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Success Story
Plagued with gynecological issues since the age of 14, Michele Mook was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in 2005. Subsequent exams revealed insulin resistance (an underlying cause of PCOS) and a heart-shaped, bicornuate uterus. "I admit," says Michele, "it was bittersweet each time my husband and I went for tests. I was happy he was okay, but miserable that it was all on me." A fortuitous change in employee insurance coverage led the couple to RHS in early 2008. After their first visit, Jeff told his wife: "Between you, me and Dr. Albert, I know we're going to have a baby!" This optimism carried the Mooks through another two years of ups and downs until injections of Clomid paired with intrauterine insemination (IUI) and progesterone gave life to Logan James, their healthy, 7 lb. baby boy.
News & EventsDr. Carolyn Kubik, medical director of RHS, has been named a "Top Doc" by Pittsburgh Magazine RHS celebrates more than 850 IVF patient births at their annual party at the Pittsburgh Zoo Latest from the RHS blog, Seedlings: Celine Dion's IVF Success
Ask the Doctors
How does thyroid disease affect fertility? Thyroid disease is extremely common in women, and both over- and under-active thyroid conditions have been implicated as causes of irregular menstrual bleeding and presumed ovarian dysfunction. During a woman's pregnancy, her thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) level needs to be regulated and typically should be monitored every 10 — 12 weeks if she has thyroid disease. Most endocrinologists agree that testing for thyroid abnormalities is an appropriate part of an infertility evaluation, and correction of any thyroid problems should be part of infertility treatment.
Latest Fertility FindThis new segment will feature a current outlet for fertility guidance that RHS finds helpful. These finds can be anything from a book to a blog. RHS welcomes your latest fertility find suggestions to share with readers in the next quarterly newsletter. Submissions can be sent to fertilityfind@ivfpittsburgh.com.
The Fertility Advocate blog is written by Pamela Madsen, a respected fertility educator who has national leadership experience with both RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and the American Fertility Association. This blog is a great daily read that covers a variety of fertility concerns, resources, advocacy efforts and more. The Fertility Advocate contains a wealth of information and advice, which can be comforting for couples who are looking for more than one opinion on where to start or continue their fertility journey. |
Taking Action for Infertility CoverageThe recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a work in progress; legislators are still hammering out the nuts and bolts. Coverage for a variety of conditions including infertility is up for debate, providing a unique opportunity for affected couples to influence the Act's final provisions. Ironically, although infertility impacts one in eight couples in the United States, the legislation, as presently structured, does little to offset the costs of assisted reproductive procedures. The one guaranteed piece of good news: couples presently unable to obtain coverage because of pre-existing conditions (including infertility and "spousal infertility") will no longer be denied individual insurance, effective 2014. Opportunities for Advocacy The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to determine which benefits will be included within the four levels of coverage (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) offered by qualified health plans in each state. Interested couple should contact the Department directly to advocate for higher-level coverage options that include coverage for infertility treatments. Another important advocacy opportunity is the creation of "exchanges" which will offer the four levels of coverage. Exchanges are state-administered organizations that will seek feedback from consumers regarding benefit options. Interested couples should contact the Department of Insurance in Harrisburg to stress the importance of infertility coverage and advocate the offering of related benefits via the future Pennsylvania health insurance exchange.
What's Happening Now For couples looking for infertility benefits, there is currently some assistance available in a small minority of states. Right now 15 states, excluding Pennsylvania, mandate infertility coverage by insurers and/or employer groups. The strength of these mandates, however, varies greatly by state. If relocating, consider your options carefully. For the latest in fertility legislation, go to: www.resolve.org. Although disappointed that the legislation fails to mandate infertility coverage, Barbara Collura, Executive Director of RESOLVE says: "We have a couple of opportunities, but there are a lot of unknowns. We are going to do everything we can to make it happen, but it's anyone's guess as to how it will play out." In the meantime, citizens can lobby both state and federal lawmakers for the inclusion of benefits.
Dealing with Grandparent WannabesThe stress and strains that accompany infertility require simultaneously supporting your partner and yourself — often through an extended, arduous process. And, just when you think you've exhausted your supply of comfort and consolation, here come the grandparent wannabes — also seeking reassurance. Often, your parents' desires to become grandma and grandpa, nana and papa, bubbe and zeda, etc., are as strong, if not stronger, than your own wishes for parenthood. Maybe it's just an at-birth, unspoken covenant between parent and child, which becomes increasingly vocal as the child approaches 30: We agree to love and care for you; you will provide grandchildren for us. But consider this: grandparents also have a biological clock — equipped with an alarm setting. Currently, many middle-aged parents are beset by a repetitious beeping, alerting them to the fact that women of childbearing age are delaying parenthood longer than any other generation in history. The idea of young grandparents may be nearing extinction! The age-old question "What are you waiting for?" can be especially stressful when a couple desperately wants children but is having difficulty conceiving. There are many answers, some not so polite. The best response is one you craft together with your significant other, a joint decision regarding who to tell and how much to share. Depending on the personalities involved, "we're doing our best" may be a signal for "don't ask, we'll tell" or may invite blame or further headaches. Couples need to consider the pros and cons of sharing information as they explore family-starting options. Regardless of the decision, acknowledging that would-be grandparents have feelings too is beneficial to all.
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