Women’s fertility is in trouble. From 2014-2020, the Centers for Disease Control reported a 2% decrease annually in the fertility rate among American women. Despite a 1% increase in 2020 (likely due to the COVID-19 lockdowns), the fertility rate plunged again in 2022 by 3%. The factors leading to this change include the postponement of marriage and children, economic instability, and poor health.
Another pervasive problem is infertility. Infertility affects one-in-six women around the world. Then, when a woman conceives, up to 20% of pregnancies result in miscarriage. Various means of Artificial Reproductive Technology, such as in vitro fertilization, have been sought to achieve pregnancy when all else fails. IVF is costly, painful, and inadequate. While ART can produce an embryo outside of the uterus, it cannot guarantee a successful implantation or live birth. ART often leads to unsuccessful IVF cycles and repeated heartbreak for couples. A more holistic method called Restorative Reproductive Medicine may be the answer.
The International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine defines RRM as “a branch of reproductive medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating reproductive issues by restoring and supporting the natural functions of the reproductive system.” In the publication, Treating Infertility, Ethics and Public Policy Center’s Natalie Dodson describes the difference between ART and RRM as “the former seeks to circumvent the infertility, and the latter seeks to treat the underlying causes of infertility.”
RRM recognizes that every function in our body is intertwined with our overall well-being. The ability to ovulate or have a menstrual cycle within appropriate age ranges is a sign of health. We cannot shut down one system and not expect natural repercussions later. Yet, conventional medical practices have only offered birth control to treat symptoms or IVF after failing to achieve pregnancy.
RRM is truly an act of individual sovereignty. The Left’s mantra of “my body, my choice” actually applies here. The strategies of RRM bring the patient in as an equal participant in treatment. On a case-by-case basis, a RRM doctor may prescribe changes in diet, certain medicines or supplements, exercise, stress reliefs, or surgeries. It is the patient’s responsibility to put the agreed-upon plan into action. Through charting various biomarkers, a patient can see how these actions are affecting her body from day-to-day and understand how to best advocate for herself when receiving treatment. This allows her to have informed decisions rather than a five-minute consultation only to receive a one-size-fits-all solution. These decisions can lead to healthy lifestyle choices that will be beneficial beyond pregnancy.
For far too long, medical professionals have normalized painful symptoms that indicate problems within the female reproductive system. The most prescribed treatment for abnormal menstrual cycles or associated pain are birth control methods such as pills or intrauterine devices. These have only provided a band aid allowing bigger problems to fester leading to infertility. We can’t completely blame the doctors though; this is what they have been taught.
RRM is not part of the core curriculum of most medical programs. In order to receive training, medical professionals have to take specialized courses post-graduation. ART, however, is often taught throughout medical school. If more medical professionals are equipped with how to address the root problems of infertility, more women can be treated at the local level.
Increasing the number of RRM trained physicians would also save costs for patients while having better outcomes. Studies have shown that RRM is twenty times less expensive than IVF. A single round of IVF can cost between $12,000-$30,000 and most women need multiple rounds to try to achieve pregnancy, whereas RRM, depending on the procedures, could simply come at the cost of medications.
IVF has a success rate of live births of roughly 23%. This number does not take into consideration all the extra embryos created and destroyed. Comparatively, RRM has a success rate up to 40% of live births, while also addressing long-term problems that may increase chances of future pregnancies or better health overall.
Studies have also shown that RRM significantly reduces preterm births. The average preterm birth rate in the United States is 10.4%. IVF increases this likelihood averaging 19.7% early deliveries. Incredibly, RRM falls below both averages with a 5.7% rate. Not only does RRM increase the health of the mother, but of the baby as well.
Treating infertility should not be a political issue, since infertility affects so many women and most women want to have children. We encourage Congressional and regulatory action to conduct studies into these methods. Women need better reproductive health options.
