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For a majority of couples, the major limiting factor is the expense. IVF is still extremely expensive, and beyond the reach of most average couples. Once insurance companies start covering medical expenses for infertility, hopefully, this will no longer be a major hurdle. IVF programs which offer money back (risk sharing programs) in case of failure are another innovative approach to helping patients to cope with the financial burden of IVF.
For others, the stress involved in going through an IVF cycle is a major deterrent.
While they have learnt to live with the ups and downs of a normal menstrual cycle, they feel they will not be able to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty associated with an IVF cycle - especially since so much rides on the outcome. The fact that neither they nor their doctors can completely influence the outcome also puts them off.
However, there are major dangers associated with putting off IVF. As with everything else, there is a "right time" for everything, including IVF!
If patients wait too long, their chances of getting pregnant decline as they age - and this decline can be very precipitate after the age of 38. Others get so fed up and frustrated with simpler treatments such as IUI, that they lose confidence in themselves and in their doctors, so that they are no longer willing to attempt IVF. Many will run out of money pursuing cheaper but ineffective treatments.
A practice common to many gynecologists is to repeat IUI (intrauterine insemination) cycles ad infinitum. Most studies have shown that pregnancy rates for any treatment drop after 4 treatment cycles; so that if a treatment has not worked in 4 cycles, the patient should move on to the next step (which is often IVF). However, most gynecologists who do not offer IVF, but do offer IUI, prefer "holding on" to their patients, and rather than referring them for IVF, keep on trying IUI again and again. Often, patients get fed up and frustrated, and lose confidence in both themselves and well as doctors, so that even though there may be effective treatment options available for them, they no longer want to pursue them!
Often, IVF, even though it is more expensive, may be a more cost-effective option!
Do your homework and plan your own course of action, tailored to your own conditions.
While the outcome of IVF is not in your hands, at least making the attempt will give you peace of mind that you tried your best!
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
