#Infertility Treatments
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daralbaraamedicalcenter · 22 days ago
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How the Best Artificial Insemination Can Help Treating Infertility
Infertility can be an emotional and physical challenge for couples yearning to build a family. While the journey can be overwhelming, modern medical advancements like artificial insemination (AI) have brought hope to countless individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.
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The insemination is a simple, minimally invasive fertility treatment designed to enhance the chances of conception. At Dar Al-Baraa Medical Center, we understand the complexities of this journey and offer cutting-edge solutions like insemination (AI) to help couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. Here’s how our AI treatment stands out as one of the best in the region.
What is Insemination?
Artificial insemination is a safe and minimally invasive fertility treatment where prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This procedure increases the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg, particularly for couples facing challenges such as:
Low sperm count or motility issues
Mild endometriosis
Unexplained infertility
Cervical mucus abnormalities
Same-sex couples or single women seeking parenthood
Why Choose Artificial Procedure at Our Medical Center?
1. Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Before beginning Infertility treatments, our specialists perform comprehensive fertility evaluations to identify underlying causes of infertility. By conducting thorough hormonal evaluations, ultrasound diagnostics, and semen analyses, we ensure each treatment plan is uniquely personalized.
2. State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our center is equipped with the latest technology to support every step of the AI process but not Gender determination. From sperm preparation to monitoring ovulation. The precision in our work enhances success rates.
3. Expert Fertility Specialists
Our team of skilled obstetricians and gynecologists has years of experience in performing AI procedures with compassion and expertise. We value your comfort. We also take care of our well-being throughout the process.
4. Personalized Treatment Plans
Each and every patient is different with their different problems. Our solutions also vary accordingly. Whether it's natural-cycle AI or AI with ovulation induction, we tailor treatments to suit your unique needs and maximize the likelihood of success.
5. Comprehensive Support Services
We understand the emotional toll infertility can take. Our holistic approach includes counseling and support to help you navigate this journey with hope and resilience.
How the Insemination Works
Initial Consultation: A detailed discussion Artificial insemination with our fertility experts to understand your medical history and conduct necessary tests.
Ovulation Monitoring: We use advanced techniques to determine the optimal time for insemination.
Sperm Preparation: Using high-quality lab processes, we prepare the sperm to ensure the most motile and healthy specimens are used.
Insemination Procedure: This process is very quick. It is virtually painless procedure, the sperm is placed in the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter.
Follow-Up Care: Our team provides monitoring and it is an ongoing process. We support you to track your progress and address any concerns.
Why Act Now?
Time plays a crucial role in fertility treatments. Early intervention can make a vital difference in success rates. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, don’t hesitate to seek help. Dar Al-Baraa Medical Center is here to provide world-class fertility care with compassion and expertise.
Ready to take the next step toward parenthood with reproductive assistance? Book a consultation with us today and let our dedicated team guide you toward a brighter future. Your journey to parenthood starts here.
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digikavi · 6 months ago
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Top-Class Infertility Treatments in Ludhiana
You may see an expert at Cloudnine and put an end to your quest for the finest fertility clinic in my area. With the expertise of our hospital staff, doctors and embryologists you have the highest possibility of becoming pregnant. We are among the top infertility clinics in India thanks to our high success rate and our Ludhiana branch is no exception.
Medicine, surgery, intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology can all treat infertility. Intrauterine insemination and medicine are frequently combined. Infertility therapies are recommended by doctors depending on:
1. The elements causing infertility
2. The length of the condition
3. The female's age
4. Following counselling regarding the likelihood of success, hazards and advantages of each treatment option and the couple's preferred course of action.
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We provide several therapies that may be used alone or together. In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF), tubal assessment, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), cycle monitoring, blastocyst transfer protocol, surgical sperm retrieval, ovulation induction, egg vitrification, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy procedures, doppler test and urological procedures, andrology services for male infertility, among other treatments, are a few of the treatments.
Find the best IVF specialists at Clounine Ludhiana. 
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vrikshfertility · 6 months ago
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Discover the Myths and Facts behind Infertility Treatment
Infertility is a deeply personal and often misconstrued issue faced by countless couples across the globe. Through this blog, our aim is to debunk common misunderstandings surrounding infertility and provide reliable and extensively researched information to support individuals and couples as they navigate this challenging and emotionally taxing journey.
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misbehavinguterus · 7 months ago
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My Fifth Miscarriage
“Right now I am day 6 post loss 5. I am drinking prosecco and eating popcorn and writing a blog that I will probably never post.I knew i lost it as soon as I looked in the toilet. I had bled the night before and it was bright red. Not the transparent bloody discharge and spotting that’s normal in early pregnancy, but red like a rose and the color of hell. I told myself it was ok, because I had…
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richcarehomeopathy · 7 months ago
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Male&Female Infertility Homeopathy Treatments in Bangalore -Rich Care
Unlock the path to parenthood with Infertility Homeopathy Treatments. Personalized solutions for reproductive health.Explore now.
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thangampmrc · 8 months ago
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Potential Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery in Infertility Treatments
Infertility, a multifaceted medical issue impacting countless couples globally, presents a significant challenge. Despite the transformative strides made in assisted reproductive technologies, surgical interventions continue to play a pivotal role in tackling its root causes. Among these interventions, laparoscopic surgery, recognized as minimally invasive, has emerged as a pivotal asset in both diagnosing and remedying the diverse array of conditions that contribute to infertility.
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Now, let’s explore the potential advantages that laparoscopic surgery brings to the realm of infertility treatment.
Understanding Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery in infertility treatments refers to a minimally invasive surgical approach used to diagnose and address various reproductive issues affecting fertility. Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the abdomen through which specialized instruments and a camera are inserted. This allows surgeons to visualize the pelvic organs with precision and perform intricate procedures while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic techniques offer several advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risks of complications such as infection and scarring. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires large incisions, laparoscopic surgery involves making small keyhole incisions in the abdomen through which specialized instruments and a camera are inserted.
One of the primary uses of laparoscopic surgery in infertility treatments is for diagnostic purposes. By providing direct visualization of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, laparoscopy allows clinicians to identify and assess anatomical abnormalities that may be contributing to infertility. Common findings include endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. Laparoscopic surgery offers several treatment modalities to address these underlying issues. For example, in cases of endometriosis, laparoscopic excision or ablation of abnormal tissue can reduce inflammation and restore normal pelvic anatomy, thereby improving fertility outcomes.
Similarly, laparoscopic adhesiolysis involves carefully dissecting and removing scar tissue that may be obstructing the fallopian tubes or distorting pelvic structures, thus enhancing the chances of conception. These surgeries aim to preserve reproductive organs and function while addressing conditions that may interfere with fertility. Laparoscopic surgery in infertility treatments offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including shorter recovery times, reduced postoperative pain, and lower risks of complications such as infection and scarring. By combining diagnostic precision with minimally invasive interventions, laparoscopic surgery plays a crucial role in helping individuals and couples overcome reproductive challenges and achieve their dream of parenthood.
Diagnostic Benefits
One of the primary benefits of laparoscopic surgery in infertility treatments is its diagnostic capability. By providing direct visualization of the pelvic organs, laparoscopy enables the identification and assessment of anatomical abnormalities that may contribute to infertility. Common findings include endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. Accurate diagnosis through laparoscopy allows clinicians to tailor treatment plans to address specific underlying issues, thereby improving the chances of successful conception.
Treatment of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a prevalent Gynaecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often leading to pelvic pain and infertility. Laparoscopic surgery plays a crucial role in endometriosis treatment by excising or ablating abnormal tissue, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal pelvic anatomy. Studies have shown that laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis can significantly improve fertility outcomes, with many women achieving successful pregnancies following surgery.
Correction of Pelvic Adhesions:
Pelvic adhesions, or scar tissue, can develop as a result of previous surgeries, infections, or endometriosis. These adhesions may distort pelvic anatomy, interfere with ovulation, and impair the function of the fallopian tubes, thereby compromising fertility. Laparoscopic surgery offers a minimally invasive approach to addressing pelvic adhesions by carefully dissecting and removing scar tissue. By restoring normal pelvic architecture, laparoscopic adhesiolysis can enhance fertility potential and improve the chances of natural conception or successful outcomes with assisted reproductive techniques.
Ovarian Cystectomy:
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the surface of the ovaries and affect fertility. Laparoscopic cystectomy, the surgical removal of ovarian cysts, is often preferred over open surgery due to its less invasive nature and faster recovery times. Through the preservation of ovarian tissue and the minimization of trauma to the ovaries, laparoscopic cystectomy facilitates the retention of ovarian function and reproductive capability. This is particularly important for women undergoing infertility treatments who may already be facing challenges related to ovarian reserve.
Uterine Fibroid Resection:
Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths, may form in the uterine wall’s muscle tissue, potentially affecting fertility by distorting the uterine cavity or blocking the fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic myomectomy, the surgical removal of uterine fibroids, offers a fertility-sparing option for women seeking to conceive. Compared to traditional open myomectomy, laparoscopic approaches result in smaller incisions, less blood loss, and quicker recovery times. By preserving the integrity of the uterus, laparoscopic myomectomy facilitates improved reproductive outcomes and reduces the risk of complications such as uterine rupture during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Infertility can be accurately diagnosed and treated with laparoscopy, which has many benefits including less invasiveness, quicker recovery, and precise diagnosis. From diagnostic laparoscopy to surgical interventions for endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids, the benefits of laparoscopic techniques extend beyond mere symptom relief to encompass improved fertility outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients.
Thangam Hospital with an illustrious 25-year history of delivering exceptional healthcare, stands as a beacon of trust and reliability in Palakkad is a well-known name.  We offer all-encompassing care from the point of infertility to the point of conception. We can be the ideal location for you to start over with our all-encompassing individualized care!
Schedule an appointment with the best Gynecology hospital in Palakkad and explore the right benefits it may have for you.
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9m-fertility · 1 year ago
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Is your smartphone affecting your fertility? The blue light it emits could be disrupting your sleep and hormonal balance. Time to balance screen time for a healthier you!
To book an appointment or for any queries, Click on the link: https://www.9mfertility.com/
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ifmkolkata · 1 year ago
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IVF Treatment Expert Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour
Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour is a renowned infertility specialist and gynecologist who has helped thousands of couples achieve their dream of having a baby through IVF treatment. With over 19 years of experience in the field of reproductive medicine, Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour is a trusted name in the industry.
After completing her medical education, Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour pursued a fellowship in reproductive medicine and trained in IVF from some of the leading institutions in the world. She is the founder and director of SCI Healthcare, a state-of-the-art fertility clinic in Delhi, India. The clinic offers a range of services including IVF, ICSI, surrogacy, and egg donation.
Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour has been recognized for her contribution to the field of reproductive medicine and has received several awards and accolades. She has been honored with the Bharat Jyoti Award and the Rashtriya Gaurav Award for her exceptional work in the field of infertility treatment.
Apart from her work in infertility treatment, Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour is also involved in various social initiatives. She has been working with several organizations to provide medical care and support to underprivileged women and children.
Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour is a firm believer in the importance of patient care and ensures that her patients receive the highest quality of treatment and care. She is known for her compassionate approach and her ability to understand the emotional needs of her patients.
In conclusion, Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour is an IVF treatment expert who has dedicated her life to helping couples achieve their dream of having a baby. With her extensive experience and expertise, she has helped countless couples overcome infertility and start a family. Her commitment to patient care and her passion for reproductive medicine has made her a trusted name in the industry.
Content Source: https://www.drshivanisachdevgour.co.in/ivf-treatment-expert-dr-shivani-sachdev-gour/
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anna-scribbles · 1 year ago
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they should've been at the club(infertility treatment centers)
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dee-writes-anime · 6 days ago
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Hopes, Dreams, and Trials with Choso Kamo
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FEATURING Choso Kamo x Reader
SUMMARY Trying to start a family in general is hard, but trying to start a family with a cursed womb painting is even harder.
CONTENT WARNINGS WARNING, WARNING!!! this fic is really heavy and deals with themes regarding infertility, please please please read at your own risk and prioritize your mental health <3
AUTHORS NOTE four fics in two days?! I must be an imposter... just kidding! The truth of the matter is that these drafts have been ROTTING in my files and I finally decided to busted them out and finish them up 😼
SERIES MASTERLIST
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The bedside lamp cast a soft, golden glow over the room, illuminating the quiet anguish etched into Choso’s features. He sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the small stick lying on the nightstand. The room’s oppressive silence was broken only by the faint hum of the heater, struggling against the winter’s chill. Choso’s hands trembled slightly, but he couldn’t bring himself to meet your eyes. Not yet. Not while the negative result stood as a glaring reminder of another failed attempt.
You sat cross-legged on the bed, arms wrapped around your knees, the tension in the room pressing down on your chest like a weight. This wasn’t the first time—not even close—and both of you knew it likely wouldn’t be the last. Yet, the knowledge didn’t dull the sting of disappointment. It never did.
“Maybe we should…” you began, your voice a fragile tremor in the stillness.
“Don’t,” Choso interrupted, his tone softer than you expected. His shoulders sagged under the invisible weight he carried, his posture speaking of defeat. Finally, he turned his gaze to you, his expression a raw mix of guilt and despair. “Don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault.”
“It’s not yours either,” you countered, your voice steadier now despite the tears pooling in your eyes. “We’re in this together. It’s not about fault.”
Even as you said it, you knew he wouldn’t see it that way. Choso had always carried the burdens of others—a habit formed from years of protecting his brothers, even in death. Now, with this, he felt as though he was failing at something he desperately wanted to give you: a family.
Hesitantly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against your knee. The gesture was tentative, almost apologetic, as though he doubted he deserved to touch you. You covered his hand with yours, intertwining your fingers and squeezing tightly.
“I just…” Choso’s voice broke, and he exhaled sharply, his free hand scrubbing over his face. “I don’t understand. We’ve tried everything. The doctors said it could take time, but… how much more time? How much more hope do we have to lose before…” His voice trailed off, swallowed by the quiet despair hanging in the air.
“As much time as it takes,” you said, though the words felt like a fragile thread of hope in the face of mounting doubts. “Choso, we have to believe it’ll happen. It’s the only thing keeping me…” You faltered, your voice cracking as tears spilled down your cheeks. “Keeping me going.”
Choso’s heart broke at the sight of your tears. He shifted closer, pulling you into his arms. The familiar scent of him—a blend of sandalwood and the faint metallic tang of his cursed energy—washed over you, grounding you in the warmth of his embrace.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this. Any of this.”
“Neither do you,” you murmured against his chest, where his heartbeat thudded steadily beneath your ear, a comforting rhythm amidst the turmoil.
That night, tangled together under the weight of heavy blankets, you whispered promises into the quiet. He swore his love for you would never waver, no matter what happened. You promised not to let this struggle drive a wedge between you, even when the burden felt unbearable. It was a fragile truce with fate, but it was enough to see you through another night.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The routine became all too familiar: tracking ovulation, scheduling doctor’s appointments, enduring endless tests and invasive procedures. Each visit to the fertility clinic felt like navigating a labyrinth of sterile rooms and clinical jargon, leaving a gnawing sense of inadequacy that neither of you voiced aloud.
Choso loathed the way the nurses looked at him—with pity masked by professionalism. He hated the hushed tones and the apologetic smiles that seemed to suggest he wasn’t enough. And worst of all, he hated the way a small, insidious part of his mind whispered that you’d be better off with someone else—someone who could give you everything he couldn’t.
You despised the way the world moved on around you, oblivious to your struggles. Friends’ pregnancy announcements, baby showers, the cheerful chatter of parents in parks—each was a cruel reminder of what you didn’t have. Yet, despite the cracks forming in your resolve, you clung to each other. Even when the silence between you grew heavy with unspoken fears, you stayed tethered to the love that had carried you this far.
One evening, after yet another exhausting day at the clinic, you sat on the couch in the dark. The only light came from the muted television, casting flickering shadows across the room. You leaned against Choso, your head on his shoulder, while his fingers absently traced patterns on the back of your hand. Neither of you spoke for what felt like hours, content to simply exist in the shared quiet.
“Do you think it’s worth it?” you asked suddenly, your voice barely more than a whisper.
Choso stiffened, his hand stilling in its movements. “What?”
“All of this,” you said, gesturing vaguely. “The appointments, the treatments, the constant disappointment. Do you think we’re just setting ourselves up for more heartbreak?”
He turned to face you, his expression unreadable. “Are you saying you want to stop?”
“I don’t know what I’m saying,” you admitted, tears spilling over once more. “I just… I don’t know how much more I can take.”
Choso’s arms encircled you, pulling you close as though he could shield you from the pain. “If you want to stop, we’ll stop,” he said firmly. “But if there’s even a part of you that wants to keep going, then we’ll keep going. No matter how long it takes, I’ll be here. I’ll always be here.”
You clung to him, your tears soaking into his shirt. In that moment, you realized that no matter how difficult the journey, you weren’t alone. Choso was your anchor, your partner, your everything. Together, you would face whatever storms lay ahead, one day at a time.
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The following weeks brought a mix of cautious hope and deep uncertainty. Your doctor proposed trying a new treatment, one that was more invasive but held a higher chance of success. The decision to move forward felt daunting, like stepping into uncharted waters, but neither of you could bear the thought of giving up on a dream you had nurtured for so long.
Choso stood by you through every step—every injection, every scan, every procedure. He held your hand tightly in the waiting room, his thumb tracing soothing circles against your skin. On days when the side effects left you exhausted and irritable, he met you with patience and quiet reassurances. Warm tea. A favorite blanket. Silent companionship when words felt too heavy to bear.
There were moments of light amidst the darkness. One afternoon, after a particularly grueling appointment, Choso surprised you with a small potted plant. “It’s a symbol of hope,” he explained, his cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment. “Something we can take care of together.”
You laughed through your tears, touched by the gesture. The plant found a place on the windowsill, a small but enduring reminder that even in the bleakest times, life could still flourish.
As the months wore on, the emotional toll on both of you became undeniable. There were arguments—raw moments where the grief and frustration boiled over, leaving scars of guilt and misunderstanding. But each time, you found your way back to each other, reminded of the love that had brought you together in the first place.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and amber, Choso took your hand in his. His voice was quiet but steady as he said, “I don’t know what the future holds for us. But I know that whatever happens, as long as I have you, it’ll be enough.”
Tears filled your eyes as you leaned into him, your heart swelling with a bittersweet mixture of love and sorrow. “You’re enough for me too,” you whispered. In that moment, a fragile sense of peace settled between you, the knowledge that no matter where the journey led, you would face it together.
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TAGLIST
@makingtimemine @strawbrrycat @soraya-daydreams @shokosbunny @saltypuffin1040 @danilights2021 @startwithrecords @obeythebutler @sparklykeylime @surielstea
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starline · 5 months ago
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Hi everyone! We launched our @gofundme to try and raise funds to be able to pursue surrogacy to start our family.
Long story short, my body isn’t likely to be able to carry a successful pregnancy. We want to give the embryos we have frozen their best chance at you know, becoming a person, so surrogacy is the best way to make that happen.
The full story is in the GoFundMe link here. We’re humbly asking for everyone’s help whether it’s donating or just sharing this link we would be incredibly grateful.
Thanks so much,
Star & Max
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lantur · 4 months ago
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updates,
I haven't written in three weeks!! I started my Masters in Social Work program three weeks ago :) The first week was a hard adjustment to full-time work and full-time school, but I settled in fast, and it's been wonderful. I love my readings, the course material is so interesting, and I've enjoyed working on my assignments. Writing papers is time-consuming, but I really enjoy the subject matter. I'm so glad I decided to go back to school.
Work has been 🔪🔪🔪 very challenging :(
David and I are on season two, episode five of Better Call Saul! I love this show. The writing, characterization, and acting is fantastic. It's so nice to be back to the world of Breaking Bad too. It reminds me of when I watched it and loved it in college, 10+ years ago.
I'm almost finished with my slow but steady listen to The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins. This is the weirdest book and it defies description, but I've enjoyed it just because of how original it is. It's been a wild ride.
I got to see @roseofbattles this week for the first time in three years! She stayed with me for a few days this week and it was so lovely to spend time with her, talking, eating delicious food, petting Westin, playing board games, and watching The West Wing. I am so so so happy that I have a friend moving to Minneapolis soon. ❤️ my plan to get all of my friends to move here is unfolding just as I hoped...
health stuff,
I had an appointment with my ob/gyn on Tuesday regarding my lack of ovulation and periods. She recommended I start Clomid this month, or as soon as my pharmacy decides to fill my prescription. Complicated feelings about officially starting infertility treatment. I knew this would be the most likely outcome since I have PCOS, but I still hoped that I might be able to conceive without treatment, as many individuals with PCOS do.
I'm kind of anxious about it, but I know there's no point in being anxious. The uncertainty is just an anxiety trigger. This could be a long road, or it could not. It could end with us having a baby, or not.
I don't think I realized how emotional I was about it until this week. I'm feeling a bit tearful as I write. I really want to be a mom someday and help my kid live an awesome life and when I imagine my ideal future life, that's what I imagine.
The good thing is that no matter what, I'll be okay. If it works out or not, if David and I adopt or not, if we end up being a childfree couple or not. My family and friends love me and I love them so much.
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richcarehomeopathy · 9 months ago
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Book An Appointment For Consultation | +91-7411955955 | +91-7411055955 | +91-9036619944 | 080-41241822|
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coochiequeens · 7 months ago
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No one is entitled to biological offspring and how can they include surrogacy in the Act without implying that couples are entitled to women to be surrogates?
A trio of Democratic senators are introducing a "Right to IVF Act" that would, among other things, force private health insurance plans to cover assisted reproduction treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and gestational surrogacy.
The measure provides no exception or accommodations for religious objections, all but ensuring massive legal battles over the mandate should it pass.
The "sweeping legislative package" (as the senators describe it) combines several existing pieces of legislation, including the Access to Family Building Act and the Family Building Federal Employees Health Benefit Fairness Act sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D–Ill.), the Veteran Families Health Services Act from Sen. Patty Murray (D–Wash.), and the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act from Sen. Cory Booker (D–N.J.).
Booker's contribution here is probably the most controversial. It requires coverage for assisted reproduction from any health care plan that covers obstetric services.
A Reverse Contraception Mandate
Remember the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, which required private health insurance plans to cover birth control (allegedly) at no cost to plan participants? It spawned some big legal battles over the rights of religious employers and institutions not to offer staff health plans that included birth control coverage.
Booker's Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act is a lot like the Obamacare contraception mandate, except instead of requiring health care plans to cover the costs of avoiding pregnancy it would require them to cover treatments to help people become pregnant.
The bill states that all group health plans or health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance must cover assisted reproduction and fertility preservation treatments if they cover any obstetric services. It defines assisted reproductive technology as "treatments or procedures that involve the handling of human egg, sperm, and embryo outside of the body with the intent of facilitating a pregnancy, including in vitro fertilization, egg, embryo, or sperm cryopreservation, egg or embryo donation, and gestational surrogacy."
Health insurance plans could only require participant cost-sharing (in the form of co-pays, deductibles, etc.) for such services to the same extent that they require cost-sharing for similar services.
What Could Go Wrong?
It seems like it should go without saying by now but there is no such thing as government-mandated healthcare savings. Authorities can order health care plans to cover IVF (or contraception or whatever) and cap point-of-service costs for plan participants, but health insurers will inevitably pass these costs on to consumers in other ways—leading to higher insurance premiums overall or other health care cost increases.
Yes, IVF and other fertility procedures are expensive. But a mandate like this could actually risk raising IVF costs.
When a lot of people are paying out of pocket for fertility treatments, medical professionals have an incentive to keep costs affordable in order to attract patients. If everyone's insurance covers IVF and patients needn't bother with comparing costs or weighing costs versus benefits, there's nothing to stop medical providers from raising prices greatly. We'll see the same cost inflation we've seen in other sectors of the U.S. healthcare marketplace—a situation that not only balloons health care spending generally (and gets passed on to consumers one way or another) but makes fertility treatments out of reach for people who don't have insurance that covers such treatments.
Raising costs isn't the only issue here, of course. There's the matter of more government intervention in private markets (something some of us are still wild-eyed enough to oppose!).
Offering employee health care plans that cover IVF could be a good selling point for recruiting potential employees or keeping existing employees happy. But there's no reason that every employer should have to do so, just because lawmakers want IVF to be more accessible.
It's unfair to employers—big or small, religious or non-religious—to say they all must take on the costs of offering health care plans that cover pricey fertility treatments. And Booker's bill contains no exceptions for small businesses or for entities with religious or ethical objections.
A lot of religious people are morally opposed to things like IVF and surrogacy. This measure would force religious employers to subsidize and tacitly condone these things if they wanted to offer employees health care plans with any obstetrics coverage at all.
As with any government intervention in free markets, there's the possibility that this fertility treatment mandate would distort incentives. IVF can certainly be an invaluable tool for folks experiencing infertility. But it's also very expensive and very taxing—emotionally and physically—for the women undergoing it, with far from universal success rates. The new mandate could encourage people who may not be good candidates for IVF to keep trying it, perhaps nudging them away from other options (like adoption) that might be better suited to their circumstances.
'Access' Vs. Whatever This Is
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, many Americans have worried that the legal regime change would pave the way for outlawing things like contraception or IVF, too. Encoding into law (or legal precedent) the idea that fertilized eggs are people could have negative implications for these things, even if many conservative politicians pledge (and demonstrate) that IVF and birth control are safe. In response, some progressive politicians—perhaps genuinely concerned, perhaps sensing political opportunity (or why not both?)—have started talking a lot about the need to protect access to IVF across the country.
As much as I agree with this goal, I think IVF's legality is better off as a state-by-state matter. That said, the "protect IVF nationwide" impulse wouldn't be so bad if "protecting access" simply meant making sure that the procedure was legal.
But as we've seen again and again over the past couple decades, Democrats tend to define health care and medicine "access" differently.
The new Right to IVF Act would establish a national right to provide or receive assisted reproduction services. In their press release, the senators say this last bit would "pre-empt any state effort to limit such access and ensur[e] no hopeful parent—or their doctors—are punished for trying to start or grow a family." OK.
But that's not all it would do. The bill's text states that "an individual has a statutory right under this Act, including without prohibition or unreasonable limitation or interference (such as due to financial cost or detriment to the individual's health, including mental health), to—(A) access assisted reproductive technology; (B) continue or complete an ongoing assisted reproductive technology treatment or procedure pursuant to a written plan or agreement with a health care provider; and (C) retain all rights regarding the use or disposition of reproductive genetic materials, including gametes."
Note that bit about financial cost. It's kind of confusingly worded and it's unclear exactly what that would mean in practice. But it could give the government leeway to directly intervene if they think IVF is broadly unaffordable or to place more demands on individual health care facilities, providers, insurance plans, etc., to help cover the costs of IVF for people whom it would otherwise be financially out of reach.
This is the distilled essence of how Democrats go too far on issues like this. They're not content to say "People shouldn't be punished for utilizing/offering IVF" or that the practice shouldn't be illegal. They look at authoritarian or overreaching possibilities from the other side (like banning or criminalizing IVF) and respond with overreaching proposals of their own.
The proble with increasing access to IVF is what happens when the couple needs a surrogate to have biological offspring? Will they beg and pester the women in their lives? Will the affordable IVF compensate surrogates fairly?
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