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When Eric and LeAnn Briesemeister got married in June 2002 they figured starting a family would be the last of their worries.
"We were more focused on figuring out finances, getting a home, etc.," Eric says. "We assumed that getting pregnant just ‘happened' because no one we knew had ever had a problem."
They were still young enough to start a family—he was 33 and she was 35—but old enough to know it was time get going.
Only one thing stood in their way: infertility.
The Briesemeisters first sought help from an infertility clinic in Cedar Rapids. When things didn't evolve as hoped, the couple placed their trust in the assisted reproductive specialists at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
"We will never forget our first appointment with Dr. Syrop (Craig Syrop, MD, an infertility specialist in the Center for Advanced Reproductive Care, which is affiliated with the UI Women's Health program). "He was very compassionate and caring. He gave us hope that we could achieve our goals. I actually shed a few tears at that first meeting."
Eric appreciated the non-judgmental approach.
"Dr. Syrop never once mentioned our ages," he says. "We were nervous enough about the risks (the birth defect rate begins to rise at age 35) without being made to feel like they were questioning our decision."
Most importantly, the Briesemeisters say, the UI team had a solid care plan based on their medical histories.
The first step involved the surgical removal of fibroids (muscular tumors, usually non-cancerous) from LeAnn's uterus. Performed by UI obstetrician-gynecologist William Davis, MD, the procedure removed a potentially complicating factor should LeAnn become pregnant.
Next came two cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI), or artificial insemination, resulting in LeAnn's pregnancy in July 2004.
With help from drugs that promoted super ovulation, along with a cesarean section delivery, baby Michael Briesemeister arrived on March 23, 2005.
"We were more than a little overjoyed!" LeAnn says.
The Briesemeisters wanted a second child so after a recommended eight-month wait, the IVF team implemented three more cycles of IUI, resulting in a second pregnancy and the birth of baby Josef on Dec. 22, 2006.
LeAnn was now 40. The risks associated with another pregnancy for both her and any child she might conceive were on the rise, but manageable.
Four cycles (the maximum) of IUI failed to create a third pregnancy so the next step involved an IVF procedure directed by IVF specialists Amy Sparks and Ginny Ryan, MD. Eggs and sperm were mixed in the laboratory, then incubated for a time. Two fertilized eggs were subsequently chosen for insemination.
The happy result was a third pregnancy and, on March 20, 2009, the birth of bouncing baby Alex.
The Briesemeisters—all five of them—couldn't be happier with the outcome. Thanks to expert help, their family dreams have come true.
For more information, patients and family members should:
- Call UI Consult and ask for the Center for Advanced Reproductive Care
- Call the Center at 319-356-8483
Calculating the risks
Pregnant women over age 35 face higher risks from pregnancy, including:
- Medical illnesses affecting the mother and fetus
- Genetic abnormalities and birth defects
- Pregnancy loss
- Complications of labor and delivery
Nevertheless, proper preparation before pregnancy and early prenatal care can help assure the best outcome.
Quad Cities outreach
Residents of eastern Iowa and western Illinois can now access The University of Iowa's infertility expertise more conveniently, thanks to a newly opened clinic in the Quad Cities. The UI Center for Advanced Reproductive Care clinic is located at Dexter Court, #100, Davenport, IA, 52807. The phone is 563-355-2244.
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