Fertility Treatment Realities - Which Do You See? | Fertility Success

Fertility Treatment: The Two Realities

The reality is that fertility treatment is successful, a lot of the time.  The reality is also that fertility treatment does not work, at least some of the time.  Two realities.  We need to understand what we're looking at.

 

Here are a few more details that fill in the picture:  Sometimes, more often than you realize, a fertility cycle will work the very first time that you do one.  Sometimes the journey is longer than that, and you will need a longer view and reach, more diagnostic tests and fertility treatment cycles.  A fertility cycle that is not going well, not going as planned, can turn around in the middle and absolutely flourish.  And sometimes the best, most wonderful looking outcomes do not result in a pregnancy.

 

Those are all realities.  They are not even possible realities.  They are realities every day, side-by-side, for different individuals.  None of these scenarios mean that you won't eventually achieve fertility success.  What they can mean is that sometimes the road to parenthood and a sucessful preganancy will be longer than you think--or shorter than you think.

 

The question, or the point, is how you spend your time in fertility treatment.  Expect a wide range of emotions and reactions:

 

Hopefullness. 

Fear.

Anticipation.

Disappointment.

Excitement.

Disbelief.

Happiness.

Exhaustion.

Doggedness.

Perseverence.

 

Expect a growing awareness that you have all of those feelings and much more.  You have the emotional, physical, and mental fortitude to push through the feelings to get the medical care that you need to meet your goal of having a baby.  Whatever holiday you are celebrating, please remember to celebrate yourself.  Fertility treatment is not for the faint-hearted.

 

As I say in Fertile Yoga:  You are beautiful.  You are graceful.  You are whole and complete.  Just as you are in this moment, with this breath.  Nothing needs to be different in this moment.

 

Namaste.

 

 

 

Cosmetics and Pre-Conception Safety | Fertility Basics

Pre-Conception Wellness & Cosmetics

If you're trying to be as healthy as possible when trying to conceive, consider your make-up and skin care products as a piece of the puzzle.  The 'foundation' of fertility wellness not only starts from the "inside out" (as our Nutristionist Carolyn Gundell, MS, covers in Pre-Conception Wellness), but from the "outside in" as well.  Pre-conception health takes research related to environmental and chemical toxins into account, to optimize health before pregnancy. 

 

Knowing more about skin-deep fertility basics can help minimize exposure to chemicals in cosmetics that may cause endocrine disruption, allergies/immunotoxicity and biochemical or cellular level changes.

Environmental Working Group Skin Deep is a nationwide coalition of public health, educational, environmental and consumer groups working to protect the health of consumers and workers by requiring the health and beauty industry to phase out the use of dangerous chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives. More than 1,000 companies joined the effort by signing the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to produce safer products and publish safety data.

Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database provides information and online safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products.  They are one of the founding members of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  Their webiste compares ingredients on personal care product labels and Web sites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases. Use the site to review safety ratings for a wide range of products and ingredients on the market - including cosmetics.  

Lead in Lipstick - FDA December 2011 Report

Another great site for determining how sound your make-up and skin care products choices are: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) - Cosmetics section.  Lead in lipstick was a concern that was raised several years ago and studied in 2009 by FDA scientists who had developed an analytical method for measuring the amount of lead in lipstick. 

 

Their initial findings, as well as their expanded findings on 400 different lipstics, was posted recently in December 2011, and confirms that the amount of lead found in lipstick is very low and does not pose safety concerns.  The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics maintains that any amount of lead in cosmetics is too much.  Too much lead can affect nearly every system in the body, according to the CDC.  Lead poisoning can damage the nervous, muscular and reproductive systems, and has been tied to kidney damage and reduced IQ in kids.

 

Infertility and fertility basics are sometimes skin deep.  Start from there to get healthy before pregnancy . . .  it's always good to get back to basics. 

 

 

 

 

 

Fat Tuesday & Self-Sacrifice | How to Boost Infertility Support

Support for Infertility Can Start Today

Today is Fat Tuesday.  Most likely no one ever told you that support for infertility can start today.  Traditionally Fat Tuesday is a day used to clear the house of certain foods--usually by eating them and over-indulging--before Ash Wednesday, after which comes Lent. Lent is a 40 day period of self-sacrifice.  Sounds pretty Christian because it is.  And we're not all Christian, I know. 

 

Self-Sacrifice & Fertility Help

I'm not Christian.  Maybe you're not either.  Neither of those things mean that we can't take something from the idea of self-sacrifice.  If you're in fertility treatment, chances are you are well acquainted with self-sacrifice already because you are passionate about fertility help in all forms.  You've probably given up alcohol, recreational drugs, caffeine, unhealthy foods and more.

 

Here's what I'm considering: I'm considering giving up something for the next 40 days that is near and dear to my heart.  I have no idea what it is yet.  Luckily, there are things in my life that would be up for consideration.  Maybe my favorite tea?  Too trivial?  Maybe sweets?  Already did that.  Maybe give up swearing?  Ah, now, we're getting someplace. That might just be it.

 

Kick-Start Infertility Support

There is a twist that I would like to give to this idea of self-sacrifice: I give up two things.  One, something that I indulge in that is not so healthy for me--like caffeine, sugar, swearing, or alcohol.  The other thing I'd like to give up for 40 days is something along these lines: beating myself up; pushing myself too hard; not getting enough sleep; skimping on time that I take care of myself; putting myself in situations that I know are not healthy for me; taking on more work or reponsibilities; feeling shame or embarassment about having a medical condition through no fault of my own.  These are things anyone can do to kick-start their own infertility support.

 

What part of infertility and the typical response to your struggle can you give up?  Maybe shame?  Embarassment?  Self-blame?  Feelings that you don't deserve to be a parent?  So, for Lent this year, I'm going to give up swearing.  Yes, I am.  And I'm going to give up beating myself up.  Maybe after 40 days, I'll consider if I really want to go back to either of those things.

 

Good Man (or Woman) in a Storm | Fertility Problems

Fertility Problems

Valentine's Day is past.  If you are in fertility treatment, hopefully it was a lovely day for you, despite any fertility problems that may be on your mind—a day that you and your partner celebrated with joy and with hope.  The reality of life abounds, even after Valentine’s Day, with all that’s good and all that’s bad.  Without a holiday to celebrate, can we still celebrate our lives?

I do love being a yogi.  I love seeing things from upside down and sideways.  Sometimes it's just the best way to see the bright spot shining. Sometimes it's the only way.  This blog is dedicated to my husband, a good man in a storm.  Actually, he’s a very good man in a storm.  Maybe you have one of those too?  Maybe you have a good woman in a storm.

Support for Infertility in Unexpected Places

You know what support for infertility might mean for you from a partner.  My good man in the storm is reliable and dependable.  I know what I can count on him for and what I cannot.  My good man in a storm can be counted on for the following:

• Making sure that the bills are paid and the electricity has never been accidentally turned off;
• When he leaves for four days, there will be enough bags of pellets in the house to heat the house for the time that he is gone; 
• Calling my mother so regularly for 31 years that she considers him a son, rather than a son-in-law; 
• He calls often when he's away, and almost always says, "Hi Beautiful," when I answer the phone;
• I rarely have to ask him to do anything that resembles laundry, cooking, cleaning, or shopping.  He does it without being asked, just notices that it needs doing;
• Whenever I tell him that I'm taking time off, he rearranges his schedule and tells me to enjoy myself;
• He prefers me not to color my hair and likes it better when I don't wear make-up;
• Regardless of the crisis, celebration, or anything in between, he is by my side, even when he's two states away. 

Infertility Support Takes Many Forms

Infertility support can take infinite forms.  Those are just a few examples of what makes my husband a good man in a storm.  We both know his limitations.  That's where our best friends come in. (Thank you Pamela, Kathleen, Orly, Pam, Tanya, Julie, Julianne and more!)

When was the last time you considered how your man or woman was good in a storm?  Infertility problems try any and all relationships.  Are you looking for more infertility support in your life?  RMACT offers therapy and counseling for individuals and couples as well as support groups for infertility.  Please take the time to notice how your partner shows up for you.  Maybe it would be a good time to think about how you show up for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatment | CT State Mandate

Is Infertility Insurance At Risk?

Do the controversies and the conversations about women’s health and reproductive medicine put infertility insurance at risk?  We all hear discussions about funding for Planned Parenthood, about breast cancer research, donations of money, and yes, about political candidates.  What's the reaction?  Everyone's on one side or the other.  Some of us -- some of you -- feel that this has nothing to do with you.  That it's only about someone else.

 

However, as the dialogue continues, many unexpected issues emerge.  How would funding changes or policy changes effect access to birth control?  How would such changes impact counseling for women of all ages and socio-economic groups?  For our patients, what about fertility treatment?  What about fertility costs?

Fertility Insurance Coverage in Connecticut

Presently, many types of fertility treatment and diagnosis are covered by insurance and, in some states, by state-mandated coverage.  In Connecticut, we have a significant mandate that has allowed many men and women to receive fertility treatment and go on to conceive children and expand their families. Without the state mandate, many of those families -- those children -- would not be here.

The State of Connecticut passed Public Act 05-1 96 in 2005, requiring most insurance companies to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment.  The Act applies to individual and group policies that cover basic hospital and medical expenses.  All women under the age of 40 qualify for this CT-mandated infertility insurance coverage.  This health insurance for fertility treatment covers a specified number of cycles for ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).  To learn details about the fertility insurance coverage, read more about the Connecticut State Infertility Insurance Mandate.

Fertility Insurance for the Future

When discussions of funding related to women’s reproductive healthcare emerge in the political debate, pay attention.  Changes can impact the cost of fertility treatment and put insurance coverage for infertility treatment at risk.  Make no mistake about that.  The discussion effects you.  Contact a financial counselor at RMACT today to learn more about insurance coverage for your fertility treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying Valentines or Cakes - Weeks Afterwards | Ladies Night In Support Group

Thank you for the fabulous cake!

I should have written this right afterwards, right after Ladies Night In, when our wonderful Lady brought in a handmade, hand frosted birthday cake. It was gorgeous. Almost as gorgeous as she is. I loved it, we all did.   

 

 The cake was tall, frosted beautifully, with handmade, vanilla frosting. Did I mention that it was gorgeous? It smelled, looked and radiated gorgeousness. I don't have a good enough vocabulary to express this cake's gorgeousness. It was a vision.  And I enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed every single bit of it. 

 

 I'm writing about it today because it's the day after Valentine's Day. Maybe there were chocolates involved in your Valentine's Day. Maybe there was cake, lovely other foods, fabulous other treats.   Maybe they are still hanging around, physically, in the kitchen or in the dining room. Maybe they are just hanging around in your mind and your heart.

 

 I'd like to say thank you for the cake from several weeks ago because I have enjoyed it immensely. I've thought about it, talked about it and visualized it. What a beautiful thing to create and share with our lovely group. 

 

 The ritual that we created around the cake was sweet. Carrie, (I just love you) went and found a single candle. We sang happy birthday to us all. We blew out the candle together. We created and enjoyed the community that was there that evening. 

 

I'm still enjoying this cake and I never ate a piece. There was one other Lady there that night that also did not eat. I hope she's still enjoying it too. I love that I have so thoroughly enjoyed that gorgeous cake and those gorgeous ladies. And yet, I never ate a bite of that cake. 

 

 Valentines Day. Ladies Night In. As Dr. Richlin would say, awesome.

Worst Fear Around Infertility?

What's your worst fear around infertility . . . that you won't be successful?  Most likely, that's it.  It's not that you'll have to spend years in fertility treatment.   Or, that you'll spend all your savings and run up your credit card.  Our worst fear is that we'll end up with no baby.

I've noticed lately that letting in awareness of the worst possible fear clears space.  Acknowledging the fear is the beginning of releasing it.  Then, releasing the fear creates space for new things to grow - -  Hope. Love. New options.

Have you allowed yourself to notice other options?  Different plans?  New ways for children to come into your life? Your worst fear doesn't have to come true, especially if you are willing to create your family in ways other than how you first imagined it.

Allow for other possibilities.  

Trying To Conceive? Timing is Everything | Infertility Basics

Trying to Conceive? Timing Counts

Sometimes, timing is everything.
Fertility is all about timing.
Trying to conceive is all about timing.

If you're a woman and know that you would like to get pregnant, keep track of the following to help you conceive:

 

• Start keeping track of how often you menstruate
• Count the day you get your period as day one
• Use an over the counter ovulation predictor, follow the directions as to when to start the testing
• Write down the information, even if you think you will remember
• Do this over several months if you are under 35
• If you are over 35, and menstruate irregularly (your periods are longer than 42 days), see an infertility specialist (board certified reproductive endocrinologist)

IVF Opportunity Plan | Affordable IVF

IVF Opportunity Plan Makes IVF More Affordable

No one denies that infertility treatment can be costly. In fact, for many patients, the cost of IVF (in vitro fertilization) is their primary concern before learning more.  The fertility doctors and financial specialists at RMACT strive to offer affordable IVF options to bring the cost of IVF within reach.  One of these options is the IVF Opportunity Plan.

Is there Infertility Insurance Coverage?

Infertility insurance coverage varies among providers.  Some insurance providers do not offer coverage for fertility services at all.  Others offer limited amounts of coverage, depending on individual plans and treatments.  The IVF Opportunity Plan is an option, exclusively available to patients at RMACT, for those who do not have insurance coverage for infertility treatment.  In addition, if a patient decides to withdraw from treatment, the plan offers refunds matched to various stages of the process.

What’s in IVF Coverage?

The IVF Opportunity Plan covers a group of comprehensive services provided by RMACT's team of surgeons, nurses and other specially trained patient care professionals.  The coverage includes baseline blood work and ultrasound, IVF Teach class, cycle monitoring (blood work and ultrasounds), egg retrieval, anesthesia for the egg retrieval, embryo transfer, ICSI (if appropriate, on all eggs retrieved), assisted hatching, embryo cryopreservation and one year of storage, and cycle medications for up to and including ten days of stimulation.  Certain specialized costs that may be relevant for some IVF patients cannot be included in the plan and these are described clearly at the beginning of the process.

What Does IVF Cost?

After qualifying for the IVF Opportunity Plan, patients pay $11,750 for one IVF cycle.  A full refund will be granted upon withdrawing from the program before starting medications.  After starting medications, a $4,050 refund will be granted.  If your cycle is cancelled prior to egg retrieval due to a medical reason (i.e., poor response, premature ovulation) you will receive a refund of $5,055.  If you have your egg retrieval but do not have an embryo transfer, you will receive a refund of $650.00.

Financial Flexibility

People can withdraw from the IVF Opportunity Plan at any time.  Unlike some fertility centers that try to reduce costs by using lower medication doses or by limiting access to their programs, RMACT seeks to improve pregnancy outcomes by offering the highest quality treatment to everyone.  We want to help you find the financial opportunity that meets your needs.  Additional payment programs for affordable fertility treatment at RMACT will be highlighted in upcoming posts.

Patients who choose The IVF Opportunity Plan at RMACT are treated by our outstanding team of surgeons, nurses and other specially trained patient care professionals. Find
out if The IVF Opportunity Plan is right for you. To learn more, contact a Financial
Service Representative at RMACT at (203) 750-0400.

 

Superbowl Sunday Has Come and Gone. What About Infertility?

Infertility Support

Certain seasons and celebrations are tougher than others when it comes to infertility.  The need for infertility support can tackle us when we’re on guard and sack us when we least expect it.  Most of us expect Thanksgiving to be a tough holiday when having trouble conceiving. Giving thanks when we are feeling like one of the most basic, major goals in our lives is not possible, stretches most of us.

New Year's too, another new year without the baby in our arms.  Definitely a tough one.  Okay, and birthdays.  And reunions, almost forgot about them.  But Super Bowl blues?  How come Super Bowl?  What makes that a tough holiday?  Maybe it's the gatherings, Super Bowl parties, victory dances?  Maybe it’s the idea of winners and losers?  I'm going with the last one.

Fertility Problems

No one wants to feel like a loser.  Even those among us who are not all that competitive don't want to think of themselves as losers. Some of us can't stand being seen in another person's eyes as a loser.  Fertility problems made me feel like a loser.  The winners were over there.  Cooing and oohing and aahing over baby feet, baby hands, baby clothes, baby names, baby shoes—and more.

They were the winners.  Some of them were easy winners: those who got pregnant on their honeymoon; those who didn't really mean it quite yet, but oh, well, it happened; those who weren't quite ready, but are resigned to it. Those are the easy winners.

Most of the winners took a few months, some worried after one or two months, but after that, they were firmly in the winners’ circle too.  No fertility problems for them.  And there I was. Firmly in the losers circle.  First time I ever felt like a loser.  Didn't like it.  Didn't like it at all.  Didn't like how it made me feel about myself or my husband.  Or anyone else for that matter.  Made me angry, resentful and sad.

Fertility Help

Feeling like a loser made it very difficult to celebrate with the winners.  It made it very difficult to participate in their joy.  Because although their winning did not create my losing, I felt like it did.  But I was wrong.  Thank goodness, I was wrong.  Fertility help, both physical and emotional, opened my eyes to a whole new perspective—on my own life and on how I judge others.  My friends and family having their babies did not make me a loser.  Neither did infertility.  Infertility was a true test of my self-esteem.  My only failure?  That I felt like one.

If you are feeling like a loser because of infertility, stick around. There's plenty more to come in terms of fertility support, encouragement and even a laugh now and then.