Fertility Treatment: why “the numbers” don’t add up

Most of us have learned to rely upon numbers. Their dependability, their consistency, their ability to communicate an unemotional truth is something that most of us have come to value. However, as a fertility specialist that counsels patients on a daily basis, I’ve come to realize how subjective numbers can be misinterpreted by people wanting to have a child. The same numbers that may discourage some; serve as a source of hope for others.

The most glaring example from recent history is the case of the “octomom.” None of us was present when she was counseled so we can only guess what was or was not discussed between her and her doctor. However, based upon the low success rate of the center that she was treated at, the odds of her accepting 6 frozen-thawed embryos and them resulting in 8 babies was calculated at 1 in 3.4 trillion. Yet we all know how that worked out.

Let’s consider a less dramatic example. The estimated chance of achieving a pregnancy for a very fertile couple on a given month is roughly about 15%. A common strategy to improve upon this for couples that experience infertility is to promote ovulation induction. Despite its popularity, studies show that this treatment either doesn’t result in pregnancy for most couples or it results in an adverse outcome.  What makes ovulation induction an appealing option to couples is the perception that it is less costly. In reality, studies are consistently demonstrating that it delays the initiation of pregnancy and results in higher treatment costs due to repetitive cycles. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the March of Dimes just published a report that about one out of every four multiple pregnancies are due to the use of approach. Advanced treatment options such as In virtro fertilization provide us with the ability to dramatically improve pregnancy success rates and outcomes.

The process of IVF allows for more effective management and also makes it easier to prevent twins and higher order pregnancy by performing single embryo transfers and freezing extra embryos for future pregnancy attempts. Better still, the information that is gained from a single IVF attempt can be diagnostic. Therefore even when a cycle fails it can provide closure or offer new information that can be used to redirect treatment. So what seems like the most costly treatment can actually save you both time AND money.

Here are some steps that you can take to protect yourself from making decisions that don’t add up right:

• Create a “family building plan” rather than focusing on just getting pregnant—In my book, Perfect Hormone Balance for Fertility I provide a series of questions that you and your partner should consider. Some treatments are more effective than others in reducing the risks of multiple pregnancies while others are more likely to be effective quicker—a key to success for couples wanting to have more than one child or those in their later reproductive years.
• Ask your doctor what your prognosis is in words like “excellent, good, fair or poor” rather than as enticing numbers—Since statistics are calculated based upon groups of people, they don’t apply to an individual cycle. Instead, they can often be misleading. By using words to express your chance of success, you’ll get a much more accurate estimate of your chance for becoming pregnant.
• Encourage your employer, insurance coverage and legislators to make fertility treatment part of their covered benefits package—As insurance options are being evaluated, consider switching coverage to meet your needs. A recent study demonstrated that plans that paid for IVF coverage can cost less than an extra $1 per month. If you’re not currently offered a plan with fertility coverage, request it of your employer.