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Elisabeth Rohm's Journey to Motherhood via IVF

a blog by Claire, May 14, 2013

In an interview with Joy Behar, actress Elisabeth Rohm discussed her emotional struggle with infertility, and the proactive steps all women should take to best understand their fertility.

Rohm’s new book “Baby Steps: Having the Child I Always Wanted (Just Not as I Expected)” speculates about the incidence of infertility for women in their 30s and 40s, and talks about Rohm’s personal experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive her daughter, Easton.

“One of the things I would love more than anything to happen is that women, starting at 30, know that every year they need to check their hormone levels and check their ovarian reserve,” Rohm states. She encourages women to take matters into their own hands to raise awareness and reduce the risk of age-related infertility. Fertility declines rapidly with age, with 35 being the benchmark age at which fertility makes the most significant drop.

Behar praised Rohm for being one of the few celebrities who opens up about their struggle with infertility. Both women addressed some of the misconceptions about fertility based on the Hollywood portrayal of smooth sailing into pregnancy and motherhood for actresses well into their 40s.

Halle Berry's Pregnancy: Age and Health Concerns

a blog by Claire, April 13, 2013

Since Halle Berry announced her pregnancy earlier this week, there has been plenty of speculation about whether or not she used fertility treatment to conceive. Some physicians have even voiced their medical opinion regarding potential pregnancy complications due to her age and medical history.

As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve declines making her less inclined to conceive using her own eggs, and at greater risk of miscarriage due to chromosomally abnormal embryos. Many fertility doctors recommend that a woman over the age of 42 turn to egg donation, so it is quite possible that Berry (47) is keeping her use of an egg donor under wraps. Additionally, women over the age of 40 (without an infertility diagnosis) have just 5% chance of conceiving each month. While it isn't impossible for Berry to have conceived naturally, the odds seem to be stacked against her.

A woman of advanced maternal age is also at greater risk of developing fibroids or other uterine anomalies that could jeopardize embryo implantation and healthy pregnancy development. Women over the age of 35 are also at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, experiencing pre-term labor, and having a child with Down Syndrome. Berry has a history of Type 2 Diabetes which could impact fetal brain, heart, kidney, and lung development. She is at greater risk of giving birth to a larger baby and the child is predisposed to developing diabetes later in life. Berry will have to closely monitor her blood sugar levels and seek the medical care of a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) or high risk pregnancy doctor to monitor the baby’s growth.

Fortunately, advances in medical testing and care are likely to keep Berry and her child safe and healthy. This is the actress’ first pregnancy with fiancé, Oliver Martinez, and she has one daughter with ex-boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry.

Actress Nia Vardola Talks Adoption

a blog by Claire, April 8, 2013

In an interview with the Today show on Tuesday, actress Nia Vardola discussed her journey through infertility and adoption, and aspirations to become an advocate for adoption education.

Known for her role in the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Vardola has recently embarked on a mission to become a spokesperson for adoption, which includes authoring her first publication. Her new book not only highlights references and resources for pursuing adoption, but also details the process Vardola and her husband went through leading up to the homecoming of their adopted daughter in 2008. Vardola underwent thirteen cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) before deciding to move on to adoption.

In an effort to correct misconceptions about adopting older children, Vardola revealed her own struggles with bringing home a young child (versus an infant) and how she and her husband were able to help their daughter transition. “It was really, really hard. She wouldn't let us hold her or kiss her. And I am here today because within six months from the time we finalized her adoption, she was completely transitioned and loving and attentive and attached, and that is the fear that people have,” she stated.

Vardola admits that she struggled to keep her battle with infertility private and could not let the sadness overcome her otherwise positive personality.

Looking for more information on adoption? Check out the Adoption Forums on FertileThoughts.com!

Paltrow's Miscarriage Sheds Light on Age and Fertility Risks

a blog by Claire, March 19, 2013

The overall vibe in Hollywood is that pregnancy over 35 is easy. Celebrities get pregnant in a snap and it is nine months of smooth sailing. Every once in a while, a celebrity opens up about their pregnancy or infertility struggles and it not only gives us hope, but sheds light on the true health and fertility concerns that come with age.

In an interview this past Sunday, Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage after the birth of her second child, Moses. Paltrow explains that although she yearns for another child, her age and recent health complications have caused her to rethink her parenting plans.

After the age of 35, women are at an increased age-related risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. Though Paltrow suffered an early pregnancy loss, she claimed a severe migraine right around the time of the miscarriage led to further testing. The results were shocking and caused a complete diet and health overhaul.

"I was a mess. I was vitamin-D deficient, I had anemia, I had thyroid issues, my liver was congested, I had hormonal imbalances and a benign tumor on my ovary that had to be removed. I mean, it was crazy. I knew it was time for change,” she stated.

Paltrow admits she is still open to the possibility of having another child (though she acknowledges time is not on her side), but is much more conscious of her overall health.

The Little Couple Adopts; Hewitt Talks Egg Freezing

a blog by Claire, March 16, 2013

What do The Little Couple and Jennifer Love Hewitt have in common? They're in this week's fertility news.

We’ve come to learn that Dr. Jennifer Arnold and husband Bill Klein, known for their show The Little Couple, are going to be parents through adoption. Last year Arnold and Klein worked with a surrogate to become parents, but were devastated by the news that she had miscarried.

The couple has adopted a 3-year-old boy from China who also has a form of dwarfism. "My entire life, even before I met Bill, I always thought, 'Oh, I'd love to adopt a child who is another little person. And Bill and I talked about it after we got married, and I think we both realized we both would like that,” Arnold said in one episode. Their adoption journey will be featured on this, the sixth season of their show on TLC.

In other fertility news, Jennifer Love Hewitt is rumored to be researching egg freezing, though she denied claims on her Twitter page. The actress, 34, is supposedly concerned about the future of her fertility and although she is currently dating “Client List” co-star, Brian Hallisay, the couple hasn’t talked wedding bells or baby carriages. Jennifer, if you’re reading this, our Patient Care Coordinators can hook you up with an egg freezing expert in Los Angeles! Give them a call at 1-855-955-BABY (2229).

The Bachelor Sean Lowe's Sperm Donation Story

a blog by Claire, March 3, 2013

Sean Lowe, better known as The Bachelor, planned to become a sperm donor just a few years ago. According to reports, Lowe offered to donate sperm to help his sister and her husband become parents.

Shay and Andrew Shull underwent five unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles and one that resulted in miscarriage, which cost the couple emotionally and financially. Lowe didn’t think twice about helping his sister. He claimed to share emotional devastation of infertility and believes family comes first. Just as Shay and Andrew were planning for their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, Lowe stepped up to the plate in a big way and prepared to offer to donate his sperm so the child could share family genes.

As it turned out, Shay finally became pregnant before Lowe had a chance to be a sperm donor for his sister. The Shulls have since had two children, Kensington and Smith, both without assistance after years of fertility drugs and fertility treatments.

Lowe has recently been dubbed the “born again virgin”. Despite having sex during his college days, he plans to remain celibate until marriage.

Kardashian To Document Fertility Treatments on Camera

a blog by Claire, February 26, 2013

Khloe Kardashian is one of few celebrities who openly shares their struggle with infertility. Just this week, reports claimed Kardashian plans to allow cameras to document her fertility treatments in the upcoming season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Kardashian (28) has been married to Lamar Odom (34) for four years, and trying to conceive for more than two years. Though Odom has children from a previous relationship, Kardashian and Odom have shared details regarding their family building journey in an effort to help others struggling to build their families. Khloe suffers from Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) where decreased ovarian reserve compromises ovarian function and prevents ovulation.
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“Khloe has always said that she would have a baby when God meant for it to happen, and she knows there are other women like her that are struggling to get pregnant — and that is the reason why she decided to have television cameras in tow when she goes to the fertility clinic for treatment,” said a source.

Kardashian’s older sister, Kim, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Kanye West. There is no word on whether Kim underwent fertility treatment to conceive, though the reality star did undergo egg freezing just last year to preserve her fertility. Some say the news of Kim's pregnancy has caused Khloe Kardashian pain and jealousy, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The source continued: “She knows her time will come, she doesn’t know how or when she will have the baby, but it will happen.”

With over three million viewers, “Keeping Up” certainly has the power to raise awareness about infertility.

Michael Buble's Infertility Concerns and Fertility Workup

a blog by Claire, February 24, 2013

When it comes to trying to conceive, men either feel overwhelmed by or left out of the baby-making process. Between the pressure of timed intercourse and the fertility doctor-female fertility patient dynamic, it is tough for a guy to know where he stands...especially when women often take the reins of scheduling fertility treatments. Every so often, we are pleasantly surprised to find a man step up and assume some of the responsibility.

Singer Michael Buble took initiative and sought out a male fertility evaluation before trying to conceive with wife, Luisana Lopilato. In an interview with Erin Cebula of ET Canada, Buble said: “I’ve had sex with a lot of women,” he joked, “Near the end I was just trying to impregnate them just to see that I could. But you wanna know the truth? I went and got tested…because I was so sure that it was not going to work.”

There was no word on whether Buble and Lopilato used fertility treatment to conceive, but in January the couple announced via YouTube that they will be welcoming their first child together this year. The 37-year-old admitted he is not freaked out but is also not ready for the journey that lies ahead. Prepared or not, Buble reveals, "I'm more in love with my wife now than I ever was," and he fully expects the romance to continue with a screaming baby in the house.

There's A Funny Thing About Infertility in the Media

a blog by Claire, February 20, 2013

The funny thing about infertility is that few people talk about it unless it involves a recap of your favorite show around the water cooler on a Monday morning. Infertility is becoming a widespread topic in the media from TV show and movie plot lines to celebrities speaking out on their fertility issues. You may strike up a surprising conversation with a friend or coworker about infertility that you otherwise would not have anticipated had it not been for infertility’s place in the media spotlight.

Here are a few of our favorite infertility plot lines at Fertility Authority:

Downton Abbey
Whether you’re a dedicated viewer or you haven’t caught a single episode, you have heard of Downton Abbey. With the shocking season finale this week and a strong infertility story line, there is no way we can get away from talking about it. Mary (played by Michelle Dockery) and Matthew Crawley (Daniel Stevens) have struggled to conceive for several months. Mary receives word that her younger sister, Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay), has conceived unexpectedly and very quickly after her marriage to Tom Branson (Allen Leech). Mary and Matthew each travel to a fertility doctor in London, secretly and alone, and Mary undergoes a procedure to clear her uterus to aid in conception. Ultimately, Mary conceives and gives birth to a son, the new heir of Downton Abbey. There is also a theme of miscarriage as Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) suffered a pregnancy loss after a fall in the bathroom.

30 Rock
Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey), a single and hard-working TV writer, catches the baby bug and decides she wants to be a mom. She begins fertility treatments, but can’t handle the hormone surge from the fertility drug injections, and decides to pursue adoption instead.

How I Met Your Mother
“HIMYM” is known for surprise pregnancy announcements and in 2011, Robin (played by Cobie Smulders) was one of them. She first suspected she was pregnant and deduced that the father would have been Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris). Robin panicked at the thought of losing her independence, then discovered she was not only not pregnant, but also infertile.

Baby Mama
Another infertility role for Tina Fey, Baby Mama’s comedic plot focuses on Kate’s anxiety as she watches her surrogate, Angie (played by Amy Poehler), haphazardly move through the motions of pregnancy. Angie wavers on keeping the baby and, after a court hearing, is awarded maternity of the child. Angie apologizes to a devastated Kate who forgives her and rushes her to the hospital when her water breaks. Kate passes out during Angie’s delivery and we come to find she is pregnant by boyfriend, Rob.

Disney Pixar’s UP
An unexpected plot for a children’s movie, UP follows story of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen who meet as young children fascinated with adventure and tales of explorer, Charles Muntz. Fast forward through their youth and the two decide to marry. They try for a child and decorate a nursery within the first scenes of the movie. The movie then cuts to Carl comforting Ellie in what appears to be a doctor’s office as she cries. The assumption is that she is grieving the miscarriage of their child. Carl is later left a widower after Ellie falls gravely ill and the story picks up as Carl and a young Wilderness Explorer, Russell, take the trek to Paradise Falls, Venezuela, living out Ellie’s dream.

Sometimes getting the infertility conversation going creates a forum for sharing your own story. With 1 in 6 couples being diagnosed with infertility, you just never know who shares your struggle. What’s your favorite TV or movie plotline portrayal of infertility? We’d love to hear about it on FertileThoughts.com

Black Eyed Peas Singer, Fergie, is Expecting at Age 37

a blog by Claire, February 19, 2013

“The Duchess” is pregnant…and we don’t mean Kate Middleton!

Fergie A.K.A. Stacy Ferguson (37) and husband Josh Duhamel (40) are expecting. Ferguson joins the ranks of celebrity moms-to-be over the age of 35. There has been no mention on whether the couple used fertility treatments to conceive, but being over the age of 35 does come with a decline in fertility and increased risk of pregnancy complications. It is often recommended that expecting mothers of advanced maternal age seek medical supervision of a high-risk maternal fetal medicine doctor (MFM).

The couple posted their respective announcements alongside a photo of Ferguson and Duhamel as toddlers on Monday via Twitter. "Josh & Me & BABY makes three!!! #mylovelybabybump,” the singer exclaimed on her social platform. The couple has been married for four years and this will be their first child together.

Rumors have long been circulating that Fergie is pregnant, but Duhamel has continually assured the media there was no baby news to share.

Whether or not the couple used fertility treatments to conceive, we’re thrilled for the couple and wish them a happy and healthy pregnancy.

To read more about age and fertility, check out the following articles on FertilityAuthority.com:

Age and Fertility
Age and Ovarian Reserve- Egg Quantity and Quality
Fertility IQ: Study Says Women Misinformed on Age and Fertility Decline
30s Fertility