Shared Risk for IVF - Any experiences to share?

BurberryLvr · Aug 25th, 2008, 12:37 PM

After 8 IUI cycles (2 cancelled for lack of follicle maturation most recently), DH and I are seriously considering IVF.

Why the hesitation? I have to admit I'm a bit of a baby and am afraid of all the procedures (along with the pain that might accompany it). Since we must do ICSI, I'm also afraid that somehow the sperm they choose will not yield a healthy baby. I (whether or not this is rational) somehow think that in a natural environment, the best-suited sperm would make its way to the egg. With ICSI, I'm scared that the best-suited sperm might not get picked.

Both DH and I also work high-stress jobs and I'm also afraid that stress might affect our cycles especially with the physical stress associated with it. To help minimize our fears of going through all of this with nothing to show for it - we're considering a Shared Risk program wherein you pay a flat fee (meds not included) for 3 cycles. If you don't deliver a baby, you get 70% of the fee back.

Have any of you ladies done this? Could you share your experiences with me? Thank you!!

tabbyco · Aug 28th, 2008, 05:50 PM

I had a friend who do that and they got pregnant on the first IVF cycle. I looked into it and the numbers are outrageous. It was like paying for 2 IVF's upfront. I'd rather take the chance and pay for one and if it doesn't work pay for another (but that's me).

Keep in mind that success rates for IVF are around 85% (nationwide). Those are some really good odds!!

BurberryLvr · Aug 30th, 2008, 12:59 AM

Thanks Tabbyco - you reminded me that I really need to do a lot of research prior to plunging into something that just sounds good!

Alidoll · Aug 31st, 2008, 06:30 AM

In Scotland you don't get that option - only paying upfront for each cycle and keeping your fingers double crossed it works. Under 35 and the NHS will pay for a couple of rounds, over 35 and you pay yourself.

However, under 35 and you'll wait for nearly 2 years for your first appt, over 35 and you get seen much quicker (a couple of months).

I'm 37 and have had my first appt at the hosp so am waiting for a start date (probably November). I hate needles as well and am not looking forward to it but if it means we get a baby at the end, then it'll be worth it...

BurberryLvr · Aug 31st, 2008, 05:51 PM

Alidoll - I wish you the best of luck in your TTC! I'm definitely not a big fan of needles either and dreaded starting injectables. But when it comes down to it, it's never as bad as I think it will be. I've been doing subcutaneous injections of Menopur while we wait to start IVF (planning to put a big chunk of money in our FSA) so it will be pre-tax.

Alidoll · Sep 7th, 2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurberryLvr

Alidoll - I wish you the best of luck in your TTC! I'm definitely not a big fan of needles either and dreaded starting injectables. But when it comes down to it, it's never as bad as I think it will be. I've been doing subcutaneous injections of Menopur while we wait to start IVF (planning to put a big chunk of money in our FSA) so it will be pre-tax.

Thanks - I think it's the waiting to start that's the worst bit as it means we can't plan anything till we get a start date! It's been over a month since our hospital appt so hopefully we should get a letter soon...I don't want to hassle the hosp unit by phoning them but if I don't hear after 2 months then I'll give them a call.. after all, I'm not getting any younger eh!!

alliemia · Sep 20th, 2008, 11:42 PM

burberry..i am a medical-phobe..really i have OCD issues with it even. But I was someone strong enough to suck it up and do IVF, and all the procedures, and give myself shots. and two difficult pregnancies and c-sections...and I remember being sooo scared just like you, but you can do it! you CAN! and don't worry about the ICSI. it is actually a good way to create a very healthy baby, they don't just randomly pick a sperm. it is the best one. just go for it! don't think too much on every little aspect. you'll do great.

shared risk i didn't do, as we had IVF ins. coverage, but sounds great. it gives you peace of mind.

Dawn · Oct 5th, 2008, 09:58 PM

one of my closest friends paid for a program that allows six attempts and then a 100% refund if it doesn't work. both she and her husband work long hours and were stressed (had been trying for 8 years to get pregnant). she was able to conceive the first try with IVF. she hated the shots but knew it would be worth it. one of my other friends also did IVF (and did the daily shots) and it didn't work...then she got pregnant naturally the next month!

Aug 25th, 2008, 12:37 PM	#1
BurberryLvr ~ Bal Enamored ~	Shared Risk for IVF - Any experiences to share? After 8 IUI cycles (2 cancelled for lack of follicle maturation most recently), DH and I are seriously considering IVF. Why the hesitation? I have to admit I'm a bit of a baby and am afraid of all the procedures (along with the pain that might accompany it). Since we must do ICSI, I'm also afraid that somehow the sperm they choose will not yield a healthy baby. I (whether or not this is rational) somehow think that in a natural environment, the best-suited sperm would make its way to the egg. With ICSI, I'm scared that the best-suited sperm might not get picked. Both DH and I also work high-stress jobs and I'm also afraid that stress might affect our cycles especially with the physical stress associated with it. To help minimize our fears of going through all of this with nothing to show for it - we're considering a Shared Risk program wherein you pay a flat fee (meds not included) for 3 cycles. If you don't deliver a baby, you get 70% of the fee back. Have any of you ladies done this? Could you share your experiences with me? Thank you!! __________________ Bag banned for Baby!

Aug 28th, 2008, 05:50 PM	#2
tabbyco Quirrel! Location: Right Coast	I had a friend who do that and they got pregnant on the first IVF cycle. I looked into it and the numbers are outrageous. It was like paying for 2 IVF's upfront. I'd rather take the chance and pay for one and if it doesn't work pay for another (but that's me). Keep in mind that success rates for IVF are around 85% (nationwide). Those are some really good odds!! __________________

Aug 30th, 2008, 12:59 AM	#3
BurberryLvr ~ Bal Enamored ~	Thanks Tabbyco - you reminded me that I really need to do a lot of research prior to plunging into something that just sounds good! __________________ Bag banned for Baby!

Aug 31st, 2008, 05:51 PM	#5
BurberryLvr ~ Bal Enamored ~	Alidoll - I wish you the best of luck in your TTC! I'm definitely not a big fan of needles either and dreaded starting injectables. But when it comes down to it, it's never as bad as I think it will be. I've been doing subcutaneous injections of Menopur while we wait to start IVF (planning to put a big chunk of money in our FSA) so it will be pre-tax. __________________ Bag banned for Baby!

Oct 5th, 2008, 09:58 PM	#8
Dawn Seriously? Location: Northern Virginia	one of my closest friends paid for a program that allows six attempts and then a 100% refund if it doesn't work. both she and her husband work long hours and were stressed (had been trying for 8 years to get pregnant). she was able to conceive the first try with IVF. she hated the shots but knew it would be worth it. one of my other friends also did IVF (and did the daily shots) and it didn't work...then she got pregnant naturally the next month! __________________ Grateful and content with what I have...no more wish list! Slow and steady wins the race! Check my progress every Monday!

Aug 31st, 2008, 06:30 AM	#4
Alidoll Member Location: Bonnie Scotland	In Scotland you don't get that option - only paying upfront for each cycle and keeping your fingers double crossed it works. Under 35 and the NHS will pay for a couple of rounds, over 35 and you pay yourself. However, under 35 and you'll wait for nearly 2 years for your first appt, over 35 and you get seen much quicker (a couple of months). I'm 37 and have had my first appt at the hosp so am waiting for a start date (probably November). I hate needles as well and am not looking forward to it but if it means we get a baby at the end, then it'll be worth it...

Sep 20th, 2008, 11:42 PM	#7
alliemia purse-crazy mommy Location: NY	burberry..i am a medical-phobe..really i have OCD issues with it even. But I was someone strong enough to suck it up and do IVF, and all the procedures, and give myself shots. and two difficult pregnancies and c-sections...and I remember being sooo scared just like you, but you can do it! you CAN! and don't worry about the ICSI. it is actually a good way to create a very healthy baby, they don't just randomly pick a sperm. it is the best one. just go for it! don't think too much on every little aspect. you'll do great. shared risk i didn't do, as we had IVF ins. coverage, but sounds great. it gives you peace of mind.