This fertility story started long before the couple turned to IVF for unexplained infertility

Blanca and Juan Jose both grew up in households with strong family values, so they knew they wanted to become parents after getting married. They just didn’t know that IVF for unexplained infertility would be the way they would start their family.

In 2017, the couple began trying to conceive naturally. However, they faced a negative pregnancy test each month, leaving them heartbroken and confused. Blanca began searching for ways to improve the odds of getting pregnant naturally, and she learned about ovulation kits. After a few more months of trying, Blanca decided it was time to see her gynecologist.

Her doctor ruled out polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and prescribed Clomid to help Blanca ovulate. When the couple still didn’t see a positive pregnancy test, Blanca’s doctor referred her to our Austin fertility center, Texas Fertility Center.

“It hit me like cold water,” Blanca says. “At the time, I didn’t realize how common these issues are, so I felt like I was defective in some way. But even though I felt overwhelmed and depressed, there was also a wind of hope, knowing that I would get some answers from a fertility specialist.”

Beginning the journey with Dr. Anthony Propst at Texas Fertility Center

It was 2018 when Blanca and Juan Jose first met with Dr. Anthony Propst for a consultation. “Our first impression was that he was very knowledgeable and kind. We quickly felt very comfortable with his experience and empathy,” Blanca remembers.

After ordering diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and a semen analysis, the couple was surprised to learn that everything was normal. As a result, Dr. Propst made a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. “He answered all our questions and taught us about unexplained infertility. For us, he recommended that we start with IUI,” Blanca says.

However, two rounds of intrauterine insemination were unsuccessful. Although the couple was confused and sad, Dr. Propst was still confident that they could welcome a baby. That’s when he suggested that they pursue IVF for unexplained infertility.

Taking the next step with IVF for unexplained infertility

The couple decided to begin in vitro fertilization in January 2019. Juan Jose served as Blanca’s “designated shot-giver” and it paid off, as Dr. Propst was able to retrieve two dozen eggs. According to Blanca, “After the fertilization, the ICSI process and PGT testing, we were left with eight frozen embryos. We were so happy and hopeful for our little ‘embabies.’”

The couple soon had their first frozen embryo transfer (FET) and they decided to transfer a baby boy. Blanca and Juan Jose were overjoyed when they learned they were pregnant. “It was such a milestone on our journey, and I wanted to shout it out to the world.”

However, despite doing standard progesterone injections every three days, the couple experienced the heartbreak of miscarrying at six weeks. “We grieved the loss of our embryo, the loss of our pregnancy, the loss of our baby boy and yet another failed attempt to grow our family. We grieved what could have been, but we still had faith,” Blanca recalls.

Dr. Anthony Propst recommended that the couple try another FET and daily progesterone shots when they were ready. For the second embryo transfer, Blanca and Juan Jose chose a baby girl embryo.

Thanks to IVF for unexplained infertility and “the right cocktail of hormones and medications,” this pregnancy was successful. In January 2020, the happy couple welcomed a beautiful and healthy baby girl named Ruby Angelica.

Their daughter’s name has a special meaning for Blanca, Juan Jose and their whole family. “My husband’s only sister, Rubbie, died at a young age. Our Ruby is keeping her memory alive,” Blanca says. “When we told everyone about her name at the gender reveal, everyone cried.”

Soon, the couple is planning to go back to transfer another embryo and give Ruby a little brother or sister.

Offering advice and hope to other parents

Blanca has two pieces of advice for others going through fertility struggles. First, she recommends opening up to close friends and family about infertility.

“I felt defective and alone when we were first having trouble getting pregnant. But when I started opening up to close friends about our journey, I learned how common fertility issues are. I also learned that four of my friends successfully had their babies with help from TFC,” she explains.

As her second piece of advice, Blanca recommends staying hopeful and getting treatment at our Austin fertility center.

“Not everyone conceives in the same way. It’s a little like a puzzle or a maze. Some people have an easy path and others have twists and turns, but it will eventually work if you seek out the right treatment,” she says. “I always tell people who are struggling to conceive to go to TFC and get excited because there’s so much hope.”

If you would like to get started on your path to parenthood with our team, contact our Austin fertility center to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you have your own happy ending.