Should Insurance Companies Fund Fertility Treatments?

Very interesting blog from Stirrup Queens on this topic. Here is the gist:

According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, “[Photo][Photo]Some insurance companies and employers incorrectly believe that adding infertility coverage to a health benefit package leads to increased premiums. In fact, states that have passed laws requiring coverage of infertility treatment actually have reduced overall health care costs.”The reason being that those with insurance coverage tend to treat their infertility based on the best course of treatment rather than first trying procedures, surgeries, and medications covered by insurance. It saves money to bypass expensive attempts that have a lower success rate based on the reason for the person’s infertility. Coverage of expensive procedures such as IVF, means that those utilizing the procedure can make sensible decisions such as transferring fewer embryos and therefore lowering costs on the back-end including the financial burden associated with premature birth (which is often the case with multiples). According to Resolve, “In states with full coverage for infertility treatment, multiple birth rates (twins, triplets, etc.) are lower than in states with no infertility coverage. (New England Journal of Medicine, August 2002).”Think about it this way: would you rather have your insurance dollars going towards a $10,000 IVF cycle or a $150,000 hospital bill for a three week NICU stay for premature triplets?

My heart hurts

I just caught The Subfertile Frugalista's most recent blog:

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6wk u/s=no heartbeat

I'm not sure what to think right now. On one hand, it could still be okay. I've been researching and seem to find instances here and there where people got a 6 week u/s and didn't see a h/b.

But.

We saw a heartbeat at 6 weeks with Mya.

The baby's heart should have started beating at least a day or two ago.

But.

I got my +opk on 2/11. That means I could have o'd anytime between the 11th and the 13th. Dr. J seemed to think that if I conceived on or after the 14th, we might be okay. If I o'd on the 12th or 13th, it is possible that implantation took another day or two, in which case we might be okay.

But.

What is the likelihood of that? Not high.

I go in for bloodwork tomorrow to see if my levels are where they should be for this stage in pregnancy. If so, we will go in for another u/s on Monday. If not, well...you know the deal.

I'll keep you updated. Please pray.
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I'm hoping and praying and crossing all of the fingers I have. Why does this happen? She and her husband suffered a miscarriage just over a year ago and now, after the excitement of finally becoming pregnant again, this. It just doesn't seem fair, does it? She is certainly due for something good coming her way. Let's hope (and pray) that everything will turn out okay.

Congratulations to a fellow blogger!

I just read some fantastic news -- Christina over at The Subfertile Frugalista is pregnant! Her story is really inspiring. Long story short, she has PCOS and after several unsuccessful Clomid (etc) cycles, decided to switch doctors. He advised her to hold off on IVF and, instead, adjust her diet and lifestyle. And now she's PREGNANT! I'm absolutely elated for her...and now even more hopeful for myself :) And on that note, I'm going to put down the Sun Chips and go on a walk.

Yoga Mat

My lovely, thoughtful in-laws got me a new yoga mat for my 28th birthday. It arrived in the mail this week -- such a nice surprise! So, naturally, I had to go to class tonight to try it out! (How's that for motivation?)

As I was peering down at my mat this evening, I realized that it reminded me of sperm and egg! I'm sure most people would find that to be odd, but after facing infertility for two years, I found comfort and hope. Almost like someone telling me, "Keep going! Keep trying! You'll get there!" I don't think yoga is a miracle cure for PCOS, but I know that it is good for my body and will make me stronger. And the healthier my body is, the better chance I have of conceiving. Bring on the yoga!

The View

ICLW'ers - Did any of you watch "The View" today? I TiVoed it specifically because I heard the entire show was going to be devoted to talking about infertility.

Sadly, I didn't learn anything new. I suppose I'm beyond the basics at this point! What I did come away with was frustration toward Whoopi Goldberg. Giuliana DePandi and her husband Bill (of "Giuliana and Bill") were on the show discussing their struggles with infertility. They have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and have been very open about their journey. Giuliana seems to have several things working against her, including anovulation. Giuliana explained that her doctor recommended that she gain 5-10 pounds to encourage ovulation and she has, thus far, gained only 5. Whoopi, in a very condescending tone, told her that she needed to work on gaining more, that perhaps she wasn't ready to get pregnant or have a baby, and generally implied that Giuliana isn't trying hard enough.

Now, listen. I'm sure that woman tips that scales at 110, and she's tall. Sure, gaining another 5-10 pounds might do her some good. But how dare Whoopi criticize her like that. I'm sure she feels terrible as it is -- there are a lot of emotions and self-blame that go along with infertility. Women (and men) dealing with it certainly don't need criticism from other people, especially those that have no idea what they're talking about. This is a giant pet-peeve of mine. People need love, encouragement, and support from those around them, not criticism and judgement.

Facebook Babies

Honestly, it feels like 1/2 of my News Feed is filled with baby updates. Some friends have even changed their profile picture to a picture of their baby. Not them with their baby -- just their baby. Weird. Either that, or a belly picture. Even from the thumbnail, I know. I'd recognize that full-body-profile-shot from miles away. This is somehow worse than baby pictures. Harder to take, that is.

I learn about friends' pregnancy cravings. How far along they are. How often their little soon-to-be bundle of joy is kicking. I hear them complain about how uncomfortable they are. How much trouble they are having trying to sleep at night. Soon, I hear about the birth. Dilation. Effacement. Lots of pictures. Congratulations. Then, how little time they have to themselves anymore. Their baby's bathroom schedule and habits (gross, btw). First words. Milestones. Happy family photos.

I'm insanely jealous of all of the above, but I suppose that goes without saying. I'm also incredibly annoyed by it, but I think that goes along with the jealousy. I find myself cursing at these women under my breath. Making snide comments. Again with the jealousy. Perhaps I will, one day, be one of these women that I secretly loathe. And maybe then I, too, will want to shout every little detail from the rooftops (except for bathroom schedules. again, gross.) Until then, I will continue on as usual. Because really, boycotting Facebook is not an option, as I am a card-carrying addict.

A Few Small Repairs

Warning: TMI alert.

I started my period yesterday. On my own. Again. 33 days after the last one. Huh.

Second time in a row! It's (almost) like I'm a normal 28 year old girl!

I am somewhat encouraged by this. I'm not sure if it's the yoga, supplements, 9 pound weight loss, or just good luck, but I'm thankful for this step in the right direction!

We will probably "skip" this cycle, in terms of medication, as we want to get the HSG taken care of before diving in again.

HSG and Acupuncture

I called my RE's office today. On February 4, RE sent our insurance company a more official request to have the Hysterosalpingogram be covered. Hopefully we will hear back from them soon, but I'm not holding my breath considering the last response we received was practically automated and took them over two months.

I've also been considering acupuncture, as I've heard that it can be an effective way to combat infertility in some women. I haven't done a lot of research yet, but I'd be willing to give it a whirl. I'd be willing to participate in 99% of Fear Factor stunts if it meant getting pregnant. Being covered in tarantulas, jumping out of a 19th story window, eating bull testicles, what have you.

I need to find out when it is recommended (timing within the cycle), how much it would cost, whether or not it would be covered by insurance, and the best place/person in the Ind.iana.polis area for the job.

Currently feeling...

• Angry
• Left Out
• Left Behind
• Hopeless
• Frustrated
• Unable to properly deal with all of the above.
• In need of a stiff drink.

999 Reasons to Laugh at Infertility

I stumbled upon this blog a few months ago: 999 Reasons to Laugh at Infertility

Check it out, good stuff. Some of my recent favorites:

#816 "Your dog is pregnant? Yup...still jealous."

#839 "Googling 'fertility medication side effects' will not lead to positive results"

#861 "Your fertility drugs are in the refrigerator"

Those are so me. It's fantastic to find women that understand the IF Journey (read: totally craptacular unspecified number of years that make you want to have a toddler-style fit at least once a week). Reason #36 that I'm a big fan of the blogosphere!