Hellobee Boards

I'm struggling with this issue now. I just found out that my insurance only covers half. Which I am very grateful for, I just wasn't expecting it. We are making these decisions in the moment. For us figuring out why we are struggling with IF is a top priority. So for now we are moving forward with that.

We decided going into IVF that our limit was one fresh and one frozen cycle. Although I knew logically there was a chance the cycle would fail, I wasn't prepared for how badly it would go and hadn't imagined that there wouldn't be any embryos for a frozen cycle. After that, we ended up deciding it was too heartbreaking to give up after only one attempt (we'd have to go on childless from there), so we decided that we'd do what we had to do for 2 more fresh cycles at the most. I felt horrible about our plan but felt it was necessary.

Around that time, we met with a new RE who told us that if we really wanted to do IVF again we could do mini-IVF for 1/3 the cost, but he thought plain old monitoring and timed intercourse would do the trick. I didn't believe him so we signed up for the IVF again. As it turns out he might be right, so even if it it takes longer we'll just do the TI and no more IVF.

We are still undecided about what our limit is at this point. I am fortunate that our basic health coverage in Canada covers the majority of diagnostic testing and our work health plans both cover meds up to a lifetime maximum. So far we have done two IUI's which we were able to cash flow in the month. Right now we are on a break and waiting to get in to see an ND who is well known for her work with endo patients. I think if we had to decide between IVF and adoption I would rather put our money into the adoption because it would be hard to take that money out of our down payment nest egg and then have the IVF fail, however it is very important to my husband to have at least one biological child. Obviously further discussion needs to happen but we aren't there yet

Similar to @Mrs Green Grass, we did "Shared Risk" where the cost was higher but we got several rounds and money back if it didn't work. It's pricey & isn't for everyone but I really wanted the peace of mind knowing we had more options of continuing should IVF not work right away.
Deciding how far to take IF treatments is such a personal one & is also closely tied to finances. DH & I had decided since we were able we would re-evaluate after we'd exhausted IVF shared risk since at that point, we'd have pretty much tried everything. While DH & I hadn't discussed it, I would've also been open to surrogacy should it have come to that, then adoption. Thankfully, IVF was successful. I honestly wish you guys the best of luck in whatever you choose!

When we first started the IVF process, a friend told me we should have our limit in mind at the outset. After being through one cycle + a frozen cycle, I am not sure I agree that setting a limit beforehand is what is best for me. You may find that you can muster strength and resources that you never knew you had. I think I have an idea of what my limit will be, but I can't say for sure. And that uncertainty is okay with me (for now at least). Everyone is different, though. Good luck!

@Mrs. Jacks: I admire your rationale self! Very smart of it to identify the need to reign in your emotional side. I believe that kind of strategy is what psychologists would call a "precommitment device". (Sorry for the geeky moment).