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For all human history, it has been learned to most that it is enough to have a partner to have a child. It's as simple as that. But as more and more people wait longer to start a family, conceiving a child becomes anything but simple.
Adele and David Bong have been trying for a year to get pregnant. At the same time, Adele was grappling with more and more severe pain on the days surrounding her period. She said that she would sweep her and minimize her symptoms. "The women in our family sat next to the kitchen table and then everyone told stories of war about their cramps and the worst cramps they had. just feeling good is part of femininity. And then that's all.
In 2017, the researchers referred the bongs to Dr. Lauren Johnson, reproductive endocrinologist at REACH Fertility in North Carolina. Dr. Johnson diagnosed Adele with stage four endometriosis, a reproductive disease characterized by growth of the uterine lining on the outside and surrounding organs. For Adele, it was the source of her intense pain and infertility.
PREVALENCE OF INFERTILITY
It's a story more and more common. Twelve percent of women of childbearing age are infertile. Twenty percent have no explanation for their inability to conceive or carry a full term pregnancy, and infertility is just as common in men as in women.
The problem is that many, like Adele, discover that they are sterile when they are finally ready to start their families and, as we have already mentioned, it is often later in life.
A report from the CDC's Vital Statistics Division shows that although fewer women become pregnant before the age of 35, the rate of first births among women 35 years of age and older continues to increase. There are nine times as many women starting a family in their late thirties as they were four decades ago.
But in the meantime, the biggest risk factor for infertility increases: we get older. For some, this allows the damage caused by undiagnosed or unknown reproductive disorders, which complicates the design.
According to Adele, it is a fact of nature and science that is simply frustrating: "You know, I would like to think that I was wise with my time. I went to school and you know, I tried to work hard, get a decent job, I tried to be responsible. We worked very hard to repay our school loans. Finally, I became stable so that we could have a house, and then you got to that point and it took you too much time to get to that, to this finish line."
Dr. Johnson says the key is greater fertility education. "You sort of think that we should be able to stay in touch with the fact that a lot of women are slow to have children to pursue a career or something else. But despite this and despite our cultural tendencies, our biology has not changed, "says Johnson. "And you know, there is certainly research that is looking to generate more eggs, but this technology does not exist to date. So we are very limited by our own biology. "
Many couples feel empowered to wait because of advances in reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization. But the opportunity to take advantage of IVF relies solely on your financial means.
PAYMENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY
According to a national survey conducted by Mercer, a benefits consulting firm, only 25% of employers cover IVF cycles through their company's insurance plans. There are very few financing options outside of the insurance coverage.
Dr. Johnson suggested that the Bong apply for a grant through the NASCAR couple, Kyle and Samantha Busch, a bundle of the Joy Fund. It is currently available only for couples seen at REACH fertility in North Carolina.
"So we launched the Bundle of Joy Fund soon after having our son Braxton. We had to go through IVF. We struggled for many years and found that it was our only option because I had PCOS and my husband had a low sperm count and quality. IVF was therefore the only way to have a child, "says Samantha Busch. "Kyle and I felt very lucky to be able to pay for it. But we've heard of so many couples who have worked three or four times, sold their homes, moved in with family members, sold things, made Go Fund Me pages. All these things for years, just for save to try once, and there is no guarantee. And that's the hard part. "
Bundle of Joy helped 37 families in the Charlotte area: 16 babies were born and seven more are on the way. Samantha says she hopes to see IVF covered by insurance as soon as possible. "There are so many people who would be amazing parents who are suffering in silence and who will never have the funds to benefit from IVF, and that must change."
INSURANCE COVERAGE
At the federal level, the Law on Treatment and Care of Infertility (HR 2803 and S 1461), introduced at the Congress in May 2019, would oblige all health schemes proposed on the collective and individual markets to cover treatment. of infertility. It is not clear whether the bills will go beyond the committee process.
At the state level, 15 have laws that require insurers to offer or cover a type of infertility treatment. Eight of these states require qualified employers to include in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage in plans offered to their employers: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Florida does not require insurance companies to cover costs or services related to infertility.
In addition, no legislation pending on the insurance coverage against infertility.
according to Resolve.orgThere are 56 fertility doctors in Florida and 388,147 who have had difficulty getting pregnant or having a pregnancy for life.
Adele and David will basically try their luck at IVF, namely a cycle, with the help of Bundle of Joy. "What we have already received," says David, "makes it possible, whereas it would not have been possible before."
Assisted reproductive technology has come a long way; Thirty years ago, five percent of IVF patients had delivered a healthy baby, compared with more than 30% today. But that's far from being a safe bet.
Adele and David hope to be pregnant a year from now – and if the cycle fails, they will probably try adoption.
They hope their story amplifies the need for a new conversation. in schools, doctors' offices and around family fairs – where the limits of fertility can be discussed long before people are ready to start having children.
EXPLORING YOUR HEALTH is currently producing a follow-up episode that will deepen the world of pre-pregnancy planning, options and available resources. Learn more about infertility by watching the episode above.
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