“But the insurance compensation is a whole thing… you need to prove that you're infertile and having tried a certain number of months before you can actually qualify… but [for same-sex couples] it's not just defined by trying at home with your partner in this day and age” - M.
“Well, I feel like there could be more information or more support. Sometimes the medical world really wants to funnel everything through their system and their health [in-network service providers]. When we decided we wanted to start a family. It's like, okay, here are your options and at home insemination isn't one that they tell you even, it's like they [medical provider] don't even bring it up.” - L.
Insurance Coverage
"Nothing in this definition shall be used to deny or delay treatment to any individual, regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation."
- American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
Historically, LGBTQ+ individuals faced significant barriers to obtaining insurance coverage for fertility services due to restrictive criteria favoring heterosexual couples. This made the ART process extremely expensive.
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Recently, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) updated its definition of infertility to include single and LGBTQ+ individuals, broadening access to necessary medical interventions. However, not all insurance companies have adopted this definition yet, so it's important to check your policy.
To learn more, visit the ASRM website.
Common Fertility Options
Consult your OBGYN about a fertility workup before choosing ART, considering factors like age, lifestyle, and endocrine conditions.
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To learn more, visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves the artificial insemination of donor sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation. This process is considered more medically conservative and affordable compared to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The procedure can be done in a clinic or home setting, depending on the service provider. Mosie Baby was recommended as one of the service providers that offer in-home IUI kits. To learn more about this procedure, check out the section on IUI by Planned Parenthood.
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In-vitro fertilization (IVF) involves multiple steps and is more costly compared to intrauterine insemination (IUI). The first step requires the embryo donor and/or gestating parent to stimulate ovary production via fertility medication. Next, eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized externally in a laboratory setting. Finally, the fertilized eggs or embryos are inserted into the gestating person’s uterus. Gestational pregnancy occurs when the embryo successfully attaches to the lining of the uterus. To learn more, check out the IVF factsheet by Yale Medicine.
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Still need help deciding - check out the article IUI vs IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Pathway Is Right for Me? by fertility specialist Dr. Mark Leondires.