Approximately ten percent of couples worldwide face challenges with infertility. As they seek solutions, many are turning to a lesser-known medical approach known as restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). This method aims to identify and treat the underlying causes of infertility, offering an alternative to traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF).
One couple navigating this difficult journey is Karen and Anthony Monetti. After nine years of marriage, they felt a strong call to start a family. “Put it in God’s hands and let go,” said Anthony in an interview with CBN News. The couple soon became pregnant but faced the heartbreak of four miscarriages. “Nothing has hurt, and I’ve never grieved so much as the infertility journey,” Karen reflected. Yet, she emphasized, “there’s hope.”
Choosing a Different Path
Despite recommendations for IVF, the Monettis chose to pursue RRM. Karen recalled her hematologist’s insistence on IVF due to her age and the potential risks of genetic defects, but the couple remained firm in their decision. “We’re not doing it. This is all in God’s hands,” she stated. A significant concern for them was the creation of unused embryos during IVF, which Karen found ethically troubling.
Instead, they sought treatment at the MorningStar Family Health Center, an RRM clinic led by Dr. Edward Fleming and Dr. Jean Golden-Tevald. “In 20 years of doing this, I have never had a woman evaluated where we couldn’t find anything wrong,” Dr. Golden-Tevald remarked. The RRM approach involves thorough assessments of a woman’s ovulation cycle and hormonal levels, as well as testing male partners for factors like low testosterone that could affect fertility.
A Journey to Parenthood
In the Monettis’ case, Karen faced serious blood clots and hormonal issues that contributed to their infertility. “It’s almost always never just one thing,” noted Dr. Golden-Tevald. Following a regimen that included blood thinners and hormonal treatments, the couple eventually welcomed a healthy baby girl. “My pregnancy was a huge success,” Karen exclaimed. “We finally have our baby, our miracle.”
Doctors claim that RRM’s success rates can be equal to or even surpass those of IVF, with significantly lower financial costs and no associated risks. “There’s really no risk, and it’s very inexpensive,” Dr. Fleming explained.
Despite its potential, RRM remains relatively unknown. “I don’t think many people know it exists,” Karen stated, adding that mainstream medical practices often default to recommending IVF. Dr. Fleming pointed out that financial incentives for recommending RRM are limited, which contributes to its lack of visibility.
Efforts are underway to increase awareness and access to RRM. Recently, Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford sponsored the RESTORE Act, which focuses on addressing the root causes of infertility to help families conceive. The new Senate is expected to revisit this legislation shortly.
In the interim, advocates for RRM are relying on personal referrals. “I recommend everybody I know who struggles with fertility,” Karen shared, emphasizing the importance of spreading the word about the clinic and its practitioners. “God gave them to us, and they are incredible, and we have our miracle baby now.”
