Blogativism

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, I am joining the My Story Project

L and I met in 2003 and were married in 2004. I was on bcp and all was dandy. When our first anniversary was approaching we decided that we were ready for a baby. Having children was always something we were going to do. We knew how many we wanted and everyting. Not thinking there would be any problems, we didnt worry. I had always had regular cycles and none of that PMS pain or symptoms everyone hears about. After 6 months of no cycle, we headed to the obgyn #1. Induced cycle, sure that everything would regulate. Two months later on to obgyn #2 who prescribed clomid, no ovulation. We were devasted.

Six months later we were on to RE #1. At this point we were truly unprepared for the cost of treatment so after one failed ovulation induction cycle in Feb 2006. In May 2006 we thought we were on a path to international adoption, unfortunately that didnt work out and we lost $5000. Aug 2006 on to obgyn #3 again prescribed clomid, actually ovulated but no pregnancy. With a diagnosis of PCOS we moved on.

Now we are with RE #2. We have just finished our first cycle of injectibles with IUI. At the obgyn my insurance paid. At this office my insurance does not pay. The added stress of having to figure out payment for these treatments does not help our chances. At one point I said that I would do whatever it took but the reality is that we still need to eat and still need to pay the mortgage.

Just as the results of a cycle are not guaranteed neither are the costs. You might need more days of stims or different drugs. Its a sad day when you have to make cycle choices based on the cost of drugs. If these treatments are successful then the money will have been well spend but if they are not it will be like devastating. Our number of cycles will depend on how we are able to finance it. Although people often say 'the money will come from somewhere', we are the ones responsible for actually finding such money. Remember I didnt choose to have this. This isnt vanity treatment, this is treatment for our dream and our future.