The Science of Life

For some couples, the miracle of life can be hampered by a number of extenuating circumstances—but there is hope. Here’s how the team at Reproductive Gynecology is helping patients achieve their dream of starting a family by incorporating
a bit of science...
and compassion.

By: Mimi Vanderhaven
Date: 08/20/2008
There is supposed to be a natural order to things. We meet our respective partners, discover that he or she is “the one,” then decide to get married. For many of us, this progression culminates in the joyous and much-anticipated decision to start a family. It’s safe to say that few couples begin the transition to parenthood wondering if they’ll be starting a family, but more likely when the big announcement will be made.
But what happens if the “when” doesn’t come?

According to Dr. David Nash of Reproductive Gynecology, couples hoping to get pregnant have about a 25-percent chance during a given month—and that’s if there are no health issues.

“Many people might not realize that the margin is so slim,” adds Dr. Stephen Mooney, who along with Dr. Richard Moretuzzo and Dr. Priya Maseelall round out the physician staff at Reproductive Gynecology. “That’s why we recommend trying for at least a year before investigating the possibility that there may be a problem.”

Infertility affects as many as one in six couples trying to conceive. One-third of the time the problem lies with the woman; one-third of the time it lies with the man; and one-third of the time infertility is caused by problems with both partners.

Dr. Maseelall is the most recent addition to the medical staff and is one of only a handful of female reproductive endocrinologists (doctors who specializes in infertility) in Northeast Ohio. “Trying for a certain period of time without success isn’t the only red flag to look for,” she supplies. “Age plays a role on the part of both the man and the woman, recurrent miscarriages is another factor, and women who have a history of ovarian disease, endometriosis or irregular periods are at risk for infertility as well.”

A common misconception among couples unable to conceive is that infertility automatically means that a $10,000 bill for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is inevitable—but that simply isn’t the case.

“Our lab reported 280 IVF procedures last year,” Dr. Moretuzzo shares. “That’s a very small number compared to the number of inseminations (IUI) we performed.” In our practice, the number of patients receiving IVF vs. IUI would be at least a 1 to 10 ratio. What that means to prospective patients is that long before, or even if, a couple elects the IVF route, there are a number of other treatments to consider first. “Most couples do not need IVF to achieve a successful pregnancy,” he adds.

But because 50-percent of couples suffering from infertility never seek treatment, many of them are left wondering what would have happened if only they’d been able to conceive, instead of finding a way to turn that into a when.

A doctor’s referral isn’t necessary to seek treatment at Reproductive Gynecolgy. In fact, many patients they see found their way through the website or by word of mouth. “We have pediatric and adolescent patients, young girls who have reproductive disorders or anomalies, and patients who are going through menopause.

Sometimes a mother, sister or daughter offers the word of mouth referrals. However, many patients are referred by their OB/GYN when the couple has been trying or when the need for possible laparoscopic surgery arises in a patient who has yet to complete her family.

That’s a comforting thought if the need for laparoscopic surgery arises. You want to be seen by a doctor who does this type of procedure on a very regular basis and whose goal it is to preserve your ability to conceive.

A visit to Reproductive Gynecology for every couple ready to take the next step toward pregnancy includes a complete medical history, a full exam and a 3-D ultrasound performed by the physician.

Then a plan is put into place.

Typically, the first option is the drug Clomid combined with natural intercourse. “This is very basic treatment and it increases the percentage for conception,” Dr. Mooney explains. “Some patients worry about multiple births, but it doesn’t happen as often as people think.”

The next step might be an injectable medication called Gonadotrophin. It aggressively stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs. “This method is right for women who still have their fallopian tubes,” Dr. Maseelall says. “We also perform insemination to increase the odds of the drug’s effectiveness.” And about 40-percent of the time, this medication is covered by insurance.

A final course of action is in-vitro fertilization. The doctor retrieves the eggs, which are combined with the sperm outside of the body. The embryos are then incubated in an on-site lab. “There are a lot of talented people who make this happen,” says practice manager, Michelle Gaskins, who runs the 25-person office. “We have two labs and a lot of what we do involves sperm analysis.” In fact, a number of OB/GYN doctors refer patients and their partners to Reproductive Gynecology for the lab work alone.

“Most people find that their out-of-pocket expenses are much less than they had expected,” Dr. Maseelall assures. “But the chance for pregnancy—with a little bit of science to help—is much greater.”

“We understand that this is a dream for the couples who come to us,” Dr. Nash empathizes. “Planning a family and then not being able to get pregnant is a very emotional experience. The people who work here are dedicated to helping our patients experience a positive outcome.We all want the if we are able to have a family to be replaced with when.

Reproductive Gynecology has two office locations. Find them in Akron at 95 Arch Street in the Summa medical building in Suite 250. The phone number is 330-375-7722. In Canton, the address is 2600 West Tuscarawas, Suite 560. The phone number is 330-452-6010. For more information, visit the website at www.ReproductiveGynecologyInc.com.

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