what are some fertility treatment options? cost?

Question

I have pcos. Hubby and I have been trying for 3 years now to get me pregnant. We don't have insurance that covers treatment. However, he has a little in flexible spending and I am about to start a flexible spending account. I am just curious about the costs of some treatments. I want to put enough into flexible spending to cover most, if not all, of the treatment. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It is important to really understand what PCOS is and the correct way to treat it. Unfortunatly, many doctors are not very knowledgeable and do not really understand much about PCOS. I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). They are your best bet at correct PCOS treatment and any fertility treatments you may need. Here's a little general PCOS info to get you started:

The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR). The best treatment for PCOS is going on an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin (1500-2550mg per day) combined with a low carb diet and exercise. There are a few important things to know:

1. Many women "pass" the test for IR, but still respond positively from the metformin. No one knows exactlly why..my thought is that the test is not a sure fire way of detecting the IR.

2. You must be on a high enough dose of metformin. I've heard women complain that their bodies dont start working even though they've been on metformin for awhile. Some doctors are hesitant to up the dose past 1500mg...but for some of us it takes more. I don't respond until my dose is around 2000mg a day.

3. It can take a few months on the correct dose, before your body is regulated. Hopefully you will start ovulating on your own and you will be able to get pregnant without any other treatment needed. If not, the RE can begin other fertility treatments while you are still on metformin (i.e. Clomid, IUI, IVF, injectibles, etc).

4. It is important to treat your PCOS even if you are not trying to get pregnant. There are higher risks for many things (high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, and many other things) when you have PCOS, but if it is treated properly, then those risks are lowered.


I highly recommend visiting http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhp... It is a great message board where you can ask all your PCOS questions, including those about getting pregnant. Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi there,
I recommend this interesting ebook about ovarian cysts http://ovariancysts.toptips.org



There are several primary factors and a combination of these factors which lead to ovarian cysts formation.



Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition is often considered to be the primary cause of ovarian cysts as research has shown that the genetic pattern of women who suffer from this chronic condition is far different compared to women who have never suffered from ovarian cysts or PCOS. PCOS women are often predisposed to abnormal metabolism and the dysfunctions of cell activity. However, this should not be a death warrant as many times the genetic characteristics can be modified with the help of environmental factors and proper lifestyle related changes.


Poor dietary choices: Different types of foods including refined carbohydrates, acidic foods and foods which contain high levels of toxins and hormone like substances can trigger hormonal imbalance and can weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to ovarian cysts. Similarly a diet rich in sugar and low on fresh vegetables can make the task of flushing out toxins difficult thereby aggravating your ovarian cyst condition.


Weak immune system: Poor dietary choices, stress and sleep deprivation can lead to a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system invites cannot defend the body against ovarian cyst formation.


Insulin resistance: High level of insulin can stimulate ovarian androgen production, which leads to the production of male hormones. This reduces the serum sex-hormone binding globulin or SHGB. The SHBG can in turn aggravate your ovarian cyst condition to quite an extent.


Failed ovulation process: When the ovaries fail to release an egg on a monthly basis due to certain metabolic disorders and because progesterone isn't produced it can trigger the formation of ovarian cysts as the immature follicles develop into cysts.



For more info visit: http://ovariancysts.toptips.org
Bye Bye

Answer 3

IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment; IUI, ICSI and Laparoscopic surgery is very cheap in India. The cost is very low and the medical services are very good in India.

My cousin and her husband got their IVF treatment in India through the Forerunners Healthcare in India and is all praise for this company. She is a known case of PCOS.She is a very happy mother of a baby boy now. She just paid 2500 pounds for the full IVF treatment in India for which she was quoted 8000 pounds in private setup in UK.

Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. I read a lot about them in the newspapers. I have also read about a Chinese couple who planned surrogacy through the Forerunners Healthcare. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery and infertility treatment like IVF, IUI, and ICSI abroad for low price. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery and treatment can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.

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Answer 7

Hi RAERAE its so nice to meet you. too have pcos I was diagnosed when I ws 14 yrs old. Rediagnosed at the age of 25. I have been trying to conceive on and of for about 12 yrs now. Prices can vary from state to state and office to office. Im located in NY state and the prices I see vary between for the following.

IUI- before meds is between $500 to $500 meds Injectable drugs cost beteen $700 and $1700

IVF- Cost between $5500 to $25,000 a cycle. My Dr. Charges about $8500 per IVF. injectable drugs for IVF cost Between $1500 to $5000.

My dr does ICSI for FREE.

Clomid is a very cheap drug. Although if you do your search youll find out that clomid has a very low success rate on women with PCOS> also clomid tends to thin the lining of the uterus making it very difficult to allow an embryo to implant in your uterus. I have found for myself. I get better results from usingthe injectable infertility drugs. with iui. But there are also other factors that could possibly swing you towards IVF. I highly suggest yu find a REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS andget his opinion. I don't suggest you use a GYN because RE's have more trick persay up their sleeves to help you conceive. I havea email addy if you would like to talk more as t what to expect or for support with infertility etc. Also, Ask and do research on Grants and 0% interest loans for treatments. Alot of clinics have programs available to help you with the cost etc. My dr. just gave 3 couples FREE IVF till thy conceive for winning an essay question as to what parenting means to them etc
So you never know. Also, THe nY state Department of health has grants for NY state residents. I truely wish you the the best. Hang in there and Keep you chin up. I am on the same infertility rollr coaster as you and it has its ups and downs. But i find women that are aggressive in treatment and are persisent reach the goal of being aparents. here ar a few sites and i hope they help. www.resolve.org and www.soulcysters.org

my mail just in case you want to talk or get more info please feel free to contact me viaemal. Im really good about getting back to people in subject matter type infertility support needed.

babysdust and keep praying. :)

Answer 8

Hello Raerae -- I can help you and your husband.
I have been telling everyone here so I'll tell you. Its really pretty easy once you know. You need to go to your drug
store and buy an OVULATION KIT - called, FIRST
RESPONSE. What this kit does it tests your urine every
morning the very first thing and when it turns BLUE, then you can have a baby.My time clock was ticking and I used it and I have 3 healthy boys to prove it. So Good Luck!