Ali & Tyler’s Story

Physician: Dr. Jaime Stanhiser
Treatment: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) with Donor Sperm

My journey to motherhood has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. From 2013 to 2019, I suffered from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, a condition where my menstrual cycles stopped completely. It took six years of persistent effort, including significantly increasing my calorie intake, cutting out all high-intensity exercises, and gaining weight, to finally regain my cycle in 2019.

Trying to Conceive

In September 2020, my husband and I began our journey to conceive (TTC). After 13 months of trying without success, we decided to take a break. Fortunately, in November 2021, I became pregnant. Sadly, I experienced a miscarriage at 11 weeks due to the baby being at high risk for Turner syndrome, as revealed by the Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT).

Deciding on IUI

Given my husband’s eye condition, congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles, which significantly limits eye movement, we faced a 50/50 chance of passing this condition on to our children. After lots of research and prayers, we decided that intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm was the best option for our family.

Our Experience with RPSD

We had our first IUI at home with a midwife, but it was our second IUI with Dr. Stanhiser at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center San Diego (RPSD) that changed our lives. This procedure resulted in the birth of our son, Enzo, who is now 16 months old.

The RPSD team was nothing short of amazing. The front desk staff was always responsive and communicative, promptly answering calls and addressing any concerns I had about my cycle. Their support was invaluable throughout our journey.

Choosing Dr. Stanhiser

I chose Dr. Stanhiser after reading about her special interests in amenorrhea and modifiable lifestyle factors in both natural fertility and infertility. Her prize-winning paper on nutrition and fertility and her active lifestyle, which she enjoys with her family, resonated deeply with my husband and me. During our consultation, I appreciated how attentively she listened to my medical history and supported my decision to use progesterone suppositories during the first trimester.

A Moment of Gratitude

One of the most memorable moments was when my nurse told me, “Dr. Stanhiser just reviewed your ultrasound and she said everything looks healthy and great! You don’t need to come back for another ultrasound; you can graduate to your Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).” We were so grateful to God to hear these words!

Advice to Others on Their Journey

As difficult as it may be, try not to let your life revolve around every ovulation predictor kit (OPK), checking cervical mucus, and other symptoms or doctor appointments. Continue to live your life, find joy in other areas such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. Most importantly, lean on God throughout your entire journey. No matter what your path looks like, He is with you every step of the way.

If you are on a similar journey, know that you are not alone. The team at RPSD is there to support you every step of the way, just as they were for us.