Central Maine Fertility Center/Boston-IVF

History

Women’s Specialty Center-Boston IVF affiliation goes back 25 years

The Central Maine Fertility Center has had an official association with Boston IVF since 1999, although the two facilities have worked together “informally” for much longer.

Gynecologist-fertility specialist Michael Drouin, M.D., established an association with Boston IVF around 1982, after he met members of the organization’s physician staff at the first international IVF symposium.

During the 1980s, as fertility science gradually advanced, Dr. Drouin’s practice incorporated new technologies and practices. In the mid-80s, he began doing rapid-turnaround estrogen assay testing as a baseline for tracking ovulation – ovulation problems account for up to 50 percent of fertility problems. The innovation of new fertility drugs added another dimension to treatment options. But Dr. Drouin says one of the biggest advances in his practice was the addition of an on-site laboratory and a fertility coordinator.

“Ovulation induction requires close monitoring because we’ve got to know how the woman’s body is responding to better assure success and safety. The lab allows us to provide checks and balances in the process,” he explains. The lab also processes semen samples for intrauterine insemination, which may increase chances for conception.

As Boston IVF remained on the leading edge of fertility science, Dr. Drouin continued his close relationship with the organization. When he identified Maine patients as prospective IVF clients, he referred them to the Boston center.

Several years ago, Alan S. Penzias, M.D., surgical director of the Surgery Center of Waltham, Mass., a division of Boston IVF, began visiting Lewiston to interview potential IVF patients. This relationship continues.