Infertility

It's been about a month since I last posted. There are a few reasons why I haven't posted. First being I was a little let down that our first cycle didn't end in a positive. The other being, I was trying to figure out why Infertility is such a taboo subject.

 First off I am going to say you never know some one's story, so next time you want to ask them when they are going to have kids, how about you stop and think!!

Why is Infertility such a taboo subject? That I still don't have the answer to and to be honest I don't think I will ever have the answer. Whatever the reason honestly it makes this road that much harder. Those that have infertility already feel less of themselves, to add the added pressure of outside sources is unbearable at times.

So I am going to give you a bit of data and number on infertility in the states. I am going to break it down to just a few states verses a nation as a whole.

All data from this post can be found at RESOLVE

RESOLVE gives each state a grade from A-F as well as numbers.

How were the grades for each state assigned?

States were graded by evaluating the following criteria for each state and the District of Columbia:

• Number of peer-led RESOLVE support groups in state for people experiencing fertility issues
• Number of physicians specializing in infertility in state, at SART-accredited fertility clinics
• Number of women in state who have experienced physical difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to live birth
• Insurance mandate information in each state

Since I live in WA right now lets start there

WA Grade D

*2 Peer-led RESOLVE support groups in state for people experiencing fertility issues

*26 Fertility specialists (doctors) in state

*147,772 Women in state, regardless of marital status, who have experienced physical difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to live birth

*Does state have a law requiring insurance coverage for fertility treatments, also known as an insurance mandate? NO

 

MD Grade A

*6 Peer-led RESOLVE support groups in state for people experiencing fertility issues

*35 Fertility specialists (doctors) in state

*130,081 Women in state, regardless of marital status, who have experienced physical difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to live birth

*Does state have a law requiring insurance coverage for fertility treatments, also known as an insurance mandate? YES

Can I please go back to MD!!!!!!!

VA Grade B

*16 Peer-led RESOLVE support groups in state for people experiencing fertility issues

*35 Fertility specialists (doctors) in state

*180,144 Women in state, regardless of marital status, who have experienced physical difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to live birth

*Does state have a law requiring insurance coverage for fertility treatments, also known as an insurance mandate? NO

 

Am I the only one that sees a problem with these numbers? And for many of us we are at the mercy of our Health Insurance Providers. Some are extremely lucky and have amazing coverage and others have to jump though a million and one hoops.

 

I can almost guarantee that everyone knows at least 2 people that are in their inner circle whether it be friends or family that are struggling with Infertility whether they speak about it or not.

 

I have chosen to speak about it, but also this is MY journey. I fell like not only is this my outlet to help myself but if it helps just one person know that they are not alone than I have done what I set out to do.

 

 

So next time you think its cute or funny to ask a married (or not married couple) when they are going to start having children, how about you ask yourself are they that 1 of those 100,000+ couples in your state that are struggling to concieve.