I've come to realize over the past several years that as common as it is, Infertility is rarely talked about. Approximately 1 in 6 couples will suffer difficulty when trying to conceive. We come from all walks of life. Infertility doesn't discriminate.
The causes of infertility are far too numerous to list. Female disorders include ovulatory disorders, uterine disorders, tubal disorders, recurrent miscarriage and hormonal disorders. Male disorders can include abnormal count and quality of sperm, erectile disfunction, physical abnormalities of the reproductive system and hormonal disorders. Same sex couples and single parents are also considered infertile now since they must seek assistance from an outside source to conceive. Then there is the world of unexplained infertility in which all tests show that both partners have "normal" fertility, but for some reason they are unable to conceive.
Treatments for infertility range from diet and exercise control right through to surgery and In-Vitro fertilization. Between the two there is a whole range of treatments, and very often the treatment will combine two or more treatments for one couple. An example would be In-Vitro using a Gestational Carrier. The ova retrieved are grown and harvested from the biological mother, but the fertilized embryo(s) are transferred to a second woman who has volunteered to carry a pregnancy that may result to term and relinquish any and all rights to the child. This is a very emotional process which is so deeply affected by legal and ethical rules that it is one of the more rare treatments here in Nova Scotia.
The fact that these treatments are costly. Very costly. Not only that, they aren't guaranteed to work. Depending on what medications are needed, a couple can spend up to $15,000.00 or more on a single round of IVF. Rarely medical plans can help with the cost of medications, but there is no help with the cost of the treatments themselves for a majority of families (military families can sometimes get assistance and very rarely employer medical plans will help by reimbursing a portion.) All of the medical costs are able to be claimed at income tax time, but you only get back a small amount of what you actually spend.
For us to see our doctor at Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies (AART) it was $165.00 for our initial visit and we have to pay $75.00 for each repeat visit we make with the exception of the treatment related visits during an active cycle. The treatment cost alone for a cycle of IVF is currently $5750.00. Add to that the ICSI procedure that we have to have performed (more to come on that during another entry) which is $1500.00 and we are at $7250.00 right there. Then there is testing to be done before a cycle, an administrative fee, and medications and we are well over $10,000.00 from our own pocket for a single cycle (and I tend to need one of the lowest medication dosages).
The process is grueling. It is not only financially difficult, but it is emotionally exhausting, physically uncomfortable (and sometimes just plain painful) and mentally draining. Every step of the journey is an emotional roller coaster.
But it is worth it. Every single tear you cry, every dollar you spend and every test or procedure that you endure. The first time I held my son, I knew that I would gladly do it all over again to meet him. And we will. We plan on adding to our family in the future, and we really have no option other than to go through the process again. But I know that in the end, it will be worth it all over again.
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