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Seeds of Success: The Luoma Family

When Sarah and Todd Luoma started their journey at RADfertility, they had already been trying to get pregnant for over a year. Sarah was following her gynecologist’s recommendations, measuring her body temperature each day and carefully monitoring her cycle. However, she wasn’t seeing results.

Please note: Since this patient story was originally published, Dr. McGuirk has retired from CCRM Fertility of Delaware and the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center has closed. CCRM Fertility still effectively treats patients with endometriosis by helping to manage pain and overcome endo-related infertility. Learn more about endometriosis treatment at CCRM here.

After hearing a radio ad for RADfertility, Sarah knew it was time to see a fertility specialist. She scheduled an appointment and met with Dr. Barbara McGuirk, the Director of Reproductive Surgery at RADfertility.

“When we began treatment, we knew next to nothing about fertility care,” Sarah said. “Our initial appointment was overwhelming but exciting at the same time. It was so refreshing to speak to someone who understood our frustrations and was willing to take the steps forward to figure out what was wrong.”

Reaching A Diagnosis

Sarah noted her periods were both irregular and painful, and she needed a temperature-controlled blanket and pain relief medication each month. Dr. McGuirk recommended Sarah go through a full examination to pinpoint why she was in pain and whether it was related to her fertility challenges.

The results showed Sarah had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis—both conditions that can contribute to infertility. Dr. McGuirk recommended Sarah use a combination of the birth control pill and losing weight through diet change to restore regular ovulation.

For Sarah’s endometriosis, Dr. McGuirk scheduled her for surgery at the Delaware Outpatient Center for Surgery (DOCS). At RADfertility, Dr. McGuirk specializes in treating endometriosis through surgery, and uses laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique performed by only a select few surgeons in the country. Endometriosis occurs when cells from the endometrium grow outside the uterus and can sometimes cause pain and infertility. Laparoscopy allows Dr. McGuirk to remove any excess endometrial or scar tissue that could interfere with embryo implantation.

“We had a really good understanding of my diagnosis,” Sarah said. “Dr. McGuirk did a great job explaining everything to us.”

The surgery was successful, and the couple was ready to move forward with fertility treatment.

“We had a really good understanding of my diagnosis. Dr. McGuirk did a great job explaining everything to us.”

– Sarah Luoma

Pursuing IVF

After surgery, the couple tried two intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments, which were unsuccessful. Dr. McGuirk recommended Sarah and Todd pursue IVF as their next step.

“We knew we had a clear and concise plan of our next step, so we moved forward,” Sarah said.

After her first frozen embryo transfer, the couple got the news they had been hoping for: Sarah was pregnant. She delivered her son, Chase, in May 2013.

Sarah said the doctors, clinicians and patient coordinators made her feel welcome during her time at RADfertility.

“The entire process can be challenging physically and emotionally, but it is absolutely worth it. Coming into the office every day was the best part,” Sarah said. “The entire staff made me feel like I was their only patient. RADfertility is like an extended family.”