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Many Afraid to Seek Assistance With Infertility Problems While more than 6.1 million people in the U.S. experience infertility –– about 15 percent of couples –– 50 percent of them do not seek medical assistance. The most common reasons given are anxiety about issues surrounding infertility and financial concerns. “People who do not come in for medical help are primarily afraid of the psychological burden of what it means to seek treatment, says Claudia Pascale, Ph.D., staff psychologist at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS) at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “None of us is prepared for infertility. It is very scary to find out whether or not there is a medical problem.”
Even when a couple is referred by their obstetrician to a specialist to investigate the infertility, many couples do not follow through on that referral, says Dr. Pascale. “Often, people do not want to think about what they might have to do to conceive,” she relates “By bringing up these questions, couples are forced to address their relationship and their individual identities. It can be an incredibly stressful process.” MAKING IT EASIER TO SEEK HELP At The Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Science, couples can explore the idea of fertility treatment before they actually seek medical attention. The Institute provides ongoing, on-site fertility support groups that are open to both patients and those who have not sought treatment. The groups offer couples an opportunity to share experiences and gain emotional support. Current sessions held at the Medical Center include Infertility and IVF,an ongoing group for women experiencing any aspect of infertility treatment. It is offered on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Another offering is the Egg Donor/Sperm Recipient Couple Group.This intensive, eight-week session for couples explores all aspects of egg and sperm donation. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “It is very useful to have a sounding board and to talk with others who identify with your concerns,” says Dr. Pascale. “Many people who attend our support groups have not sought treatment yet. The groups help them make informed decisions about infertility issues.” The Institute also operates a 24- hour-a-day electronic Message Board, seven days a week, for anyone who is trying to conceive. The site, at www.sbivf.com, is staffed by boardcertified reproductive endocrinologists Serena H. Chen, M.D., Director of the Division of Reproductive Medicine at Saint Barnabas; Natalie Cekleniak, M.D.; and Margaret Garrisi, M.D. Through the Message Board, the physicians provide support, education, and general advice regarding infertility, miscarriage, male factor infertility, genetics and preconception concerns. “The Message Board is even helpful for couples who just want to read the postings and know that they are not alone in these issues,” says Dr. Pascale. “It is a terrific educational resource.”
WHEN MONEY IS A CONCERN RESOLVE of New Jersey, part of the The National Infertility Association, successfully advocated for the passage of The Family Building Act, which provides insurance coverage for infertility treatments. The law requires New Jersey health insurance policies that cover groups other than small employers (less than 50 employees) and provide pregnancy-related benefits to cover the cost of the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Whether your insurer is obligated to provide coverage depends upon whether your policy was issued in New Jersey. Also, if you purchase HMO coverage through an HMO licensed to operate in the state, you are also entitled to coverage. Financial coordinators are available to discuss payment for all infertility-related services provided by IRMS. All patients are provided with the information needed to meet pre-certification requirements and submit claims to insurance companies. IRMS is a participating provider with the following Insurance Companies: Aetna; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield; Oxford; United Healthcare; QualCare; and Saint Barnabas.
HELPING COUPLES MOVE FORWARD Help from the most advanced techniques in reproductive medicine has allowed millions of infertile couples to build the families they desire. IRMS is one of the nation’s leading fertility centers, providing patients with state-of-the-art clinical infertility treatment, supported by the latest scientific knowledge and laboratory techniques. The infertility services offered include: in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), egg freezing, embryo freezing, and blastocyst transfer. Other services include egg donation, emotional support, and genetic counseling. IRMS success in treating both male and female infertility is evidenced by its pregnancy rates, which are among the highest in the world. As part of each individualized care plan, physicians and counselors take time to explain and connect with patient’s emotional and psychological needs. “What I like is helping normal people who are facing an abnormal situation,” adds Dr. Pascale. “We offer a warm environment where couples can face a problem they did not anticipate, and work through it together.” [ top ] |
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Infertility is often defined as a couple’s inability to conceive after one year of intercourse without using birth control. For an older couple experiencing infertility, thoughts of seeing a specialist may occur earlier. A woman's fertility gradually drops from her mid-30s into her 40s, due to the natural aging of the egg supply. Older couples may feel they have less time to wait and see if nature takes its course when it comes to getting pregnant.
