She Strengthens

Taking Control of My Reproductive Health

As a woman in my early thirties, I’ve always known that having kids wasn’t part of my life plan. It’s not that I dislike children or have ethical concerns about bringing new life into the world; it’s simply a personal choice. However, this decision has required careful planning and exploration of various birth control options over the years.

A Journey of Trial and Error

From age 17 to 22, I tried different oral contraceptives to find one that wouldn’t trigger debilitating migraines. When I got married at 23, my husband underwent a vasectomy, which was covered by insurance. However, our marriage was short-lived, and I had to explore other options. I tried a hormonal IUD, which helped with the migraines but caused cramping. After years of discomfort, I knew it was time to consider more permanent solutions.

The Cost of Certainty

My biggest concern was the potential cost of getting my tubes tied, as it’s often considered an elective procedure by insurance companies. I had a negative experience with insurance in the past, which made me more diligent in my research. I found a childfree-friendly doctor on Reddit’s r/Childfree, and after a consultation, I opted for a laparoscopic tubal ligation. The estimated cost was $6,000-$7,500, which was still a significant expense.

Preparation and Unexpected Expenses

As I prepared for the surgery, I invested in some comforts, such as yoga pants and easy-to-prepare snacks. My doctor also recommended a heating pad and thermometer. I had to remove my body piercings, which proved to be a challenge. After a few failed attempts, I booked an appointment with a professional piercer to remove them.

The Surgery and Recovery

On the day of the procedure, I followed the instructions carefully, including drinking apple juice and showering with special soap. The surgery itself was a blur, but the recovery was challenging. I couldn’t keep food down for the first 48 hours and had to rely on takeout and prepared meals.

The Bill and the Surprise

When the bill arrived, I was anxious about the cost. However, after reviewing the Summary of Coverage and Benefits, I was shocked to discover that my total cost was around $415, half the cost of my IUD insertion. I believe that staying on top of my insurance and coverage made a significant difference in the outcome.

A Lesson Learned

This experience was a reminder that medical insurance can be difficult to navigate in the United States, and even estimates aren’t always accurate. I’m grateful for the positive outcome and will continue to plan for the worst-case scenario when it comes to medical billing.