Immediately following my surgery I had to make a choice about my next step in my journey. I couldn’t dwell on what I had lost. I had to remind myself that it was only a small part of me and that I was blessed to have options when so many others did not. There was no pressure to move forward however I didn’t want to delay with the onset of football season. Yes it sounds crazy to some but we have to base our lives around football. From our wedding to opening businesses, football season is usually off limits. With any option my husband would have to be in town in order for it to work.
I knew that after my surgery natural conception was not a viable option, and I didn’t want to spend years testing the percentages. We went in for my checkup and discussed our alternatives. My doctor explained the process of intrauterine (artificial) insemination and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). I must admit prior to starting my journey to motherhood, I never bothered to learn the difference between insemination and IVF, or the costs associated with the procedures. I assumed they were procedures that would never be a part of my life. Like most women, I never thought I would need help at such a young age conceiving. I always believed that as long as I started before I hit 35, I would have no problems. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Intrauterine (artificial) insemination is less invasive and less expensive than IVF. “In this procedure, sperm are inserted directly into a woman's cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus. This makes the trip shorter for the sperm and bypasses any possible obstructions.” (WebMD.com) It had a more natural aspect to the process but for me a lower percentage of effectiveness. IVF is more invasive and requires more resources including countless injections and pills. “IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then placed in the uterus. IVF is a complex and expensive procedure; only about 5% of couples with infertility seek it out.” (WebMD.com)
Making the Right Choice for Our Family
As my doctor explained the processes of both routes, I knew in my mind that I wanted to take the road less traveled. I honestly didn’t give insemination a second thought after we began to discuss IVF. The percentage of effectiveness was high and I could choose how many embryos I wanted to transfer. I wasn’t sure how many times I was willing to take my body through the process. There was no guarantee that it would work however I felt God speak to me. I had no reservations even though I only had the slightest idea of how taxing IVF is on the body.
Prior to officially making the decision we had to speak with the financial department at the fertility facility. She was a very busy woman and I think has the toughest job in the building. She began to explain the costs associated with both procedures and how most insurance companies do not cover any aspect of fertility treatments. It is still viewed as an elective procedure and most couples have to cover the expenses out of pocket. This was shocking after she told us how much the average IVF procedure would cost versus insemination. The average cost of insemination is $1,000 and the average cost of IVF is $13,000, the cost of a small car. All of which have to be paid up front. At that moment I felt so blessed to have options, but I also felt a sense of compassion for those who did not. I saw so many couples in tears in her office because they could not afford to pay for the medications or the injections preventing them from becoming parents. I prayed and thanked God for blessing my husband and I with this opportunity.
Even though the process would be far more difficult, I chose my path and my path was IVF.
“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
To Be Continued…
Forever Fierce, Fabulous & Flawless
Tenisha
I knew that after my surgery natural conception was not a viable option, and I didn’t want to spend years testing the percentages. We went in for my checkup and discussed our alternatives. My doctor explained the process of intrauterine (artificial) insemination and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). I must admit prior to starting my journey to motherhood, I never bothered to learn the difference between insemination and IVF, or the costs associated with the procedures. I assumed they were procedures that would never be a part of my life. Like most women, I never thought I would need help at such a young age conceiving. I always believed that as long as I started before I hit 35, I would have no problems. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Intrauterine (artificial) insemination is less invasive and less expensive than IVF. “In this procedure, sperm are inserted directly into a woman's cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus. This makes the trip shorter for the sperm and bypasses any possible obstructions.” (WebMD.com) It had a more natural aspect to the process but for me a lower percentage of effectiveness. IVF is more invasive and requires more resources including countless injections and pills. “IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then placed in the uterus. IVF is a complex and expensive procedure; only about 5% of couples with infertility seek it out.” (WebMD.com)
Making the Right Choice for Our Family
As my doctor explained the processes of both routes, I knew in my mind that I wanted to take the road less traveled. I honestly didn’t give insemination a second thought after we began to discuss IVF. The percentage of effectiveness was high and I could choose how many embryos I wanted to transfer. I wasn’t sure how many times I was willing to take my body through the process. There was no guarantee that it would work however I felt God speak to me. I had no reservations even though I only had the slightest idea of how taxing IVF is on the body.
Prior to officially making the decision we had to speak with the financial department at the fertility facility. She was a very busy woman and I think has the toughest job in the building. She began to explain the costs associated with both procedures and how most insurance companies do not cover any aspect of fertility treatments. It is still viewed as an elective procedure and most couples have to cover the expenses out of pocket. This was shocking after she told us how much the average IVF procedure would cost versus insemination. The average cost of insemination is $1,000 and the average cost of IVF is $13,000, the cost of a small car. All of which have to be paid up front. At that moment I felt so blessed to have options, but I also felt a sense of compassion for those who did not. I saw so many couples in tears in her office because they could not afford to pay for the medications or the injections preventing them from becoming parents. I prayed and thanked God for blessing my husband and I with this opportunity.
Even though the process would be far more difficult, I chose my path and my path was IVF.
“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
To Be Continued…
Forever Fierce, Fabulous & Flawless
Tenisha
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