There are many forms of infertility care available to Catholics that conform with the teachings of their Catholic faith and are as successful or more so than IVF/ART while also being much less expensive. One must find a physician who is a Reproductive Endocrinologist who provides and promotes these treatments.
Nobody anticipates difficulty starting or building their family when they enter into marriage. Tragically, 15% of couples will be childless after 12 months of attempting to conceive due either to an inability to conceive or to carry a pregnancy. The good news is that in both situations effective, affordable medical care, compatible with the doctrines, guidelines and teachings of our Catholic faith is available.
Conception outside of the human body (extra-corporeal fertilization) is prohibited by the magisterium of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, most fertility clinics focus on extra-corporeal fertilization (IVF/ART) as their main approach to treat infertility. Fortunately, traditional means of fertility evaluation and treatment are effective, affordable and encouraged by our Church.
Evaluation for infertility is indicated when a couple has been having unprotected/receptive intercourse 2-3 times weekly for 1 year (6 months if the wife is 35 or older or has known or suspected hormonal, menstrual or ovulatory problems). When the wife’s ovulatory function and anatomic condition and the husband’s fertility potential are evaluated, a cause for the failure to conceive is determined in over 90% of couples with a successful pregnancy achieved with treatment in excess of 50% of couples.
Ovulatory evaluation includes a general hormonal evaluation, charting basal body temperatures, progesterone levels and endometrial biopsy. The anatomic evaluation of the wife confirms open fallopian tubes and rules out endometriosis, adhesions, and fibroids through the performance of a hysterosalpingogram x-ray, a saline infusion sonogram, or a diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy with operative capabilities. The husband’s fertility potential is evaluated by techniques based on natural intercourse where conception is not inhibited (post-coital testing or semen analysis while collecting the specimen in a perforated condom during intercourse). This initial evaluation of all 3 fertility parameters occurs simultaneously with a diagnosis achieved within the first 1-2 cycles.
Once the cause of the infertility is determined, specific treatment is begun. Hormonal imbalances are corrected, and any remaining ovulatory deficiencies are addressed using medications that enhance ovulations (Clomid, Letrozole or gonadotropins). If anatomic issues are identified, surgical correction is performed. If there are issues with the husband, further evaluation is conducted, depending on the nature of the issue. Techniques to enhance sperm quality and number, including Clomid and IUI (intrauterine insemination with appropriate collection technique of the specimen) are employed. Obstructions of the male ejaculatory system can also be diagnosed and surgically repaired.
All of these treatments are both effective and within the guidelines of the Catholic Church.
50-60% of couples will be successful in building their families (rates comparable to techniques that require extra-corporal fertilization). The time expectation to successful pregnancy is in the 6-8 good, ovulatory cycle range
For those couples who still do not conceive, adoption continues to be an unexpected and wonderful opportunity. These children are loved at least as much as if not more than naturally conceived children and they bring more joy than their parents have the words to describe.
So if you are a couple who is having difficulty starting or enlarging your family, speak to your doctor, but seek a reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist who does not practice IVF/ART. Using time-honored, traditional treatments will help you to achieve your dream of parenthood. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Burke either through the email on this site or through his office (Phone: 856-429-2212, Fax: 856-249-9676).
Gerald V. Burke, M.D.