But after three months on the medication, Adrienne still wasn’t pregnant.
Discouraged, the couple took a six-month break from trying. When they were ready to try again, Adrienne went back to her OB, who recommended that she go to FCI.
“We were ready to try something else and move on to more serious measures,” says Adrienne. “I just had a feeling that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant on my own, and knew I would need help.”
The couple met had their initial consultation in March of 2013, where the treatment options were carefully explained. It was suggested they try three rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI). The procedure uses a catheter to place sperm directly in to the uterus. The goal is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.
The next three months were very stressful, as they underwent three different IUIs and then waited for the call with results. Each month, Adrienne was saddened to learn that she was not pregnant.
Their physician suggested that they try in vitro fertilization (IVF). Adrienne, now age 33, started the fertility medications and responded well and had numerous eggs retrieved. After combining the eggs with Justin’s sperm, two of the resulting embryos were transferred to Adrienne’s uterus.
The couple had been hoping for twins — and they were thrilled when they received the news.
They were pregnant! Adrienne and Justin were even more excited when they learned at their first ultrasound that they were going to have twins.
“We were so happy with the care we received from our doctor,” says Adrienne. “She was there for me each step of the way and made me feel confident that everything was going well. Even though it is a busy office, she took time to answer our questions and give us personal care. Plus, the collaboration between her and my OB doctor was really nice. Everything was taken care of.”
Adrienne offers her story as encouragement to others who are struggling with infertility. “There were times that I got discouraged and wondered if I wasn’t meant to be a parent. But that was absolutely not the case. Some people just need help to get pregnant, and that is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Adrienne is anxiously awaiting the birth of her twin boys in the coming months. She and Justin hope they will both attend Michigan State someday, and follow in their parents’ Spartan footsteps.
