Futureproof has helped a young Dublin couple conceive a child.
After five years of trying and various unsuccessful treatments, Lisa and Gary McMahon are now 12 weeks pregnant with thanks to an assisted fertility programme with the SIMS IVF Fertility Clinic.
The process began when Futureproof approached SIMS Fertility Clinic to see if it would agree to provide free IVF treatment for a couple whose journey they would follow on the show.
“We were interested in looking at the science of IVF, but wanted it to be a personal story too," says Futureproof presenter Jonathan McCrea said. "Infertility is one of those problems that people are still afraid to talk about. We wanted to dispel some of the myths and examine the fascinating science of how life is created in the womb. This is an area where technology and innovation is rapidly developing and giving new hope to couples every day."
Given the topicality of the issue, Steve McGettigan of the SIMS IVF Fertility clinic was delighted to take part in the programme "We were delighted to assist any young couple identified as needing our help and expertise". After reaching out to dozens of prospective couples who were considering IVF, Lisa and Gary were chosen due to their suitability and their positive attitude to the process. They were fully aware that their whole journey would be followed by a radio show, no matter what the income.
Lisa and Gary were a little apprehensive at first. Lisa reveled, "I was concerned about what people would think of me sharing our experiences on a radio show with all the emotions that come with it. But we decided to do it, firstly because we really wanted a child and secondly because it is so important to talk about infertility. Despite how far we’ve come in society there is still a stigma, but now friends of mine have started to contact me over social media to talk about their own infertility issues."
Lisa has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - a condition that prevents egg production and release (ovulation). Lisa’s treatment began in October with Simulation drugs. The main concern in her case was that she was at risk of not responding to the drugs or, worse, of over-responding. Over response is a serious condition called hyperstimulation. She took injectable drugs on a number of occasions and did respond before Christmas, with IVF carried out and a very good quality embryo transferred.
Although a pregnancy did not occur on that occasion, the embryo was assessed using Eeva timelapse technology revealing genetically high performing embryos. At this stage, Gary and Lisa’s consultant, Dr David Walsh, the Medical Director of Sims said: "At this stage IVF, assisted by timelapse technology, has completed the diagnostic part of its job - we now know they can succeed – it’s only a matter of when."
A flexible approach using injectable stimulation drugs was continued after Christmas with a further response achieved. On this occasion based on ultrasound findings, timed intercourse was advised and two weeks later Lisa did a pregnancy test that proved positive.
About two months ago, Lisa did a pregnancy test that proved positive. This week Lisa underwent her 12 week scan. Dr David Walsh, from SIMS, who has been supervising Lisa’s treatment, said "The stimulation drugs overcame Lisa's inability to release eggs while IVF gave us the confidence to allow us both to reassure them and to continue this safer, more flexible approach. Hopefully after the baby is born, Lisa's ovaries will release eggs naturally and she will not need any assistance in futur."
Lisa told Futureproof, "I feel fantastic and we are both over the moon. Part of us can’t believe that this is really happening. We are so excited."
Lisa and Gary will be sharing their incredible journey this Saturday morning from 10am on Futureproof on Newstalk 106-108.
