She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Infertility

A Personal Journey

I’ve always considered myself to be carefree when it comes to budgeting. My husband and I share a joint bank account and bill-paying duties, and we’ve built a solid nest egg of savings since our wedding almost two years ago. We’re fortunate to have great jobs with excellent insurance, and we’ve been doing pretty well financially. But then we hit a roadblock – we found out we couldn’t get pregnant.

The Unexpected Expense

Infertility, like any illness, is not something you plan for. You don’t set aside funds for it in your emergency stash, hoping to use them for a rainy day. The reality is that infertility treatments can be costly, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 or more. And that’s not even considering the emotional toll it takes on your relationships and mental health.

Our Story

We started trying to conceive on our own, but after a year, we began to explore other options. We knew very little about infertility, except that it was expensive. We were naive, and I think many people are. You grow up thinking that getting pregnant is easy, and you spend your adult years trying not to get pregnant. But when you start trying, you realize the small window of opportunity you have.

The Emotional Toll

As we delved deeper into the world of infertility, we began to understand the costs involved. We ruled out in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to the high cost and physical toll it would take on my body. But we’re fortunate that our insurance covers three IVF cycles, should we decide to go that route. Many people aren’t as lucky, and they have to pay out of pocket for a chance at getting pregnant.

The Financial Burden

To date, we’ve spent over $1,000 on tests, medicine, and a surgery to determine the cause of our infertility. And we’re considered “lucky” because our insurance reduces the high costs of medications that most families pay hundreds of dollars for. It’s a harsh reality – infertile, but lucky.

The Hidden Costs

The financial burden of infertility is just the tip of the iceberg. The real cost lies in the strain it puts on your marriage, friendships, and mental health. I’ve cried countless times, wondering if my past decisions had somehow jinxed me. I felt like I was to blame for our infertility, and it took a toll on my self-esteem.

Breaking the Silence

I used to feel like I had to carry this burden alone, that it was our problem to deal with. But the stigma surrounding infertility is real, and it’s time to break the silence. If more people talked about their struggles, perhaps it wouldn’t be seen as taboo.

Seeking Support

For us, the biggest expense hasn’t been the cost of surgery or medication; it’s been the hidden costs – the stress, anxiety, and dread each month when we still aren’t pregnant. We’ve learned to lean on our support systems, and we’re grateful for our dear friends and family.

Navigating the System

If you’re struggling with infertility, don’t hesitate to ask your benefits representative about what’s covered in your insurance package. Many clinics offer financing options and can direct you to grant or loan programs. Resolve.org is a valuable resource for those navigating the complex world of infertility.

A New Perspective

Infertility has taught us to appreciate the little things and to cherish our relationships. It’s forced us to re-evaluate our priorities and to focus on what truly matters. And although it’s been a difficult journey, we’re grateful for the lessons we’ve learned along the way.