And Lacy Makes Three !
Family Focus continued
harvesting of eggs to embryo transfer and recovery , all in the same place .
Embryologist Thomas Kuehl , PhD , director of the Division of Ob / Gyn Research and the Noble Centennial Endowed Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology , played a vital role in laying the groundwork for the in vitro fertilization techniques that are available today . A multidisciplinary team of caregivers at Scott & White includes David Sprague , PhD , embryologist / andrologist ; Infertility Nurse Clinician Kimberly Weldon-Tucker , RNC ; obstetricians and gynecologists ; laboratory staff ; and behavioral health professionals .
Success rates are within national norms , but Dr . Pliego cautions against trying to compare one couple ’ s situation with another ’ s . “ There are many variables that come into play when it comes to infertility ,” he says . “ It ’ s like comparing apples to oranges because the national statistics group all infertility cases together . Patients need to consider what their likelihood of conception is based on their individual factors .”
When nature goes awry Any one of several factors may cause a couple ’ s inability to conceive .
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an ovulation abnormality that can occur when excess body fat alters a woman ’ s estrogen level and ovarian function . Women also may face tubal-factor infertility if fallopian tubes have been damaged by sexually transmitted disease . In cases of endometriosis , tissue builds up outside of the uterus , causing inflammation and scarring of reproductive organs , which affects fertility . Dr . Wincek says that the leading reason for male factor infertility is genetic problems with sperm production . A significant number of other cases of infertility cannot be explained but may be the result of various risk factors . Though men are evaluated and treated just as often as women , “ a lot of women will seek care first because they are expecting to be able to conceive ,” says Dr . Wincek .
Dr . Wincek and Dr . Pliego encourage men and women to consider what they themselves can do to minimize their risk for infertility . Obesity , smoking , drug use , sexually transmitted diseases and the use of anabolic steroids have significant effects on male and female fertility . For men considering a vasectomy or women exploring tubal ligation as a means of birth
And Lacy Makes Three !
Bettina Massar and her husband Robert of Troy , TX , tried for years to have a baby . After four heartbreaking miscarriages , they decided to try in vitro fertilization when Ms . Massar was 40 years old .
“ I had what doctors diagnosed as ‘ unexplained infertility ,’ even though I was considered a patient of advanced maternal age ,” she says . “ It was an emotional roller coaster . Robert said he was willing to try IVF just once . We didn ’ t want to experience being disappointed again , but felt like we had to try this .”
Dr . Pliego and Dr . Wincek told the Massars they could benefit from ICSI , or intracytoplasmic sperm injection , a highly advanced procedure offered at Scott & White .
Kimberly Weldon-Tucker , RN , an infertility nurse clinician , played a key role in helping the Massars through the process . “ If it weren ’ t for Kimberly , who helped us so much , and the doctors , we wouldn ’ t have our little Lacy today ,” says Ms . Massar . “ We are so grateful .”
Lacy Massar is three years old and is the apple of her parents ’ eyes . She loves caring for the horses on the family ranch and is a typical curious toddler . Her mom says , “ It really is hard to imagine life before Lacy !”
Bettina , Lacy and Robert Massar
18 THE CATALYST Fall 09 | sw . org