Considering IVF

I've spent countless hours reading, researching, comparing numbers, odds, costs & treatments & even with the enormous price tag, our odds of conceiving another child are more favorable with IVF. This is the hardest decision I never thought we would have to make.

Under normal conditions a couple has about a 80% chance of conceiving in a year. With my tubes being so severely blocked, the odds are little to none. I was quoted $5600 for a hysteroscopy/laparoscopy to remove my polyp & investigate why my tubes are blocked & see if they can be opened at all. There's a chance the damage is beyond repair or any repairs made will only be temporary & the surgery itself could cause more scar tissue & damage. Even if the laparoscopy is successful, it barely increases our chance of conception, from my research a 20-30% chance at best because of where my tubes are blocked, as well as there is a high risk of ectopic pregnancy after tubal corrective surgery.

On the other hand, given I am under 35 & have no health conditions & all other tests for my husband & I are normal, I would be a great candidate for IVF. At least 50% if not more chance of success in just one cycle. But that comes at a price tag of $15,000.

I'm looking at ways to reduce the cost, but even so, it's a lot of money. I can tell my husband is having a hard time with spending such a large sum for a chance at a bigger family, although he is supportive & wants what's best for all of us. I too never thought we would be discussing assisted fertility treatments. It's still a shock to be told such an unfavorable diagnosis. But here we are.

I've searched my heart & I still deeply want another child & am willing to sacrifice to take a chance. I know this for sure: If I don't take a leap of faith, I will regret it the rest of my life. And I believe if we go for it & it fails, I will at least know we tried everything we could & it just wasn't meant to be & I will be able to accept it & move on. I have nothing to lose because no matter what I have a beautiful family & an abundance of love.