Restorative Reproductive Medicine Offers Hope for Infertile Couples

Approximately ten percent of couples in the United States face challenges with infertility. As a response, many are turning to a lesser-known discipline called restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). This approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of infertility instead of relying solely on in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Seeking Alternatives to IVF

Couples like Karen and Anthony Monetti exemplify this shift. After nine years of marriage, they felt a spiritual calling to expand their family. “Put it in God’s hands,” Anthony told CBN News. Karen echoed his sentiment, reflecting on their faith during a challenging period. “And we got pregnant pretty fast,” she added.

Despite their hopeful start, the couple faced heartbreak with four miscarriages. “Nothing has hurt, and I’ve never grieved so much as the infertility journey,” Karen said. This emotional toll led them to consider IVF, a common recommendation from healthcare professionals. However, they chose to pursue alternatives.

“My hematologist suggested IVF, emphasizing the risks of genetic defects due to my age,” Karen recalled. “But my husband and I flat out said, ‘We’re not doing it. This is all in God’s hands. He will take care of us.’” Karen expressed reservations about the implications of IVF, particularly regarding the concept of unused embryos. “I could not bring myself to that, knowing that there was life there that was not inside of me,” she explained.

Understanding Restorative Reproductive Medicine

Dr. Golden-Tevald, a specialist in RRM, emphasized the unique nature of this approach. “In 20 years of doing this, I have never had a woman evaluated where we came up and said, ‘We can’t find anything wrong,’” he stated. He explained that the process begins with a thorough examination of a woman’s ovulation cycle and hormonal levels.

For the Monettis, this involved extensive testing. “Right off the bat, it was a lot of testing,” Karen recalled, noting that both men and women undergo evaluations. “Men with low testosterone can affect male function and sperm counts,” Dr. Fleming said, highlighting the importance of understanding male fertility as well.

In Karen’s case, her infertility was linked to serious blood clots and hormone issues. “It’s almost always never just one thing,” Dr. Golden-Tevald noted, acknowledging that multiple factors often contribute to infertility challenges.

After beginning treatment, which included blood thinners and hormone therapy, the Monettis welcomed their long-awaited child. “My pregnancy was a huge success,” Karen said. “We finally have our baby, our miracle.”

According to doctors, the success rate of RRM is comparable to or even exceeds that of IVF. “The other piece is that there’s really no risk, and it’s really inexpensive too,” Dr. Fleming highlighted, pointing out the financial advantages of RRM over traditional IVF.

Despite its benefits, awareness of RRM remains limited. “I don’t think many people know it exists,” Karen stated, voicing her concern that mainstream medical practices often default to IVF. Dr. Fleming attributed this lack of awareness to the absence of financial incentives for promoting RRM. “Unfortunately, RRM is not very well known, and a big reason for that is because it’s not advertised as much,” he explained. “There’s not a lot of money to be gained in RRM.”

As discussions around fertility treatments evolve, advocates hope that awareness will increase. The new Senate is expected to resume consideration of the RESTORE Act, which aims to support alternative reproductive health options. In the meantime, couples like the Monettis are sharing their experiences to help others. “I recommend everybody I know who struggles with fertility,” Karen said. “I’ve given out Dr. Eddie and Dr. Jean’s information because, again, God gave them to us, and they are incredible.”