Many black women may put off seeking fertility treatment when they are having difficulty trying to conceive. For some, it’s because they don’t see many women like themselves going through IVF or because they know that historical statistics show black women may have lower success with IVF treatment than others. However, there are some very prominent black women who have sought out and had success with fertility treatment including: Michele Obama, Gabrielle Union, Tia Mowry and many more.
In general, black women are more likely to seek fertility treatment later in life. Due to that, their chances of IVF being successful may be decreased. REACH highly encourages women to seek treatment early if they are having difficulty trying to conceive.
Here are 4 things to know when seeking fertility treatment:
1. When should you consider fertility treatment?
The fertility specialists at REACH fertility center recommend visiting a fertility specialist for an exam if you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 1 year or more and are under the age of 35. If you are over the age of 35, you should see a specialist after 6 months of trying to conceive without success.
The fertility specialists at REACH will meet with you for an initial consultation and run general tests to diagnose any issues that may be causing your infertility or lack of success in trying to conceive. After this, your physician will discuss a plan of treatment with you moving forward.
2. What about the cost?
IVF can be expensive when you are paying out of pocket. Fortunately, there are several states that require insurance to cover at least a portion of your treatment. Speak with your insurance provider to find out what costs they may or may not cover.
REACH Fertility Center works with several insurance providers to help ease the burden of IVF treatment. Find more information on REACH’s Accepted Insurance Plans.
3. What are my chances of success?
With all fertility treatment, there are several factors that play into your success. Factors can include age, pre-existing medical conditions and the reason for your infertility. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, also known as SART, reports that the live birth rate for an IVF cycle is 55.6% for women under 35, 40.8% for those between 35 and 37 years old, and around 4.1% for those over 42.
4. What about the emotional toll?
Infertility and treatment for infertility takes an emotional toll on couples. Having strong and open communication with your partner as well as your physician will help ease the emotional burden. Here are 3 ways to handle the stress you may be feeling during infertility treatments.
REACH also has a licensed psychologist for couples who want to talk more about what they may be experiencing through their fertility treatment. We always encourage our patients to build a strong support system when undergoing treatment and are here to help ease your stress in any way we can.
If you are ready to meet with a fertility specialist, contact REACH today!
