The couple managed to conceive using a frozen embryo after three cycles of IVF. Dr Jessup, who has four children from a previous marriage, and Dr Knight who has three older children, said the process was sometimes a difficult, emotional rollercoaster but was completely worth it, and gave them both a first-hand experience of what their patients go through.
Both Dr Jessup and Dr Knight say they would highly recommend IVF as they were lucky enough to conceive their beautiful son Samuel. They also believe that older women should be given the chance to explore every option available to fall pregnant given the raft of treatments now available for those struggling to conceive naturally.
"I think there's different opportunities at different ages and from a personal view I think I'm extraordinarily lucky to have had the opportunity to be a dad again," Dr Knight said.
Dr Knight is the lead investigator in an upcoming clinical trial that will lead the way in demonstrating an IVF protocol with increased efficacy for pregnancy rates in women in the 40 – 45 age group.
Demeter Fertility is conducting the clinical trial using recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rHGH) in conjunction with the usual Mild Ovarian Stimulation (MOS) IVF treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The clinical trial is a blinded study, designed to support the results of a previous international trial.
Find our more about the Demeter Fertility Over40s Program for patients ages 40 - 44 years.