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National Life Group expands suite of living benefits, adds Alzheimer’s and a fertility journey rider

Vermont Business Magazine The companies of National Life Group are expanding their suite of living benefits ¹, adding Alzheimer’s Disease and a new fertility journey rider, that began on January 28.

These expansions have the potential to support many, as more than 6.5 million Americans are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s dementia 2 , and the average cost of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is more than $12,000 3 .

Living Benefits are supplemental benefits that can be added to life insurance and are not suitable unless you also have a need for life insurance. Life insurance with living benefits could provide protection if you experience a qualifying terminal, chronic, critical illness, critical injury or a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Lewy Body Dementia 4 .

“We take our mission of bringing peace of mind to our policyholders seriously,” National Life Group Senior Vice President Ata Azarshahi said. “These riders add two more ways for our life insurance products to provide peace of mind while living. They will help with the unexpected all the way from the beginning to the end of life.”

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more: FAQ | Individuals and Families | National Life .

Alzheimer’s Disease Rider:

Adds to our suite of Living Benefits. The rider will benefit clients when they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy Body Dementia. Available for all life insurance products, depending on state approval.

Fertility Journey Rider:

Provides couples with extra support through a one-time, lump-sum Accumulation Value Credit. Automatically attached to all new eligible FlexLife policies, depending on state approval.

About National Life Group

National Life is here to bring you peace of mind. We’ve been keeping our promises since 1848. Believe in tomorrow. Do good today. Learn more at NationalLife.com

Products Issued By:

National Life Insurance Company® Life Insurance Company of the Southwest®

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, founded in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York.

Guarantees are dependent upon the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

1. Payment of Accelerated Benefits will reduce the Cash Value and Death Benefit otherwise payable under the policy. Receipt of Accelerated Benefits may be a taxable event, may affect your eligibility for public assistance programs, and may reduce or eliminate other policy and rider benefits. Please consult your personal tax advisor to determine the tax status of any benefits paid under this rider and with social service agencies concerning how receipt of such a payment will affect you.

Riders are supplemental benefits that can be added to a life insurance policy and are not suitable unless you also have a need for life insurance. Riders are optional, may require additional premium and may not be available in all states or on all products. This is not a solicitation of any specific insurance policy.

The following Accelerated Benefit Riders (ABR) are available on various insurance policies and are issued by Life Insurance Company of the Southwest. Terminal Illness Rider (ABR), form series 8052, ICC10-8844; Chronic Illness Rider (ABR), form series 8095, 8766, ICC10-8844; Critical Illness Rider (ABR), form series 8165, 20287, ICC15-20287, form series 20805, ICC22-20805(0222); Critical Injury Rider, form series 20288, ICC15-20288, form series 20806, ICC22-20806, Alzhemier's Disease Rider, form series 20818, ICC22-20818 and Fertility Journey Rider, form series 20837.

The following Accelerated Benefit Riders (ABR) are available on various insurance policies and are issued by National Life Insurance Company. Accelerated Benefit Rider (ABR) for Terminal Illness, form series 7490, ICC10-8843; ABR for Chronic Illness, form series 7493, 8765, ICC10-8843; ABR Critical Illness Rider, form series 9744, 20285, ICC15-20285, form series 20803, ICC22-20803; ABR Critical Injury Rider, form series 20286, ICC15-20286, form series 20804, ICC22-20804, Alzhemier's Disease Rider, form series 20817, ICC-20817, and Fertility Journey Rider, form series 20836.

2. Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures . Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. (n.d.). (2023).

3. Rachel Gurevich, R. N. (2022, September 18). How much does one cycle of in vitro fertilization really cost? Verywell Family.

4. Payment of Accelerated Benefits will reduce the Cash Value and Death Benefit otherwise payable under the policy. Receipt of Accelerated Benefits may be a taxable event and may affect your eligibility for public assistance programs. Please consult your personal tax advisor to determine the tax status of any benefits paid under this rider and with social service agencies concerning how receipt of such a payment will affect you.

Source: 1.30.2023. Montpelier, Vermont – National Life Group NationalLife.com

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Is My Fertility Treatment Covered? 3 Essential Open Enrollment Tips

October 30th, 2023 | 9 min. read

By Spencer Richlin, MD

Finding out that the care you need isn't covered by insurance is beyond frustrating. In fact, it's heartbreaking. Especially if you know you’ll be needing fertility treatments in the next year.

Skip to a section: Is my fertility treatment covered for 2024? How to Take Action What is open enrollment? What should I do next? 3 Things to Do During Open Enrollment Start Your Research Now Use Up Your Remaining 2023 Coverage Look Into Insurance Riders Now Is the Best Time to Act

Is my fertility treatment covered for 2024?

The thought of not being able to achieve your biggest hopes and dreams because of a lack of insurance coverage is incredibly upsetting. With IVF costing anywhere between $12,850 and $24,250 out-of-pocket, affording treatment with existing funds is not an option for most people.

So, how can you pay for treatment? Your first thought might be that you have two options: take out a large personal loan or indefinitely postpone any fertility testing and treatment until you can afford it or it’s covered by a future insurance plan.

Before you resign yourself to another year of not having the fertility coverage you need , paying for all your IVF or IUI expenses out-of-pocket, or putting your family-building dreams on hold, keep reading so you can explore your options.

How to Take Action 

In this guide, we share our expert tips for what to do during open enrollment so you can make a plan and find ways to get the fertility care you need to grow your family. 

We won't sugar coat it: these suggestions may require several phone calls to your insurance provider or HR department, some number crunching, and following up, but your thorough research will pay off in getting you one step closer to success on your family-building journey.

Plus, it could save you some major cash, which is often a huge hurdle to achieving your bigger goals.

💡 Did you know? Illume Fertility assigns an Insurance & Billing Advocate to each patient to help guide them through the process of evaluating their insurance and getting the most out of their coverage. 

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is the time period each year where you can enroll, change, or drop your health insurance plans for the upcoming year (whether it be Medicare, employer-based, or a plan from the healthcare marketplace).

There are varying degrees of coverage, with insurance premiums ranging in cost from hundreds of dollars a month for a single-person plan to well over a thousand dollars for a family plan. That doesn’t include deductibles, and the price can go up even higher for all-inclusive coverage. 

Did you know? The open enrollment period for 2024 lasts from November 1 to December 15 in most states. Some states have elected to extend, and may have longer open enrollment windows. Always check to see to see if your state has an extension.

What should I do next?

If you are tapping into employer-provided health insurance, you’ll need to ask your human resources department what their particular policy is. Why? Companies set their own dates for open enrollment! It typically falls around the same time as the general open enrollment period, but you should always check with your HR department - just to be safe.

During this time, you can elect to stay on your employer-based health insurance or switch to another provider in the marketplace. You might decide to do this for fertility coverage reasons, which we’ll help you learn more about below.

It goes without saying, but if you are planning for (or already in the midst of) fertility testing or treatment, it makes sense to have an insurance plan that covers the most services at the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost.

We know this can all feel quite daunting, but as you do your research and learn more about your options, you'll be able to t ackle this open enrollment season feeling more empowered and prepared to achieve your goals. 

3 Things to Do During Open Enrollment

We know it can be tempting to put off overwhelming responsibilities like researching your insurance coverage - it's hard to know where to start. That's why we recommend breaking it up into more manageable tasks.

If you're feeling stressed or unsure of what to do next or where to look for answers, reach out to your HR department, talk to your fertility clinic team, or ask for support from loved ones.

Here are the three big next steps you should take!

1. Start Your Research Now 

While the official deadline for choosing an insurance plan is usually December 15th, you shouldn't wait until the night before to start your research and risk losing your chance to make much-needed adjustments.

As anyone who has dealt with insurance knows...it can be pretty time-consuming to figure out! Take a nice, deep breath and then tackle each of the following actions one at a time:

Understand Your Current Policy

Even if you think you have a pretty good handle on your current policy, you should always read through it as thoroughly as possible before taking the next step. L et's be honest: it’s not necessarily easy to understand insurance and medical lingo! 

If you're feeling confused, you can always call the insurance company or talk to your employer’s human resources department to ensure you get accurate and clear answers.

Compare Available Insurance Plans

Your next step is to do some research and compare your current policy against any other available policies.

Look to see which fertility tests and treatment pathways are covered by each policy, what the lifetime limits are for fertility treatment, and what you're required to do to get approved for treatment.

Examine the Formulary

A formulary will list out all of the fertility medications that will be covered. Medications are an integral part of most fertility treatment protocols - so this is exceptionally important to know.

Know Your Deductible

Make sure you are familiar with the annual deductible, monthly premium, and any additional payments (such as co-pays) that must be paid for each visit, procedure or prescription. Then, balance those expenses against the annual premium to determine which is likely to cost less over the year.

Talk to Your Insurance Provider

Another essential part of this process is spending time talking with the insurance provider - and knowing how to ask the right questions. Need help? Check out our helpful list.

Did you know? Blood work and fertility tests should always be covered by insurance. Keep this in mind so you don't end up paying thousands when you don’t need to!

How can I afford IVF without insurance?

Even if your policy doesn’t fully cover everything you need (or you don't have insurance), there are other options to help you achieve your family-building goals!

2. Use Up Remaining 2023 Coverage

After choosing the right policy to help you cover any needed fertility care in the new year,it's time to determine how much of your annual deductible you have spent for this year.

If you have reached your deductible, ask your doctors what tests you can check off your list now (while insurance covers more of the costs) to prepare for fertility treatment in 2024 .

Did you know? Many fertility test results are reliable for up to six months - so if your insurance will pay for the bulk of them until the end of the policy year, take advantage!

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or other medical spending plan, you can also use those savings to pay for any additional costs. Learn how different medical spending accounts work, such as FSAs and HSAs .

3. Explore Insurance Riders

If none of the policies offered by your employer provide adequate coverage for fertility treatment, it may be possible for you to purchase an insurance rider. This can help defray the cost of treatment and make a big difference.

In October 2023, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) announced a new, updated definition of infertility which experts expect will push insurance companies to expand fertility coverage - making it accessible to many more hopeful parents. This is BIG news!

While strides are being made to push for more equitable coverage for all, there is still a long way to go. For those in the LGBTQ+ community , purchasing an insurance rider can sometimes be the best option for getting the family-building assistance they need to move forward.

What is a rider? An insurance rider adds coverage at an additional cost. This option may be less expensive than paying out-of-pocket or getting a different provider. If you're planning one or more treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) , for example, the higher premium might be worth it.

Now Is the Best Time to Act

Here's a quick recap of the next steps you should take to ensure you have the right insurance plan to make your dreams of expanding your family a reality:

• Research all of your possible options
• Use the coverage you currently have to its full extent
• Explore whether adding an insurance rider is right for you

Doing all of this work now is the best gift you can give to future you. By learning more about insurance, you can get the best medical coverage available to you within your means. It also means you can check off a big, important task before the holidays hit!

Remember to read all the fine print and understand what your options are , because if you wait too long, you might miss your 2024 coverage window. All of this takes time, but will bolster your confidence and help you figure out this major piece of the infertility puzzle.

While insurance is never a fun thing to talk about and waiting to speak to an insurance customer representative on the phone can really test a person’s patience, remember the end goal: your future family . The work you're doing now will all be worth it!

Spencer Richlin, MD

Dr. Spencer Richlin is Surgical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility. In addition, he is Division Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology at Norwalk Hospital. Dr. Richlin is board certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. He joined the team at Illume Fertility in 2004.

Do you live in CT or NY?

Learn which insurance providers Illume Fertility accepts and get more information about CT and NY state mandates for fertility coverage.

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Your fertility journey is personal—but you are not facing it alone

Fertility challenges are more common than you may think. 1 in 8 women in the US has received fertility treatments.

Although every fertility journey is different, there are some common steps:.

Review your family planning goals and understand possible fertility challenges.

Start with a fertility specialist consultation to meet your fertility care team and learn what they do.

Learn about common fertility tests and evaluate your fertility challenges.

Plan your treatment.

Navigating fertility care can feel overwhelming, but help is available.

Let’s start by learning a bit about family planning and infertility

How Training For A Grueling Bike Race Helped This Woman On Her Fertility Journey

Watch the first doc from 'Women's Health' and prepare to cry happy tears.

My husband, Townsend, and I are planners. When faced with a decision, we sit down, talk things over, and weigh the pros and cons. We’ve always been like that.

So we knew—even before we got married in April 2019—that we wanted to have two kids. We also knew that we wanted to give ourselves some time as a married couple before trying to get pregnant. Then COVID-19 happened, and we knew we needed to keep waiting. After the scariest moments of the pandemic passed, we went for a drive one day, and we both agreed: “We’re ready.”

We started trying to conceive in the summer of 2020.

I was 30 years old, and we thought we would get pregnant right away.

At first, I used a calendar and fertility app to track my ovulation windows. During the first few months of trying with no success, I just kept thinking, Okay, next month . By the fourth month, I got really excited thinking, I’m sure this month will work . And then I got my period again. It was heartbreaking because we were doing everything we were supposed to be doing.

I started getting a feeling that something was wrong. All my life I’d had very strong periods with a lot of bleeding. Everyone would always tell me, “Oh, you're so dramatic. It's normal.”

I ended up in the emergency room twice in high school after fainting from period pain. And I have a very high pain threshold—I once walked around with appendicitis for a week! After six months of trying, Townsend and I decided to get fertility tested.

When I told my fertility doctor everything—before he even examined me—he said, “I'm pretty sure you have endometriosis.”

I was shocked. I had heard of endometriosis , but I didn’t really understand what it was. I had to Google it when I got back home.

To confirm the doctors’ suspicions, I went through a battery of tests over the next three weeks, including X-rays of my fallopian tubes, during which they injected dye to see what was happening inside of me. That was super painful.

While endometriosis can only officially be diagnosed via surgery, my doctor was confident that I had a moderate case (stage 3) based on what those tests showed.

I also discovered I had a partial vaginal septum—basically a small wall of tissue dividing my vagina in two.

Upon hearing the endometriosis news, my life made so much more sense, like all those moments where I’d end up folding in half in the middle of the living room because I couldn’t deal with the pain. It wasn’t because I was crazy or exaggerating. I actually had something creating that pain.

My doctor concluded that endometriosis was keeping me from getting pregnant.

So he said I needed to have surgery to clear out the unnecessary tissue growing on the outside of my uterus, as well as the partial vaginal septum. I was bummed about having to have surgery, but at the same time, I was relieved knowing that this would make it possible for me to have a baby.

After going through the surgery and recovery, my doctor recommended we try intrauterine insemination (IUI)—in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus to fertilize an egg—right away, for two reasons: 1. You’re most fertile right after the surgery and 2. If we waited too long, the endometriosis could come back.

So we did three rounds of IUI. The process is hard on the body—you’re going to the doctor every two days to get an ultrasound; you’re having blood drawn to check your levels; you’re getting progesterone injections.

And on top of everything, the hormones make you feel not like yourself. Getting the call from the nurse each time that it was unsuccessful was devastating. We would have kept trying IUIs, but it didn’t make sense with our insurance.

I was initially anxious about doing IVF.

But I finally said, “Let’s do it. It’s going to be great!”

There are two options for in vitro fertilization . After creating an embryo from the retrieved eggs and sperm, you can either have a fresh transfer, which is implantation of the embryo right away. Or you can do a freeze-it-all cycle, which means that all your embryos get frozen and you decide when to do the transfer. We decided on the freeze option since that gives the doctor the opportunity to do genetic testing on the embryos.

Unfortunately, my egg retrieval didn’t quite go to plan.

I ended up with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which resulted in a high number of follicles between my two ovaries. Overstimulation isn’t good because the eggs don't get enough space to grow, and it also causes the belly to fill with liquid to protect you and your ovaries. Plus, there’s a greater risk of getting a blood clot.

Despite the overstimulation, we were able to freeze several embryos. But my recovery was painful. The liquid in my belly pressed on my lungs when I would lie down, making it hard to breathe.

I went to the ER twice—the second time with high blood pressure. I was put on bedrest. After, as the days and weeks wore on, I still felt uncomfortable and not like myself.

We decided to take a break on our fertility journey—and sign up for a bike race.

The following month we spent Christmas in Florida with my mother-in-law, and as we walked on the beach, Townsend and I agreed we needed to take a break from fertility. I knew by pressing pause on the process we would need something to keep our minds off of it and refocus our energies.

A friend of ours was planning to ride in the Fistful of Dirt gravel bike race—a 105-mile event in Cody, Wyoming—and I told my husband I thought that would be fun. I had never even been on a road bike, but I've always been a true believer that putting my name down for a challenge clears away doubt and inspires me to push forward toward a goal.

Thankfully, Townsend had done a few bike races in the past, and we trained together for six months. It took four months for me to just get comfortable on the bike. I fell many times—I’m terrible with the pedal clips! And I added simple things to my daily routine, like GoHydrate electrolytes into my water before workouts.

At first, we went out once a week for a 10-mile ride along the Hudson River. Then we upped it to twice a week. Eventually, we worked our way up to 50 miles and then, finally, 80 miles, where we topped out. It’s similar to training for a marathon: If you can get through 80 percent of the race while training, the other 20 will come to you on race day.

The training was transformational.

After all those months of being pumped full of hormones and then on bedrest, I felt so much better just by moving and doing something—I am not okay just sitting on my couch! So I immediately felt a change in myself.

Additionally, my husband and I really got to bond over the training. It was such a cool thing, waking up on Saturday mornings together, making breakfast, getting ready, and then connecting over something completely different.

Liesl Lar's Training Essentials

GoHydrate Variety Box - 30 Pack

Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty

Skratch Labs Energy Chews Sport Fuel

CamelBack Podium Chill 24oz Bike Bottle

Tifosi Rail Cycling Sunglasses

Chamois Butt'r Chamois Butt'r Her' Anti-Chafe Cream, 8 ounce tube

Because the bulk of our training had been on paved roads and not gravel, we arrived in Cody a few days before the race and rode a few different sections of the course.

You need a lot of technical knowledge to ride on gravel. After our first trial run, I discovered I needed gravel shoes, so we went straight to the bike shop and bought them. The next day, we rode the first part of the course, and I was flying! It was the fastest I had ever been. At that point, I felt like a queen. I was on top of the world. I felt so strong.

When I finished the race, I felt like I could do anything.

We started the 105-mile journey at 7 a.m. and faced many unexpected obstacles along the way. We did not end up crossing the finish line until 7 p.m. (an hour after the race’s 6 p.m. cut-off time).

Despite it all, I was so happy when I finished. I felt like I could do anything. The race ended up being much more of a mental game than a physical game. Having that goal and pushing through was key. And I learned the importance of not only having a support system but allowing them to help.

Just like no one else can pedal my bike for me, my fertility journey is my own, but I have so many people—my husband, my doctor, friends, and family—on the sidelines offering support and encouragement. After crossing the finish line I realized: I’m back. We made an appointment a week later at the fertility clinic.

I was mentally and emotionally ready to re-start the fertility process.

Over the ensuing months, my endometriosis had returned and the doctor also found a fibroid, so I had another surgery to remove both.

Once I was cleared for IVF, our doctor had us do a mock cycle (which wasn’t covered by insurance) to make sure everything was working as it should. Basically, you take all of the hormones and medicines you normally would, but instead of transferring an embryo, they take three swabs of the uterus lining and send it to a lab for testing.

We learned that I had a low white blood cell count. I was prescribed three medicines ($400 per week; also not covered by insurance) to get my levels to where they needed to be. If we hadn’t done that mock cycle, we wouldn’t have known.

I also ended up having a third surgery to remove another fibroid that had appeared at the entrance of my uterus. With the third surgery, it was all feeling like too much—especially since the earlier surgery had only been a month before. But I thought if this is the only thing standing between doing a transfer and trying for a baby, I had to do it.

Despite the extra surgery, time and cost, I’m so glad we decided to go through that mock cycle, because the first transfer we did right after was successful—I’m 30 weeks pregnant!

From other IVF stories I’ve heard, we have been lucky. Tons of women lose pregnancies—my heart and love is with them. It's not easy to be poked every day. It’s a lot to ask a person to go through. But we do it for the love and the hope of having a little one in our arms. I respect any person who goes through this in their life. They’re heroes and will be phenomenal parents.

The biggest thing that I learned through this was patience. I’m not as patient as I thought! The process is so much wait and see—from the first set of bloodwork and hormone injections to all those surgeries and finally the transfer. But it’s all going to be so worth it when I hold my baby in my arms.

Terms to know

Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue like the one found inside the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Symptoms include painful menstrual cramps, heavy period flow, and pain during intercourse. It’s estimated 2 to 10 percent of U.S. women have endometriosis, according to Johns Hopkins .

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) : A type of artificial insemination in which collected sperm are placed directly into the uterus to fertilize eggs being released by the ovaries.

In vitro fertilization (IVF): More involved than IUI, IVF occurs when a retrieved egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo(s) are then transferred to the uterus, where they will hopefully implant and continue developing into a fetus.

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Supporting Your Partner: Navigating the Fertility Journey Together

• Updated May 6, 2024
• Written by: NFP Editorial Team
• Tagged: Infertility Journey  |  Mind & Body

Embarking on a fertility journey can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with hope, anticipation, and challenges. One key aspect often overlooked is the importance of supporting your partner throughout this emotional and physical journey.

Facing infertility can be one of the most challenging experiences a couple can endure. Yet, amidst the stress and uncertainty, supporting each other can strengthen your bond and resilience. In this article, we’ll delve into practical strategies and emotional support techniques to help you and your partner navigate the ups and downs of the fertility journey together.

1. Communicate Openly and Compassionately

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, especially when navigating the complexities of fertility challenges. Create a safe space for open dialogue about feelings, fears, and hopes. Practice active listening to understand each other’s perspectives without judgment. Validate your partner’s emotions and experiences, acknowledging their pain and struggles. Remember, your partner may cope with infertility differently than you, so be patient and compassionate in your interactions.

2. Share Responsibilities and Decision-Making

The fertility journey often involves numerous appointments, treatments, and decisions, which can feel overwhelming when shouldered by one partner alone. To lighten the load, divide tasks related to appointments, treatments, and research. By sharing responsibilities, you can alleviate the burden on one partner and foster a sense of teamwork. Make joint decisions about treatment options, considering each other’s preferences and comfort levels. Be flexible and supportive of each other’s needs, adjusting roles as necessary throughout the journey.

3. Prioritize Self-Care and Mutual Support

Amidst the stress of fertility treatments and emotional ups and downs, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and mutual support. Encourage each other to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies. Schedule regular date nights or quality time together to nurture your relationship outside of fertility concerns. Lean on each other for emotional support, seeking solace in shared experiences and moments of connection. Remember, taking care of yourselves individually strengthens your ability to support each other as a couple.

4. Seek Professional Help Together

Navigating fertility challenges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Attend appointments and consultations as a team, offering support and solidarity. Consider couples counseling or support groups to navigate the emotional challenges of infertility together. These resources provide a safe space to express your feelings, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand your journey. Additionally, explore alternative therapies or holistic approaches to complement medical treatments, exploring options as a united front.

5. Cultivate Hope and Resilience

The fertility journey is often marked by setbacks and disappointments, but it’s essential to cultivate hope and resilience as a couple. Celebrate small victories and milestones along the journey, whether it’s a successful treatment cycle or a moment of connection amidst the chaos. Practice gratitude for the love and support you share, even in the face of adversity. Build resilience as a couple, learning to adapt and grow stronger together through life’s challenges. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

Conclusion:

Amidst the trials of the fertility journey, the unwavering support of your partner can be a beacon of strength and comfort. By prioritizing open communication, shared responsibilities, and mutual self-care, you can navigate this journey hand in hand, emerging stronger and more connected than ever before. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together, you can weather any storm.

Ready to explore more strategies for supporting each other on your fertility journey? Join our free fertility masterclass here .

Share this article

About the author: nfp editorial team.

The NFP Team is composed of seasoned professionals in the field of natural health and reproductive wellness. With diverse qualifications ranging from Naturopathy and Reproductive Medicine to Evidence-Based Medicine and Integrative Health, the team brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience. Collectively, they have decades of hands-on experience in treating a myriad of health conditions with a focus on fertility and reproductive issues. Their scientifically grounded approach combines modern medicine with traditional practices, ensuring a holistic healthcare model. The team’s articles, videos, guides, and reports are meticulously researched and designed to provide actionable insights for couples on their path to parenthood. Rest assured, the information presented is rooted in science and honed by the practical, real-world experience of the NFP team members.

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In this article

Whether you’re trying to conceive or have already started your journey, it can feel like a roller coaster ride of emotions.

During a fertility journey, it’s normal to be stressed – and it’s important to keep your mental health in check. Learn how to manage your emotions so you can get the most out of your treatment and care!

Why is it so stressful to go on a fertility journey?

Fertility journeys can feel like a roller coaster of emotions. Especially for women, the feeling of giving up control over your dream of becoming pregnant can be stressful and even triggering. Trying to understand why these emotions occur can be difficult, but it is important to take action to manage your stress levels and find ways to cope with them.

One of the most common reasons why fertility journeys can be so stressful is because of the unexpected and unfamiliar nature of the treatment process. For most women, this means dealing with medical professionals and procedures that they have never heard of before.

This can be particularly hard for some people, and it can cause them to worry about their health and safety during treatment. It can also make them more prone to negative thinking and ruminating about the situation.

Many women experience feelings of a sense of shame when discussing their fertility issues with others. They may feel that they are being judged or stigmatized for their situation, and it can be difficult to discuss these feelings in front of a group of people who don’t understand what you are going through.

If you are struggling with the emotional aspects of your fertility journey, consider talking to a therapist or a support group. These groups can help you understand your emotions better and help you manage them more effectively.

Having emotional support during your fertility journey can also help you get through the stages of treatment and make it more successful. For example, you may be able to learn more about alternative family building options that can be used if you are unsuccessful with medical treatments, such as adoption or donor gametes.

You can also talk to your doctor and ask them to recommend a support group or psychologist who can help you through the emotional challenges of your treatment. They can offer strategies to help you cope with your stress and anxiety.

You can also practice self-care during your fertility journey, so make sure you are putting yourself first and making time for things that you enjoy. Taking a long bath, reading a book or spending time with your partner are all examples of self-care activities that can be useful.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than six months or a year, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about ways to deal with stress. Your health, habits, and mood can all be affected by stress, and these factors can hinder your fertility journey. To reduce the amount of stress in your life, try to get plenty of sleep, maintain healthy habits, and talk to a supportive friend or family member. Stay positive and remember that this is the most important step you can take.

Although infertility is not caused by stress, it can affect fertility. Studies have linked high levels of life stress to abnormal sperm composition and reduced concentration. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce your stress levels while undergoing infertility treatments to increase your fertility potential. While no research has shown a direct connection between stress levels and fertility, these steps are beneficial. Some of these methods include meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Acupuncture is also known to help reduce stress.

Although there are few large studies relating stress and fertility, they are still significant. Most studies rely on self-reported data and conclusions are difficult to draw from these studies. Despite these limitations, it’s clear that stress affects the likelihood of conceiving. A study in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology found that women who had higher levels of a stress-related molecule after one I.V.F cycle had a lower chance of conceiving.

Watch this video – I Can’t Get Pregnant | Our Fertility Journey Episode 1

The financial strain of IVF

There is a huge financial strain when embarking on a fertility journey. While there are ways to pay for IVF., such as social media fundraisers, fertility treatments are often very expensive. Regardless of how you choose to pay for these treatments, you should plan ahead. Even if you can’t afford everything right away, creating a budget in advance and having a plan in place before you start the process can help you manage your expenses and be financially prepared.

The time spent pursuing treatment varied depending on the modality, and SES factors were also considered. These two factors combined to create an important financial burden that directly affects couples. Time spent pursuing fertility treatment is not only financially draining, but also emotionally taxing. Couples who were undergoing fertility treatments also experienced psychological strain that wasn’t mitigated by their insurance coverage. Financial strain is a difficult issue to face, but it can be addressed.

In addition to couples facing this financial burden, infertility can affect non-carrier partners. When couples cannot conceive, they may find that they’re unable to make an attempt to become parents. Because of this, many couples decide to make sacrifices in order to finance fertility treatments. While this option is not available to all couples, it does make a big difference for many couples. If you’re a non-carrier, financial support is essential.

While there are limited infertility grants available, it is still possible to find financial help. Some of these programs require you to share your story with the media and meet specific guidelines. If you’re lucky, you might be able to apply for a grant, but you may have to wait for quite some time. And once you’ve been selected, you may be asked to pay an application fee. These fees are a normal part of raising money.

IVF Side effects

While you may have heard that there are no known side effects from IVF treatments , the reality is that infertility can have some negative consequences. It can affect both you and your non-carrier partner. While these side effects are rare, some women experience multiple pregnancies or even long-term complications. To help you navigate this process, be prepared to ask as many questions as you can. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be.

The emotional weight of fertility treatments can be immense. It can quickly turn into depression, anxiety, or sadness. And the longer you undergo fertility treatment, the greater the chances of emotional or mental health effects. And, remember that grief is not only experienced by one person, but by both. Even a miscarriage can leave an imprint on a relationship. But don’t give up hope, you’ve just begun the process!

Some of the most common side effects of IVF treatments include high fever, heavy bleeding, and pain in the pelvic region. You may also experience infections, and other complications. While the risks are relatively small, you should know what to expect from each treatment. And make sure to have a positive attitude throughout your entire journey. This will not only help you deal with the physical side effects of the procedure, but will also boost your emotional well-being.

Another common side effect of IVF is hormonal imbalance. Because your body is changing during the treatment process, you may experience mood swings, hot flashes, and even bloating. Some women report feeling irritable and depressed. These are completely normal reactions. However, if you don’t have these symptoms, it’s better to call your doctor to see if you need to make some adjustments in your dosage or your diet.

Pregnancy loss on your fertility journey

Your partner may not realise that he or she is pregnant if you are not. If you’ve tried surrogacy and still are not pregnant, you’re not alone. Infertility can be devastating for both partners. However, there are ways to cope with the loss of a child. The first step is to talk to your partner. Share your experiences and ask him or her for support. Sometimes it can be helpful to share stories of previous pregnancy loss.

While the process of fertility treatment may seem challenging, you’re not alone. Even your partner may be feeling the emotional weight of this process. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, and even depressed. Infertility may also leave a lasting impression on your relationship. A partner may be feeling unsupported and unable to provide the support and emotional support you need to make it through the long process. The longer you’re on the road to conception, the more likely you’ll experience negative effects on your mental health. It’s important to remember that grief is not just one-sided, and the experience of loss is shared by both partners.

Your doctor may suggest a few tests to rule out any medical conditions affecting fertility. The specialists will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your loss and provide supportive care for your next pregnancy. Fortunately, there are new advances in fertility treatments. In Hawaii, a doctor’s visit to the Fertility Institute of Hawaii can be difficult, but it can be a necessary step in your fertility journey. The team at Aspire Fertility will help you overcome your pregnancy loss and move forward with the process.

Fertility journey support groups

Fertility support groups offer a way for members to discuss their feelings about being on the fertility journey. The groups understand that fertility is a personal and emotional journey and that they often experience it differently than their partners. In order to be successful, members need to openly communicate with others and find a group that addresses their concerns. Discussion items may include physical, emotional, and financial issues that affect the fertility journey. A fertility support group can help ease the burden on both parties.

Support groups for fertility journey can be informal or professional-led. A peer-led group is a non-professional organisation comprised of individuals who have experienced the same challenges as others. Most of the groups are free to join, but it’s a good idea to contact the group’s host before attending the first meeting. The members of the group decide how much information to share with one another. Some groups will not be appropriate for people in medical or mental health fields.

If you’re looking for a local support group, you can find one by visiting Hopeful Footsteps. The leaders of this group have been through the infertility process themselves. These women are compassionate and knowledgeable, and can offer emotional and psychological support. Hopeful Footsteps’ website provides meeting information, and other group leaders are located throughout the country. While these groups are not the only option for individuals undergoing the fertility journey, they can help those who are still trying to conceive.

Fertility support groups are a great place to find hope if you’re undergoing treatment. They can also expose you to other intended parents’ heartache and joy. By learning about their journey, you’ll be inspired and encouraged. And when you are experiencing the same problems, you can help yourself by joining a support group. You’ll feel more understood and less alone when you’re surrounded by other women in the same

The Fertility Foundation is a fertility charity in the UK providing IVF Grants, support and education to couples, single women and same-sex couples.

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Utah family says money is missing from baby surrogate escrow company

by Jim Spiewak, KUTV

A Utah family who used a surrogate to have their baby said money they set aside with an escrow company to help pay for the process is missing.

For some families, having a baby is difficult and requires help, but this is adding more hardship for those families.

Monroe Trost came into the world three months ago when she was born at the U of U Hospital.

"It was a wild ride, lots of different emotions," said Ashley Trost, Monroe’s mother. "I get really tearful because I didn't think I would ever get the opportunity to be a mom."

Ashley knew since she was 15 years old, when she battled uterine cancer, that she wouldn't be able to carry.

"Like our fertility doctor said, we've got all the ingredients, we just don't have the oven," Ashley said.

With the help of their support system, Ashley and her husband Conner Trost saved up for a surrogate.

"To get her here was quite the journey, and I just think about love. There was a lot of love that went into getting her here," Conner said.

The Trosts used Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, or "SEAM," a Texas-based company, to manage the $80,000 in financial transactions of the surrogate process.

Two weeks ago, Ashley said she got an email from Dominique Side, the owner of SEAM, that said due to legal action, all operations have been placed on hold, including payments, and he was unable to provide further details.

Since they delivered, they were about to close their account with the escrow company when they found out something wasn't right.

"I just got this pit in my stomach and I knew right away, it clicked that something was off," Ashley said.

"Essentially the company's disappeared overnight, it's frustrating," Conner said.

Angela Haymond is the Trosts' surrogate. A week ago, on the final bill reimbursement, she also got payment delay messages from SEAM.

"To take advantage of a vulnerable group of people who have scraped and saved every penny so that they can have a family just makes me absolutely sick," Haymond said.

This is the fourth time Haymond has been a surrogate and she has never seen this before.

"Everyone just needs their money back, it's as simple as that," Haymond said.

For the Trosts, Monroe is here. They said they’re out $5,400, and fear others who haven't delivered yet are out much more.

"It's vulnerable to come on here and just talk about it, and I just want to make sure people are protected," Ashley said.

Requests for comment from SEAM were not returned on Tuesday.