“She is brave and strong and broken all at once.” – Anna Funder, Author
The Beginning of the Journey
Alissa Chupp, 35, and her husband, Tyler, began their fertility journey at Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI) in 2018 after trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a year and a half. Alissa worked with Dr. Meredith Provost, who diagnosed her with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Alissa initially underwent four rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), but unfortunately she could only proceed with two cycles, both of which were unsuccessful. “After our IUI treatments were unsuccessful, I felt defeated,” Alissa shared. “[But] we were excited to keep moving forward to start a family. We wanted a child and would do anything it would take to get pregnant.” It was at this point Alissa, Tyler, and Alissa’s clinical team at IFI began their first discussions about in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Trials and Setbacks with IVF
Alissa’s first round of IVF in the fall of 2018 tragically ended in a chemical pregnancy. In April 2019, Alissa underwent a second round of IVF, which was unsuccessful. After the first round of IVF, “I remember being at work and losing everything,” Alissa recalled. “The second time, the embryo ended up absorbing in me. Again, [I was] devastated.” Confronted by these setbacks, Dr. Provost administered both a hysteroscopy and laparoscopy during the summer, resulting in the discovery of endometriosis, polyps, and cysts.
Triumphs and Miracles
Despite these new challenges, Alissa and Tyler remained hopeful. In December 2019, they transferred their last embryo from the second IVF cycle. This time, joy and relief followed—Alissa was pregnant! Their daughter, Adalayde Mae, now 4 years old, was born, bringing immense happiness to their lives.
“I remember going into our bedroom and telling my husband we were pregnant. He’s a nurse and was sleeping. I couldn’t keep it in and when I got to work, I told those who knew we were finding out that day. I am so thankful for Adalayde. She is our first miracle!”
The desire to give Adalayde a sibling led them back to IFI in 2022. After another surgery to remove adhesions, Alissa embarked on a third round of IVF. In November, their fourth transfer was successful, and they welcomed their son, Jensen Oliver, who is now 1 year old!
Alissa described her experience at IFI as amazing. “Dr. Provost and her staff were by our side the whole time. I love how they remembered us each time we had appointments,” she recalled. “We thank God and IFI every day for our children.”
Reflections and Advice
Reflecting on her fertility journey, Alissa remembered the uncertainty and waiting (particularly the two-week wait for the results of her pregnancy tests) were the most challenging aspects. However, her faith and determination, along with the support of Tyler and the IFI team, kept her going. The most rewarding aspect was the birth of her sweet Adalayde Mae and Jensen Oliver: “They remind me everyday how blessed we truly are.”
Alissa emphasized the importance of never giving up and finding a supportive network of medical professionals and friends and family. “Don’t give up,” she said. “You might be doing several rounds of IUI or IVF, but keep pushing. There may be a reason it’s not working. I love how Dr. Provost never gave up on us. Find that support who will be with you through your journey.”
Conclusion
Alissa’s journey, like so many of our patients, is a testament to resilience and the power of hope. We thank her for her vulnerability and enthusiasm to share her story as a beacon of hope for all those navigating the complexities of fertility treatments.
If you’re starting your fertility journey or exploring assisted reproductive technologies, take heart from Alissa’s story and know that at Indiana Fertility Institute, we are here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step and schedule an appointment with us today!