When considering the cost of infertility, most people realize what a financial burden it is. I don't think that people realize to what extent. Everyone knows that the procedures cost a lot (IVF can range from $3,000 to $15,000) and the meds cost almost as much. What people don't know is the cost of ALL the appointments. Even when insurance covers your monitoring, it's still $20 every time you walk in the door. Average in 2 times a week for almost a year and see what that comes to. Over $2,000!!!!!!!!! Then you have the costs of all the herbs, supplements and vitamins. Some of those cost around $30 a bottle. Then all of the pre-testing that doesn't get covered. For IVF you have to do what's called a mock-transfer. For about 3 minutes of the doctors time you pay around $650.
Probably the biggest cost is our careers. I can't switch jobs cause I need to be available for testing, blood work, ultrasounds, appointments, etc. I have to be able to skip work for days after certain procedures for bed rest. My husband can't change his job because we would be dead without insurance. Even if he found a higher paying job, losing insurance even for a week would cost us thousands of dollars in doctors fees.
People don't often realize that we sacrifice having a house, a car, nice things, vacations, any savings and decent credit all for this endeavor. Of course it is worth it, but it comes at such a high cost.
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3 comments:
I don't think many people realize what some have to go through in order to become parents. Much praise to you and Bry for what you've sacrificed and what you've endured. As difficult as it seems some times, keep in mind how incredibly sweet the reward is! ((hugs))
Your post really captured the financial and other costs of infertility. I've been ttc for almost 2 years and am looking at IVF, and am finding that so few people can even begin to understand what we're going through. Thanks for your efforts to spread the word.
Very cool design! Useful information. Go on!
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