We are One in Eight

We Are One in Eight

April 20-26th is National Infertility Awareness Week. I bet most of you didn't know that. I also bet that most of the general public truly and naively believes that infertility really isn't "that big a deal." Ohhhh but it is. Did you know that it affects 1 out of every 8 couples? That's 13% of all couples. One out of every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Still think it's not a big deal? We all wear pink, support the Susan G. Komen Walk, and fight for our loved ones who battle cancer. Do you know that some of us infertiles wear yellow for endometriosis awareness? Do you know what endometriosis is? 

Currently, there are only 15 states that require infertility to be a covered insurance expense. Arizona is not one of them- yay for us. There are only two employers in the entire state of Arizona that privately offer coverage for fertility-related procedures and medications. Just for our IVF cycle we spent $6000 for the doctor, $1700 in medications, $400 for ultrasounds and $500 for anesthesia. And we got a REALLY good deal. And it failed. Most couples do IVF multiple times at a much higher expense rate. Here's another interesting fact for you- I was diagnosed with two auto immune disorders through bloodwork done by my doctor. The tests were done because I suffer from migraines, I never get sick, I have stomach/GI issues. None of that is fertility related. However- despite that fact, because it was listed as "fertility testing" the insurance wouldn't cover any of it. That's another $3700! The lab was kind enough to discount it down to $900 if we paid within 14 days, but REALLY? I can have an elective abortion and the entire procedure and doctor visits are covered. Birth control and regular OB visits are also covered. 

Bottom line: My insurance covers preventing or terminating a pregnancy, but not GETTING pregnant. Of course, if I ever do get pregnant, that's covered too. How is that ok with everyone?!?!?

Here's another kicker- my employer grants ten days of paid vacation once you have worked here two years. I had to use my entire vacation to go to Utah to do IVF. That means that any other time off I take during the rest of the 3/4ths of the years is unpaid. I'm also not really allowed to take any more time off.

There was a study done by a Fertility Clinic in New York that determined that anyone making less than $60,000 a year would need financial assistance to pursue ART (assisted reproductive therapy). When you figure that almost all fertility clinics charge around $300 for the first visit, then you are asked to do more bloodwork (ours was around $1100), that's $1400 just to get in the door and have a general look and what your issues are. Then you're asked to do an HSG ($200), have a sperm analysis (another $200). If neither of those provide any information you're usually directed to have a laparoscopy (where they open you up through your belly and take a look at your organs) and hysteroscopy (where they go in through your lady business and look inside your uterus). Both times the surgeries were covered but it was over $5000 of out of pocket cost. Most infertility is diagnosed as "unexplained" simply, in my opinion, because it is so expensive to do further testing. Until we met Dr. Andrew we were diagnosed as "unexplained." Often it takes multiple miscarriages and/or failed IVF cycles before a doctor will do testing for immune issues or other indicators of why and how the infertility is occurring.

I'll get off my soapbox now, but let me just say this- as crappy as it is to be one in eight, it has made me stronger than I ever thought I could be, brought me closer to God and my husband and given me such an appreciation for motherhood. I know that when I do become a mother I will not take it for granted. I'm pretty sure that my kids will be way cooler than yours. And MUCH more wanted. And loved. So there.

I leave you with these:

And for all of my FET sisters: