Staring a family is a shared dream amongst almost everyone. As children, we fantasize about what our families will be like, and even come up with names for our own children. While starting a family may come easy to some couples, fertility issues are increasingly common in today’s world. In the US alone, infertility affects the lives of more than 3 million people a year. Infertility is often the result of damage to the cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes. Several factors, such as age, tobacco use, and genetic disorders can increase the risk of being diagnosed with infertility in both men and women. While it is impossible to prevent fertility issues, there are several ways for those who are struggling to start a family to successfully conceive a child.
Of the most common methods is IVF, or, in vitro fertilization. During IVF treatment, physicians carefully administer fertility drugs in efforts to stimulate egg production. After the completion of this cycle, the eggs are surgically removed and fertilized. Once a viable embryo has been established, it is transferred into the mother’s womb. While overall success rates for IVF may vary, studies show that nearly half of the women who go through IVF achieve successful conception. Such was the case for 36-year old Beata Bienias and her husband. After years of struggling to conceive, Beata and her husband sought out the help of a fertility specialist. After gathering the details of Beata’s medical history, her fertility specialist revealed that she had polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. PCOS causes an increase in testosterone production, which can disrupt the pattern of ovulation. Though she and her husband were both devastated by the diagnosis, they remained determined to start a family of their own. Following her doctor’s recommendation, Beata signed up for a weight loss program to help prepare for IVF treatment.
After shedding a few pounds, she quickly scheduled her first appointment. This was it. The moment they had waited for, it was time to take the first step towards their family, and their future. After a few injections and an embryo transfer, Beata and her husband got the news they had always dreamed of. They were finally expecting! Their duo was going to soon be a trio, and life had never been more satisfying. Still basking in the new pregnancy bliss, the couple went in for her two-week prenatal appointment. A routine ultrasound would deliver even more exciting news. There was more than one bun baking in that oven. Beata and her husband had actually successfully conceived a set of twins shortly before her successful embryo transfer. They were thrilled. Neither of them could have imagined that their fertility problems would end with three new lives. Could this be? Was their luck literally tripling? Beata and her husband now have three new reasons to smile. Their story is a true testament of determination. Their unwavering desire to share their love with someone else proved to be more rewarding than they could have ever imagined.
