Common Fears About Fertility Treatment
As you grow up, you encounter an abundance of information on how not to get pregnant. Teens and even young adults are taught to practice abstinence, use birth control, and told where to get free pregnancy tests. Often, it’s actually easier to find this information than advice on how to get pregnant or begin fertility treatment.
This lack of resources and education sends the incorrect message that it’s extremely easy to get pregnant, and instills fear in people seeking information on infertility. It’s the fear of the unknown.
For some people, these fears prevent them from beginning fertility treatment and expanding their family. Here, we dissect some of the most common fears we hear from patients at Viera Fertility Clinic.
Cost
Almost everyone has heard stories of couples who spent over $100,000 on IVF, so it makes perfect sense that one of our patients’ biggest concerns is what fertility treatments will cost. We want to make it clear that while a $100,000 treatment is a possibility, it’s not the norm. In fact, the average cost of infertility treatment in the U.S. is $13,000.
The truth is that fertility treatment is often more attainable than people realize. There are many different types of treatments that range significantly in cost. Costs derive from ovulation-inducing oral medication to using donor eggs. Further, 16 states currently require insurance companies to offer coverage for fertility treatments. Coverage varies tremendously, with many including just an initial consultation. However, others cover most infertility services, so it’s a good idea to call your provider directly for information on your specific plan.
Will it Work?
Many people worry about whether or not their fertility treatment will be successful. This is a valid concern. The great news is that even if you do have a failed treatment cycle, there are many alternatives. With several different treatment options available today, you can choose to repeat the one you originally tried or attempt a new one. The right path for you will depend on your specific circumstances, including which treatments you’ve already undergone.
Having Multiples
On the opposite side of the spectrum, it’s common to worry about becoming pregnant with high-order multiples, meaning more than three babies. Really, the odds of this happening are lower than you probably think. For example, 10-20% of IUI patients get pregnant and about 10% of them will have multiples. With IVF, the treatment most often singled out as being responsible for multiples, you and your doctor can elect to transfer just a single embryo. This eliminates the chances of ending up with more than one baby.
There Must be Something Wrong
It’s easy to convince yourself that if you undergo fertility treatments, something must be wrong with your body. We live in a world that sends the message to women that you grow up, fall in love, and have a child – as simple as that. Remember, as many as one in eight couples experience trouble conceiving, so it’s clearly not so straightforward and easy. Just because you need some medical intervention does not mean anything is wrong with you. Factors responsible for fertility issues are actually split fairly evenly between women and men. Over one-third of fertility problems are attributed each to males and females, and the remainder are caused by environmental or unknown factors.
The Stigma
The subject matter surrounding infertility is delicate to begin with. Body parts, ovulation, your sex life – never mind talking to a complete stranger about it. Although it’s not something many people openly discuss, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You likely know someone going through their own infertility struggles. Don’t be afraid to tell your story, as you never know who it could help. Perhaps your experiences will clear up a misconception someone has about fertility treatment or even help nudge them to take the step to seek out treatment for themselves.
At Viera Fertility in Melbourne, we understand how scary fertility treatment may seem, but we hope we’ve eased some of your fears. When you’re ready, contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss the best path for you to achieve pregnancy. We look forward to guiding you through your fertility journey.