Infertility Costs

For our friends and family who read this, it may come as a surprise. Only a few know what we have been going through as we tend to keep our personal struggles private. My husband, Eric and I, Margaret met in 2005 and we were married in 2008. We have an abundance of love to give and were excited to start a little family of our own. So we did what most other couples do and enjoyed our time together.

     We had been trying for years, with no "little miracle" so in 2011 we went to my doctor for a consultation. Blood work was ordered and the results showed a hormone imbalance. This was corrected after three months of medication, so we resumed our timed "interaction". When we still had no conception after many months we followed up with our doctor. We were told to relax, we were young and just needed to be patient and that I would get pregnant. Those months turned into years and still nothing had changed for us. We were feeling lost and disappointed. Our hope had started to dwindle. Then we realized we were going to need to invest more time and money for this journey. We discovered that infertility procedures are not covered by insurance. The cost for appointments, procedures, and most medications are all paid out of pocket.

     Last year (2016) my husband visited his doctor to check his fertility. We were relieved to find out he was healthy in all aspects. I learned my doctor was on leave, I researched and found someone new. I scheduled a consultation for the next available appointment which was June of 2017. We had to re-explain everything to the new doctor. She then scheduled some blood work to check hormone levels, which all came back perfect. She was understanding of our concerns and realized our past methods were not working. She recommened we needed more medical intervenion. She set up an x-ray with contrast dye for me, everything looked great. I had the additional blood work for my egg count and value; everything was right on point for my age. After all of our efforts, we found out we were both perfect. It was both a relief and burden because there was nothing wrong,but still not able to get pregnant. The doctor advised us this does happens but there is no scientific reason.

     I was put on a fertility medication with some harsh side effects and advised to try timed "interaction" for three months. Due to lack of success we started IUI's (Intrauterine Insemination) in September. We just tested December 1st (2017) to find out that the third IUI did not work either. We are doing another IUI this December as well. Each month starts with taking one medication after another, then an ultra sound to find out when to time ovulation. My husband has to give me a shot in the stomach and then two days later is the IUI proceedure. Finally the last medication is taken until we do a pregnancy test. We have to wait two very long and anxious weeks. Just hoping and praying that this time we are blessed with a miracle.

     Each month we are spending close to $1500 in medications, ultrasounds, IUI, and washes. If we need to move on to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) we will be looking at $15-$20K. It is a substancial amount of money, more if it doesn't work.

     My husband and I have been through a lot and have held each other's hands through it all. Our faith has been strengthened and we have grown closer to one another. Our dream of having a family has never faded. We are reaching out to you now for help. Please take our hand and show us your love and support through this time. We are continuing to pray for our little bundle of joy. We appreciate all of you and may God bless you!