Two academic studies, one from England and a second from Australia confirm what researchers have long suspected; losing weight can make it easier for women to conceive.

Professor Bill Ledger from the University of Sheffield in England, said results indicated that obese women who lost a meager 5-10% of their weight increased blood flood in their bodies which in turn acted like a "switch" to activiate participants' ovaries. The three-month study of overweight women, many of whom were suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome went on to conclude that even "minor" weight loss can increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant.

View Dr. Letterie's KOMO 4 Interview

August 2008

Earlier this year 425 Magazine asked medical professionals to tell them which of their colleagues deserved recognition as a doctor who is making a big difference for folks on the Eastside. The response was overwhelming. The 425 magazine editorial panel chose 10 medical professionals who were going above and beyond the call of duty or who were leaders in their field.

By 425 STAFF

Helping families grow

Dr. Gerard Letterie was drawn to obstetrics and gynecology because of the family aspect of the work. "The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping people build their dream of a family and delivering technology and cutting edge treatments to achieve this goal," he said. "I’ve traveled all over the world, and the most compelling commonality I observed was the focus that all cultures have on family. It’s no different here."

Letterie’s subspecialty is in fertility, and he says it’s exciting to be a part of a new and rapidly changing field. "Infertility treatments can be time and labor intensive. We have tried to make this care as accessible as possible with two locations in Kirkland and Seattle — a team of offices in the Puget Sound area," Letterie said. "Our main embryology lab is at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center which has provided us with outstanding support and delivered on their pledges along the way."

Letterie’s typical day is busy. He usually begins with ultrasound examinations for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Later, he does oocyte, or egg, retrievals and embryo transfers for patients nearing completion of their IVF cycles. By noon, he’s reviewing patient records, lab results and coordinating care for his patients. Afternoons are for patient consultations and procedures.

Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences featured on King-5 News

Monday, February 11, 2008
By JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News

Men have been able to freeze their sperm for years, but eggs are not so easy. Now, thanks to new technology, local women finally have the option of putting their fertility on ice.

Emma Elizabeth was one of the first babies in the world conceived with a frozen egg. Seven years later, the technology is finally available here in the Northwest, and is reporting its first success: A twin pregnancy.

"This is the first in Seattle and we think the entire Pacific Northwest," said Christy Jones, CEO of Extended Fertility. Her company has worked with five other fertility clinics around the country and has now partnered with the Northwest Center for Reproductive Services in Kirkland.