We were healthy. We were normal. There was no reason to think our issue was anything other than timing. So we kept trying, thinking that at some point we’d get the timing down and find success. But that day never came.
About 6 years into our marriage, we followed the advice of friends and sought medical help from a big box fertility clinic in our area. After a battery of tests, they relegated us to the category of unexplained infertility and urged us to jump straight to IVF, with no explanation of test results or discussion of other options. This seemed wrong to us, making us feel like just another number. At that point we decided that if it was God’s will, we would get our family, and if it wasn't, we would continue to live a happy and fulfilled life together.
Finding VCRM and Dr. Sharara
Fast forward to late Fall 2022. John and I had a very emotional conversation about life and family. Although we had agreed years before that we would be happy with our lives with or without children, it had become increasingly clear that we weren’t ready to give up on our dream of a family just yet. We knew one thing for sure: we weren’t going to go back to the big box clinic. We were going to research other notable and boutique-like clinics within a reasonable distance from our home in Northern Virginia. That is when we found Dr. Sharara and the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM).
We booked our first consultation appointment with VCRM in early 2023. John and I both went through a battery of tests and bloodwork, so when Spring 2023 rolled around, we started getting answers. I was diagnosed with PCOS, insulin resistance, and had a couple polyps growing. I was prescribed meds to get the PCOS and insulin resistance under control, put on an infertility diet, and scheduled for procedures to get my body ready for the next steps.
Steps Toward Treatment and Answers
We met with Dr. Sharara again to discuss our options. Unlike our previous experience, he didn’t jump straight to IVF. He reminded us that we were still young and had plenty of time to try less invasive options before trying IVF.
John still had some reluctance with the overall process and cost. In November 2023, John met with Dr. Sharara and laid out all his questions. Dr. Sharara gave it to him straight, answering every doubt with research and statistics. In December 2023, we began our first IUI cycle.
After 5 months of IUI cycles, we moved to IVF. We started IVF meds in July 2024 with our egg retrieval at the end of August. Through each milestone, nurses Jill and Jessica calmed our anxiety, explaining that egg count decreases were normal for each stage. We sent our remaining embryos for PGT-A testing.
Because of my history with polyps, Dr. Sharara did one more scan before proceeding with our frozen embryo transfer (FET). He discovered a couple polyps and also found that my uterus was somewhat septate, which increases miscarriage risk by 40% if left unfixed. On Halloween 2024, I underwent a polypectomy and corrective procedure.
The Path to Twins
After healing, we transferred our first embryo on January 17, 2025. For the first time in almost 14 years, I was pregnant, but the transfer ultimately failed. The VCRM team was amazing, comforting us as we discussed next steps. In February, I underwent an ERA and Receptiva biopsy. When results came back normal, we scheduled another FET in April, which also did not implant.
We met with Dr. Sharara to discuss our options. We agreed that for our third transfer, he would transfer two embryos. On June 4th, 2025, we transferred embryos three and four.
Two years after starting this fertility journey with Dr. Sharara and the VCRM team, we are finally pregnant, doubling the size of our little family! We cannot thank them enough for the care and support they have provided throughout our journey.
Unlike the big box clinics, they knew us by name and cared about what was going on in our lives. At VCRM you work directly with the doctor and medical staff. They give you information, empower you to make the right decisions, and encourage you throughout the process. We absolutely made the right decision choosing VCRM and are so thankful we did!
