Approximately 10% of couples across the country face infertility, and many are now turning to a lesser-known treatment called restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) as an alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike IVF, which focuses on bypassing infertility issues, RRM aims to identify and treat the root causes of infertility.
Karen and Anthony Monetti, who had been married for nine years, are one such couple. After feeling a spiritual calling to start a family, they placed their hopes in God’s hands.
“Put it in God’s hands,” Anthony shared with CBN News.
“And we got pregnant pretty fast,” Karen added, echoing her husband’s sentiment.
A Journey Marked by Loss
Sadly, their path to parenthood was not without its challenges. Karen experienced four miscarriages, a painful ordeal that left her heartbroken.
“Nothing has hurt as much as the infertility journey,” Karen admitted. “But there is hope.”
At the age of 41, Karen and Anthony were advised by their doctor to consider IVF. However, the couple opted against this route, citing personal and ethical reasons.
“My hematologist urged me to try IVF, especially since I was older and might face genetic risks,” Karen recalled. “But we both agreed that this was in God’s hands, and we weren’t going to pursue IVF.”
A significant concern for the couple was the creation of embryos that may never be used, a practice common in IVF.
“I couldn’t accept the idea of embryos being frozen and unused,” Karen explained. “To me, that felt wrong knowing there was life not inside me.”
Choosing Restorative Reproductive Medicine
Instead of IVF, the Monettis turned to RRM, a natural and holistic approach to treating infertility. RRM focuses on diagnosing and addressing the root causes of infertility, aiming for a solution that aligns with the body’s natural processes.
Karen and Anthony sought help from the MorningStar Family Health Center, a clinic specializing in RRM, where they worked with Dr. Edward Fleming and Dr. Jean Golden-Tevald.
“In my 20 years of practice, I’ve never encountered a case where we couldn’t find something contributing to infertility,” Dr. Golden-Tevald told CBN News. “There’s always an underlying issue.”
The treatment process involves comprehensive testing, including evaluations of a woman’s ovulation, hormone levels, and other factors. Men are also tested for issues such as low testosterone, which can affect sperm quality and counts.
In the Monettis’ case, Karen’s struggles with blood clots and hormonal imbalances were identified as key factors.
“It’s rarely just one factor,” Dr. Golden-Tevald explained. “There are usually several contributing elements.”
A Miracle Baby
After receiving treatment, which included blood thinners and hormone therapy, Karen became pregnant. The couple’s prayers were answered when she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
“My pregnancy was a huge success,” Karen said. “We finally have our miracle.”
RRM’s success rate, doctors claim, is comparable to or even better than IVF. Additionally, it is a safer and more affordable option for many couples.
“It’s low-risk and much more cost-effective,” Dr. Fleming added.
The Monettis are eager to spread the word about RRM, which they believe is often overlooked in mainstream medical circles.
“I don’t think many people know about it,” Karen said. “It’s not commonly discussed in fertility treatments. Most people are just told to go for IVF.”
Challenges in Raising Awareness
One of the reasons RRM is not as widely promoted is the lack of financial incentives. Since RRM is a natural approach that does not rely on expensive technologies like IVF, it is not heavily marketed.
“RRM isn’t well-known because there’s little profit in it,” Dr. Fleming noted.
There are efforts to change this, with some lawmakers advocating for broader access to RRM. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma introduced the RESTORE Act, which aims to prioritize addressing the underlying causes of infertility. The Senate is expected to continue discussing the bill in the near future.
For now, advocates like the Monettis rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to help others struggling with infertility.
“I give Dr. Eddie and Dr. Jean’s contact info to anyone I know facing fertility challenges,” Karen said. “God brought them into our lives, and we are forever grateful for our miracle baby.”
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