Media Contact:
Nikki Llorin
314-286-0377
After countless procedures and several years of trying to conceive, Heidi and Eric Klein sought the help of Barnes-Jewish Hospital''s in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. A short time later, they heard the news they had been waiting for: "You''re pregnant."
"We always wanted to be parents and were running out of options when we finally sought the help of Barnes-Jewish''s IVF program," says Heidi, a resident of Belleville, Ill. "When I finally got the call that I was in fact pregnant, I was overjoyed, and Eric and I owe it all to the amazing staff at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish."
The in vitro fertilization (IVF) program at Barnes-Jewish offers people like the Kleins hope through state-of-the-art procedures designed to help bring a child into the world.
While no program can guarantee pregnancy, the IVF program has had thousands of successes over its long history.
"Patient safety is our first priority and, while our goal is to help the patient achieve pregnancy, we would never jeopardize her health with unnecessary treatments," says Randall Odem, MD, Washington University reproductive endocrinologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "We''re able to provide virtually every procedure for infertility that is available, even for those with preexisting conditions, such as Heidi, who has diminished ovarian reserve."
The Third Time''s a Charm
When Dr. Odem diagnosed Heidi with diminished ovarian reserve-the inability to produce quality eggs-he advised her that her chances of becoming pregnant were very low but that they would continue to help her reach her goal.
"I knew my odds were low for conception, but we were committed and underwent several unsuccessful inseminations before Dr. Odem suggested we move on to more aggressive IVF therapy," says Heidi. "Finally, after an IVF procedure, Dr. Odem called me to say that our third attempt worked and that I was pregnant."
Despite Heidi''s low chances of producing a viable egg, the Kleins-along with help from the IVF program-are now the proud parents of a daughter, Grace, and are trying for another child.
"Heidi had a very challenging background, and most IVF programs would have turned her away-but not our team," says Dr. Odem. "We take on the tougher cases, because we know that having a child is a dream come true for parents. We are proud to help parents achieve that dream through personalized, compassionate and quality health care."
Learn more about diagnosing and treating infertility
Infertility is an issue facing many people who dream of becoming parents. In 2002, approximately 7.3 million women in the United States had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term, according to the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both male and female factors may cause infertility.
The Washington University Infertility and Reproductive Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is offering a lecture about the diagnosis and treatment options for infertility. Join three reproductive endocrinologists as they explore the in vitro fertilization process and other new technologies used in assisted reproduction.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility
Thursday, February 28, 2008
7-8:30 p.m.
Fairview Heights Public Library
10017 Bunkum Road
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
The event is co-sponsored by the Fairview Heights Public Library. The event is free but registration is required. Register online, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or contact us toll-free at 866-867-36274.