From Spotlight on Health Nov./Dec. 2008

Even though “Baby” Hilsgen is not born yet, Mom Jana already has started a scrapbook of photos from the first ultrasound at five weeks gestation. The baby has a long way to go to catch up to older brother Cole’s multiple “giant” scrapbooks documenting the first eight years of his life. Jana and her husband, Troy, knew they wanted to have another baby after Cole was born in 2000. Although they used Clomid (an infertility drug) with success the first time, baby number two required a little more patience on their part.

Jana and Troy Hilsgen with son, Cole.

After trying Clomid again for one year unsuccessfully, Jana was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by Robert Stocker, M.D., obstetrician/ gynecologist with CentraCare Clinic – Women & Children. PCOS is a condition in which there is excess male hormone production affecting ovulation and follicle development. That meant she had to treat her PCOS before they could proceed with infertility treatments.

After her PCOS had improved, Jana and Troy again sat down with Stocker to discuss their options. Stocker recommended injectable fertility drugs and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Jana and Troy agreed to try it, but set their limit to three treatments.

“This type of infertility treatment includes ultrasounds every two to three days to study the mother’s follicles and to discover the best time for her IUI,” Stocker said.

When the first two treatments didn’t work, they didn’t lose faith, but also began to consider adoption as a good option for them while undergoing their third and final treatment.

“It felt like we were on an emotional roller coaster while we anticipated the outcome each month,” Jana said. “But we knew this wasn’t our final option and that there were other children out there who we could love as much as our own.”

However, the final IUI treatment was successful and the Hilsgens now are looking forward to baby number two in late January 2009.

“It’s an amazing feeling. Going through treatment was challenging, but the support from Dr. Stocker, Deb Ertl (nurse) and the ultrasound tech was incredible,” Jana said. “And in the end, it was worth it to know that we tried everything we could -- and fortunately, we had a successful outcome.”

For more information about CentraCare Clinic’s Reproductive Medicine Program or to register to attend a free reproductive seminar at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at CentraCare Health Plaza, please call (320) 654-3630, ext. 70291.

Learn more about CentraCare Clinic - Women & Children's Reproductive Medicine Program.