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Katrina Said:

how long does it take to become pregnant after IVF? and what is the cost?

We Answered:

1) Nobody knows how long it will take a couple to get pregnant doing IVF (if they get pregnant at all). It is quite a gamble. I have frequented an IVF chatroom over the past two years and I would say that approximately 25% of the women who do IVF get PG on the 1st cycle. Another 45% seem to get pregnant on the 2nd or 3rd cycle, and about 30% have to do many IVF cycles to get PG, or never get PG at all. My husband and I have no known factors, and it took us 3 IVF cycles to get PG, so you just never know.

2) The usual cost of an IVF cycle runs anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 for the medical/doctor costs. My cycle cost $6,000. Then, you have to include the price of the medications, which can run from $1,000-$3,000 per cycle. Mine usually ran around $1,500, since I had a pretty simple drug protocol. Additional services based on your fertility problem like ICSI for low sperm count, assisted hatching for "tough" eggs, donor eggs or sperm can add thousands to the cost.

3) Fertility clinics require full payment for the cycle before it begins. There are some credit places out there that do IVF loans, but the interest rate is not great. Most people I know either get a low-interest rate credit card, and put the total on that, or save before they do the procedure. You can also do a Shared Risk plan which is expensive (usually $20,000 or more) that will cover three or four cycles. If you don't have a baby by the end of your cycles, you can get a big chunk ($18,000) back to pursue adoption if you want.

4) Some insurance covers all of IVF procedures, and some covers part of it. Most cover none. The best way to find out is to ask your human resources rep.

5) Is IVF worth it? That usually depends on your outcome. If you get pregnant in one cycle, and only end up paying $8,000, the answer is probably yes. If you do 6 cycles, go into debt $100,000, and still end up without a baby, probably no. I am finally pregnant after my 3rdIVF, and even though we spent a fortune ($40,000) on the IVFs alone, it is worth it to me. I wanted to be a mother, and adoption was not an option for us, so I was OK with going into debt to have the chance of making my dream come true.

But unfortunately, you will never know if it was worth it or not until you have done it and can see the results.

Joy Said:

IVF Insurance Coverage?

We Answered:

health-quotes.talk4fun.net - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.

Francis Said:

I've seen some people on here say their insurance covered IVF. What ins is it? any private I can buy?

We Answered:

Currently 15 states in the US mandate some sort of fertility coverage. Not always IVF . . . but some coverage - testing, medications, sometimes IUI if you qualify. In the rest of the states, you might be out of luck.

http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?p…

I also recommend that you contact Fertility Life lines - they have a free hotline that you can call and have someone help you to better understand your coverage and to do an analysis for you. They were great - gave them my policy info and they researched it, got me all of the info on what was and was not covered and explained it to me. They also have information on prescription programs.

http://www.fertilitylifelines.com/

If you cannot find insurance coverage here are some other suggestions:

1) Start with the RE - most doctors have a team that can help you with finding ways to pay for your treatment - they are amazing at figuring out your insurance benefits, coming up payment plans and may even be able to recommend medical studies / clinical trials that you may be able to participate in.

2) Grants -there are groups out there that fund raise for fertility treatments - you need to apply and cross your fingers.

3) Loans - banks and credit card companies (my friend used Capital One) offer fertility loans with fair interest rates and payment plans. Maybe see if you can borrow from a family member.

4) Serious budgeting - I also know couples who have taken part time / seasonal jobs to save up for treatments, sold things on ebay etc . . .

5) See if your employer as a flex spending account - you can set aside money tax free for medical things - everything from IVF to prescriptions to eye glasses etc . . .

Here is a great link for you:
www.nobabyonboard.com

Good luck!

Alfredo Said:

Should I do IUI or IVF?

We Answered:

if insurance covers it all, you should try clomid and iui, and hcg shots, i would love to take this route, but ins covers nothing, good luck

what kind of ins do you have? do you live in the us?

Derrick Said:

What will insurance compainies cover?

We Answered:

Everybody's insurance coverage is different. Most plans will not cover ivf, but there are exceptions. So, my suggestion is to call your insurance company and ask them. I would ask without the background information, just ask, "Is IVF covered under my insurance plan?"

Derrick Said:

IVF..Insurance?

We Answered:

We did insemination at home. Couldn't afford the sperm banks cost. Couldn't afford the cost of the doctor. Found an e-book. We have 2 boys now.
http://www.budgetinsemination.com

Edna Said:

I just don't know what to do!! Please help! injectables vs IVF?

We Answered:

I have just completed and ivf cycle and im in my 2ww. I would say if your going to do the injections i would just do ivf. Since your insurance covers it. You and your doctor will decide how many eggs you put back in so if you can only put one back in to reduce the chance of multiples. If the iui doesnt work your going to have to do ivf anyways so why not skip a step. Ivf is not as bad as you may think. It is an emotional roller coaster but ttc in itself is one. Im happy with my decision whether it works or not.