Sara & Tim

After an extended period of hoping to grow our family, with no red flags from initial OB bloodwork, we reached out to Shady Grove Fertility to begin our fertility journey. It was there that we learned I had diminished ovarian reserve, something that hadn’t shown up as concerning to my OB when earlier testing was done.  

A personalized treatment plan

We began treatment with intrauterine insemination (IUI)—completing five rounds (with one canceled)—but unfortunately, none were successful. At the start of the new year, we moved on to in vitro fertilization (IVF), determined to keep pushing forward. Under the care of Dr. Rebecca Chason, we did three back-to-back IVF cycles, and I am so grateful for her willingness to try a different approach for each one. Her flexibility, commitment, and compassion gave us a lot of hope in an otherwise uncertain and very challenging process!  

Our first embryo transfer didn’t take, and while discouraging, it also made me feel even more strongly that we needed to dig deeper. Because of my diagnosis and the number of cycles it took to bank embryos, I advocated for additional testing—and was so thankful that Dr. Chason and our amazing nurse, Colleen listened and supported that decision.  

We started with a hysteroscopy, followed by a mock transfer cycle and a ReceptivaDx biopsy, which tested for things like endometritis, endometriosis, and progesterone timing. The results showed I needed an extra day of progesterone before transfer, and I was also flagged for silent endometriosis. To give us the best chance possible, we did two months of Lupron suppression therapy to prepare for our next transfer. This was finally the answer we were looking for because our second embryo transfer worked!  

SGF’s care team made all the difference

This 21-month journey tested our patience and our strength in every way, but having a team who listened, adapted, and truly partnered with us made all the difference. Thank you so much, Dr. Chason and Nurse Colleen, for all of your care and support throughout our journey. You made us feel so comfortable and cared for every step of the way. We’ll never forget how you both even made sure to be there during our very first ultrasound—it meant the world to us and is something we’ll never forget! 

Full of gratitude

We’re also endlessly grateful to all those at Shady Grove Fertility in Annapolis and Towson who played a part in helping us get to our Sofia Grace. If you’re in the middle of your own journey – keep the faith, ask the questions, and trust your instincts. Our journey was long, challenging, but most importantly, beautiful. We learned that through difficulties, grow miracles!