These stories are based on information gathered from doctors and
consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Jamie, age 33: We have been trying for awhile
to have a baby on our own. Now that we've had some tests, our doctor has
recommended treatments that will give us a better chance. We are much more
hopeful now. We feel very good about the clinic where we will have the
treatments done, and their live birth rates are above the national
average.
George, age 45 , and Bonita, age 40: We can't afford some of the expensive ART treatments. We have
one child, and we need to think about his future needs, like college. I don't
know where we would get $10,000 or maybe even $15,000 for treatment, since our
insurance doesn't cover the costs. Luckily, some of the more successful
treatment options for our problem are covered by our insurance. We feel
fortunate about that.
Frank, age 37: We have had every possible test
to try to find out why we can't get pregnant. There doesn't seem to be anything
wrong. After almost 2 years, we don't have a baby yet. We know there is still a
chance that we will get pregnant, and that gives us hope. Knowing that there
isn't anything wrong, at least anything that the doctors can find, helps some.
We've heard about the side effects of treatment, and the stress involved, and
we just aren't sure that we want to put ourselves through that. We are going to
try for a few more months, and then consider our treatment options.
Carole, age 29: My husband has sperm problems,
so our least costly option is to use donor sperm. We are trying to decide if we
want to spend the money for treatment or use it to adopt. It's a hard decision.
Each of us feels differently about having a child that isn't biologically
related to us, so we are talking about it a lot. We feel lucky because at least
we have some options and enough time to consider them before we finally decide
what's best for us.
Gail, age 36: I feel so guilty for having
waited so long to try to have a baby. I can't help wondering if something I did
when I was in my 20s is the reason why I can't get pregnant now. My husband
really wants kids, and I feel like I'm letting him down and that he is
disappointed in me. My husband has started talking about taking a break from
all of this treatment. He said he doesn't like what this is doing to me
emotionally and physically and thinks that a break might help. I worry that if
we take a break I will feel like I am being lazy and just expecting to get
pregnant without putting any work into it. But maybe it would be best, even for
a couple of months. Every month just seems so precious!
