THE CASE FOR RESTORATIVE REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

The Case for Restorative Reproductive Medicine

By Deborah Colloton

Two things struck me during reflections surrounding 2024 “National Infertility Awareness Week”:

1. The argument for restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) over in vitro fertilization (IVF) is so compelling. For couples for whom RRM is a fit (most couples experiencing infertility), it’s hard to see why RRM shouldn’t be considered the essential first step: RRM is less invasive, less expensive, and far healthier than IVF, and is at least as effective (compared to autologous IVF). Moreover, it carries none of the vexing ethical issues attached to IVF.

2. There is a surprising range of voices expressing concern about the patient experience and patient outcomes with IVF. The Economist recently characterized IVF as “grueling and costly” and “failing most women,” and numerous academic articles have warned against overuse of IVF and suggest we hew more closely to nature.

I reflect further on these issues in A New Solution for Infertility at Real Clear Science.

The Reply clinic for years has championed RRM, and advocated for more attention and more research for improved understanding and treatment of reproductive health problems. Exciting progress is being made with the establishment of the new international research registry, Surveillance of Treatment Outcomes for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (STORRM), a collaborative effort of the International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM) and the University of Utah School of Medicine. Reply is a participant in the STORRM research, which currently is evaluating outcomes for couples facing infertility or recurrent miscarriage.

Advancement of RRM cannot happen soon enough. In the meantime, patients deserve greater awareness of options as they work to navigate what can be confusing and even devastating circumstances of facing a fertility challenge.

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Statement from the International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine

By Carolyn Plican • May 30, 2025

In anticipation of an announcement from the Trump administration regarding solutions for infertility, and in preparation for World Infertility Awareness Month in June, the International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM) has issued a statement about the growing promise and prominence of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).

RRM parents,following years of unexplained infertility and no results working with other specialists

UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY, EXPLAINED

By Patient Testimonial • May 24, 2025

Patients Erica and John found Reply following years of unexplained infertility and no results working with other specialists—“we just didn’t know there was anything else out there.” They followed the typical pattern of multiple underlying factors that could be identified and treated. With comprehensive RRM care they were able to conceive and gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. They emphasize that “if you can figure out ‘why,’ that’s half the battle.” Their testimonial below was recorded, transcribed, and edited for length.

Dr. Joseph Stanford, RRM Clinician, University of Utah

RRM Presidential Chair Established at University of Utah

By Deborah Colloton • May 24, 2025

In a first of its kind, a presidential chair in restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) has been established at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah. This new academic chair, the “Joseph B. Stanford, M.D., and Kathleen B. Stanford Presidential Chair in Restorative Reproductive Medicine,” honors the pioneering work and commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Stanford to the RRM medical discipline.

New RRM Medical Journal Launches

By Deborah Colloton • May 24, 2025

A major milestone for restorative reproductive medicine has been achieved with the launch of the new medical journal, Journal of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (JRRM). “Our vision is that JRRM will disseminate and promote evidence-based information to support and restore human fertility and reproductive health,” wrote editor-in-chief Dr. Joseph B. Stanford in a welcome commentary. The peer-reviewed, open-access journal is published by the International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM), and will provide the opportunity to expand and deepen the knowledge base for restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).

Response to Trump Executive Order on IVF

By Carolyn Plican • February 21, 2025

Response to Trump Executive Order on IVF: Reply Fertility Urges Restorative Reproductive Medicine for Patients Facing Infertility

A person is holding a newborn baby wearing a white hat

THE RRM DIFFERENCE

July 3, 2024

“After over a year of trying and a miscarriage, it just felt like there was no hope and no way out of this situation. It seemed like there was no solution, that I would always be sick, and that we would never get to hold any of our children in this life.”

A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to a woman.

What is RRM and why have I never heard of it?

August 24, 2023

Discover how restorative reproductive medicine helps couples restore natural fertility. Learn why RRM could be your answer—explore now!

PAMELA'S STORY

By Samantha Ratcliffe, CNM, WHNP-BC • February 22, 2022

”Not until I found Reply, did I feel confident that I would ever have a child of my own.” Watch to learn how the Reply Fertility “Finding and Fixing” Program helped Pamela to address her PCOS, to conceive, and to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

BREAST CANCER AND PREVENTION

By Samantha Ratcliffe, CNM • October 21, 2020

In the case of breast cancer, there are some risk factors that cannot be changed such as your first period occurring before age 11, menopause arriving late, or the presence of particular genetic mutations. However, there are a number of breast cancer risk factors that you can control, many of which can be discussed at your preventative annual well-woman visit!