IVF extras: are they worth it?
This week there has been a raft of media coverage about the excessively expensive and unproven 'added extras' that IVF clinics sell to us, the vulnerable Infertiles.
Guilty as charged. I'm desperate and have literally thrown nearly all my hard-earned dosh at anyone and anything in the hope of giving our chances a boost. I've had endometrial scratches, embryo glue, time-lapse cameras and a range of hugely expensive blood tests to further explore my unexplained infertility, to no avail.
I'm not going to say that I did wrong in investing a few extra thousands in various things - but it is true that there are very few bolt-on treatments that come with a conclusive and compelling guarantee that it will improve one's chances. Nothing has worked for me yet - but I feel like if you haven't got a decent embryo to start with, you're probably not going to add much value. But, here's the rub. You can't plan for what you don't know - and the hope/fear which is a natural part of IVF, drives to you try everything you can afford (and some things you can't). If you could even add an extra 1% chance of success to get you over the line, you would! So, while it grates me that all of these extras come with a hefty pricetag, I don't blame myself for succumbing.
What does drive me crazy though is the inflated prices that each treatment costs. My clinic charges £350 a pop for an endometrial scratch, a painful invasive procedure that takes about 10 minutes. They should be paying me! But... again.... you have to remind yourself that you're paying for a clinic you've deemed to be the best - and the best costs. But for me, that's the real debate. Should these treatments really cost that much or are we simply being fleeced?
One thing I never got to avail of, but probably would have, was PGS or pre-implantation genetic screening. Had I had a mighty haul of embryos on ice, I'd definitely have tried this. Why wouldn't I check the health of my embryos to avoid spending a fortune on failed FET cycles relying on pot luck rather than scientific fact? Sadly, I never had that luxury but it seems like a no-brainer.
While this week's news was specifically about IVF clinic bolt-ons, it also got me thinking about all the other infertility peripherals I've splashed my cash on. Some of the below list I swear by. The rest, well.....
Acupuncturists x 6: No, I'm not really that fickle, I've been seeing my favourite acupuncturist Michelle Aris for about 3 years now. But, I've also dallied with more 'occasional' acupuncturists - some through Kent Acupuncture, who work on-site at my clinic and some who I've seen whilst on holiday, but, Michelle who works locally to me has become the one person both Husb and I can't do without. Funny, as I am highly needle-phobic.
In addition to traditional Chinese acupuncture, Michelle practices a number of other treatments including cupping (EUGH, not my favourite), massage and acupressure. She's been with us through many of my IVF treatments, supported us post-miscarriage and dealt with the odd sports injury. I have observed many tangible nourishing benefits of acupuncture but there is one particular benefit that no other treatment comes close to. Acupuncture, in my view, is absolutely second-to-none when it comes to releasing negative, pent-up emotion - of which I have bucketloads. Through the many (and frequent) extreme highs and lows of IVF, one of the most important things is to stay relaxed - AS IF!!! But I literally feel a perceptible lightening of the load after every treatment - like my body heaves a huge sigh of relief. And, I 100% advocate acupuncture the day before egg collection. I've tried it with and without and the pain relief benefits are significant.
Counsellors x 2: Husb and I originally saw one at our clinic but then, when we decided to consider using an egg donor, we saw Jacqui Field regularly. We saw her both together and apart. For me, what has been most beneficial was finding a way to express my feelings to Husb without the layer of anger and frustration that was ultimately being taken out on him. So much pain was hard to bear and he bore the brunt. Seeing Jacqui regularly was instrumental in our journey towards donor IVF and has been fundamental to our strength as a couple. Infertility is a colossal challenge. Counselling is essential.
Fertility reflexologist x 1: I first started seeing Emma Day back in 2013 when Husb and I were first trying for a baby. A midwife who also practices reflexology and acupuncture, Emma's style of reflexology is specifically for pregnant women or women trying to conceive. Lo and behold, I got pregnant the very month I first saw her! A lucky coincidence I'm sure, but Emma has continued to treat me on and off. Her treatments always made me feel better; more relaxed and extremely therapeutic. I'm long overdue an appointment but I swear by reflexology in general.
Psychic x1, tarot readers x2, angel reader x1, shaman x1: Well, what can I say. It didn't seem ridiculous at the time. Everyone I've seen has been recommended by someone with either first-hand experience or a 'friend-of-a-friend' urban myth story to share. That said, pretty much every one of them has looked at my wedding ring, coupled with my sad, tired face and hit upon the 'you're trying for a baby' jackpot straight away. Honestly, you don't need to be psychic to know my issue; I wear it like a sign around my neck.
Apparently, so say all of them, there is definitely a baby in my future. My womb will be full. There is a high chair at my table. And so on, and so on. Even though I dismissed most of what they said as hoodoo, I've clung onto that one premonition - because it suited me. That said, there was one reading I had many years ago which, at the start of my infertility journey, really spoke to me - Liz Dean an Angel reader managed to hit every nail bang on the head. I'm still waiting for the prophesies to come true but, if all these spiritualists did was made me believe that I would be a mother at some point, it's certainly given me something to aim for.
So there it is. I can only estimate that I've spent somewhere between £6-8,000 on all of the above (far less stressful to not keep count) but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm in it to win it and if that means taking a few risks with cash that I can't bury with me, then so be it.
Guilty as charged. I'm desperate and have literally thrown nearly all my hard-earned dosh at anyone and anything in the hope of giving our chances a boost. I've had endometrial scratches, embryo glue, time-lapse cameras and a range of hugely expensive blood tests to further explore my unexplained infertility, to no avail.
I'm not going to say that I did wrong in investing a few extra thousands in various things - but it is true that there are very few bolt-on treatments that come with a conclusive and compelling guarantee that it will improve one's chances. Nothing has worked for me yet - but I feel like if you haven't got a decent embryo to start with, you're probably not going to add much value. But, here's the rub. You can't plan for what you don't know - and the hope/fear which is a natural part of IVF, drives to you try everything you can afford (and some things you can't). If you could even add an extra 1% chance of success to get you over the line, you would! So, while it grates me that all of these extras come with a hefty pricetag, I don't blame myself for succumbing.
What does drive me crazy though is the inflated prices that each treatment costs. My clinic charges £350 a pop for an endometrial scratch, a painful invasive procedure that takes about 10 minutes. They should be paying me! But... again.... you have to remind yourself that you're paying for a clinic you've deemed to be the best - and the best costs. But for me, that's the real debate. Should these treatments really cost that much or are we simply being fleeced?
One thing I never got to avail of, but probably would have, was PGS or pre-implantation genetic screening. Had I had a mighty haul of embryos on ice, I'd definitely have tried this. Why wouldn't I check the health of my embryos to avoid spending a fortune on failed FET cycles relying on pot luck rather than scientific fact? Sadly, I never had that luxury but it seems like a no-brainer.
While this week's news was specifically about IVF clinic bolt-ons, it also got me thinking about all the other infertility peripherals I've splashed my cash on. Some of the below list I swear by. The rest, well.....
Treatments and therapies I tried that made a significant and positive difference:
World-renowned Chinese herbalist x1: Professor Volker Scheid no less. At the very top of his field in Chinese medicine and acupuncture - and, actually a bit of a guru given that every acupuncturist I've ever met (that's lots, actually) gives an audible gasp when I say I was treated by him. Volker and I spent many months, nay years, trying to strengthen my body with various exotic and foul-tasting Chinese herbs. Expensive but, in my view, made a significant difference to my sense of balance and well-being and energy levels.The herbs helped prepare me for IVF and, even though I have no definitive evidence, my egg quality improved significantly during my time with him. I would still love to be treated by Volker - I felt he took extremely personal care of me and was willing me to succeed. But, in the end, it became clear to me that maybe my ovaries were beyond Chinese herbs and, I found I was dedicating almost every evening to various treatments, it just became overwhelming so I decided to cut back. For anyone considering Chinese medicine, I'm a definite advocate. But, I was lucky enough to be in close proximity to a bona fide expert - so my advice would be to make sure you find a well-credentialled practioner who provides good quality herbs. |
| Acupuncturist and all-round good egg, Michelle Aris |
In addition to traditional Chinese acupuncture, Michelle practices a number of other treatments including cupping (EUGH, not my favourite), massage and acupressure. She's been with us through many of my IVF treatments, supported us post-miscarriage and dealt with the odd sports injury. I have observed many tangible nourishing benefits of acupuncture but there is one particular benefit that no other treatment comes close to. Acupuncture, in my view, is absolutely second-to-none when it comes to releasing negative, pent-up emotion - of which I have bucketloads. Through the many (and frequent) extreme highs and lows of IVF, one of the most important things is to stay relaxed - AS IF!!! But I literally feel a perceptible lightening of the load after every treatment - like my body heaves a huge sigh of relief. And, I 100% advocate acupuncture the day before egg collection. I've tried it with and without and the pain relief benefits are significant.
Counsellors x 2: Husb and I originally saw one at our clinic but then, when we decided to consider using an egg donor, we saw Jacqui Field regularly. We saw her both together and apart. For me, what has been most beneficial was finding a way to express my feelings to Husb without the layer of anger and frustration that was ultimately being taken out on him. So much pain was hard to bear and he bore the brunt. Seeing Jacqui regularly was instrumental in our journey towards donor IVF and has been fundamental to our strength as a couple. Infertility is a colossal challenge. Counselling is essential.
Fertility reflexologist x 1: I first started seeing Emma Day back in 2013 when Husb and I were first trying for a baby. A midwife who also practices reflexology and acupuncture, Emma's style of reflexology is specifically for pregnant women or women trying to conceive. Lo and behold, I got pregnant the very month I first saw her! A lucky coincidence I'm sure, but Emma has continued to treat me on and off. Her treatments always made me feel better; more relaxed and extremely therapeutic. I'm long overdue an appointment but I swear by reflexology in general.
People who haven't added any tangible value to me...
Abdominal-sacral masseurs x 2: I can't say one way or another whether this helped - but I can't see any harm. Essentially this style of massage involved a lot of pummelling of my stomach - it definitely helped clear my digestive system but not sure what else. And it wasn't particularly pleasant to boot. While Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture and reflexology, are diagnostic, I didn't learn anything from this particular treatment, which possibly is why I didn't warm to it. The fascination of learning the nuances of your body is half the fun!
Apparently, so say all of them, there is definitely a baby in my future. My womb will be full. There is a high chair at my table. And so on, and so on. Even though I dismissed most of what they said as hoodoo, I've clung onto that one premonition - because it suited me. That said, there was one reading I had many years ago which, at the start of my infertility journey, really spoke to me - Liz Dean an Angel reader managed to hit every nail bang on the head. I'm still waiting for the prophesies to come true but, if all these spiritualists did was made me believe that I would be a mother at some point, it's certainly given me something to aim for.
The jury's out on... Reiki and Chakra Balancing:
I've tried these a few times, with various practitioners. I've certainly felt a little more relaxed afterwards but have no sense of any longer term or tangible benefits. Interesting all the same!So there it is. I can only estimate that I've spent somewhere between £6-8,000 on all of the above (far less stressful to not keep count) but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm in it to win it and if that means taking a few risks with cash that I can't bury with me, then so be it.
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