Fertility treatment helps Bellefonte couple build family

From Geisinger media

For people ready to start or grow their family, a diagnosis of infertility can be a shock.

Julie and Derek Anthony of Bellefonte already had one child, so they were surprised to have trouble conceiving a second.

“We had had our first son, Charlie, naturally about seven years ago and he said he wanted to be a big brother,” said Ms. Anthony, who is 35. “We thought, ‘OK, that shouldn’t be an issue,’ but we kept trying and it just wasn’t working.”

After trying for more than a year, the couple met with Erin Kohrherr, a physician assistant in Geisinger women’s health and fertility.  

“I started working with the Anthonys in the summer of 2022,” Ms. Kohrherr said. “We discussed a complete fertility evaluation, including labs, semen analysis and imaging to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes for any abnormality. Testing was unclear as to the issue, and they were diagnosed with secondary unexplained infertility.”

Unexplained infertility means all available fertility testing comes back normal. It happens in about a third of couples that have trouble conceiving.

Most couples are treated with fertility medications to optimize ovulation and the chance of sperm and egg being in the same place at the same time. This can be done with timed intercourse or with intrauterine inseminations (IUI).

Ms. Kohrherr traveled to Geisinger Healthplex State College once a month for appointments with the Anthonys, and they traveled to Danville for testing and procedures. During that time, they had two confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage.

But the couple continued to work through the process.

“Traveling to Danville for fertility treatment was tough, but the services they provide are so incredible,” Ms. Anthony said. “They provided emotional and physical support and helped give us a positive outlook.”

Early in 2023, Geisinger increased its fertility care presence in the western part of its footprint by hiring Lydia Shively, another Geisinger physician assistant for women’s health and fertility. Ms. Shively took on a more consistent role at Geisinger Healthplex State College, seeing patients three times a week and providing care close to home for patients in the area.

“Once I started in State College, I began taking over the care of our patients in the area,” Ms. Shively said. “In Julie's case, I picked up where she left off with Erin Kohrherr with a medicated cycle and IUI.”

For the Anthonys, having treatment close to home made the process easier.

“Lydia continued the same great care and support that we were receiving, and it was so much better when we could get the care in State College,” Ms. Anthony said. “It alleviated some stress.”

Soon after, in May 2023, Ms. Shively performed an insemination procedure that resulted in a successful pregnancy. And on Jan. 31, 2024, Mr. and Ms. Anthony, as well as 7-year-old Charlie, welcomed baby Henry into their family.

“The fertility journey is known to be full of ups and downs,” Ms. Shively said. “In cases such as Julie's where we cannot identify any reason for fertility issues, I think the ups and downs are a result of unanswered questions and the unknown. Having more knowledge about fertility is empowering. We’re here to answer those questions so each patient can feel confident in their decisions moving forward.”

The Anthonys couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.

“Honestly, Charlie is such a wonderful little boy, and his desire to be a big brother was a big driving force for us,” Ms. Anthony said. “Having the emotional and physical support of the Geisinger team helped us keep a positive attitude and continue through the long process.”

And now, with the arrival of Henry, “The prize is here,” she said.