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Fertility / Infertility (Expert Forum)
URGENT: Pre-IUI Questions
Answered by
Elaine Brown, MD - Pregnancy, Gynecology
Elaine Brown, MD - BLOG
Billings - MT
Questions in the Fertility/Infertility forum are answered by doctors affiliated with USF Health. Topics covered include fertility or infertility issues, egg quality, fertility drugs and side effects, fertility tests, genetic testing, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation, relationship issues, risk factors, sperm count/quality, and surgery.
URGENT: Pre-IUI Questions
by michelle0880, Jul 17, 2009 05:31PM
Hello,
Sorry for the double post - not sure if my first attempt got posted :).
I would like to thank all of you in advance for responding to my questions during this very anxious and stressful period. My husband I both have insurance through our work and we are covered by both insurances. The reason for taking two insurances in the first place was because we weren't sure which doctor would accept what insurance. As it turns out, it's more of a headache dealing with these insurance companies. The insurance through my husband's work is the only one that my RE accepts and that insurance company gives us problems saying that I am secondary on the insurance and claims should go through my primary. We have been going back and forth since last few days. As per the doctor, I am suppose to start my injections before IUI procedure tomorrow. But the insurance still hasn't approved it. My doctor's office calls me today and says that they have prescribed me estrace (generic estradiol) and that it will pause my cycle till Tuesday. By Tuesday insurance matters should clear-up and then I can start taking the injections. Tomorrow is the 5th day of my cycle and the injection should have theoretically started on Day 5. This is my first IUI attempt. My concern is I don't want to take medications that I don't need. First take injections to induce ovulation, then just because insurance gives issues, take medications to pause ovulation. All this sounds very frustrating and not sure if I want to do it. Is estrace normal? Shoudl we just wait out this month and start taking injections from the next cycle rather than taking medications to pause ovulation? Please guide - I am really confused :(
Sorry for the double post - not sure if my first attempt got posted :).
I would like to thank all of you in advance for responding to my questions during this very anxious and stressful period. My husband I both have insurance through our work and we are covered by both insurances. The reason for taking two insurances in the first place was because we weren't sure which doctor would accept what insurance. As it turns out, it's more of a headache dealing with these insurance companies. The insurance through my husband's work is the only one that my RE accepts and that insurance company gives us problems saying that I am secondary on the insurance and claims should go through my primary. We have been going back and forth since last few days. As per the doctor, I am suppose to start my injections before IUI procedure tomorrow. But the insurance still hasn't approved it. My doctor's office calls me today and says that they have prescribed me estrace (generic estradiol) and that it will pause my cycle till Tuesday. By Tuesday insurance matters should clear-up and then I can start taking the injections. Tomorrow is the 5th day of my cycle and the injection should have theoretically started on Day 5. This is my first IUI attempt. My concern is I don't want to take medications that I don't need. First take injections to induce ovulation, then just because insurance gives issues, take medications to pause ovulation. All this sounds very frustrating and not sure if I want to do it. Is estrace normal? Shoudl we just wait out this month and start taking injections from the next cycle rather than taking medications to pause ovulation? Please guide - I am really confused :(
Doctor's Answer
by Elaine Brown, MD, Jul 19, 2009 09:05PM
, Jul 19, 2009 09:05PMTo: michelle0880
Hi!
I have had more than one frantic phone call from patients late in the evenings trying to get approval from their insurances for medications! Insurances are very frustrating, and their goal is to save money. The way they do that is is by denying you your benefits.
I think that you could look at it two ways:
The first--it might be less stressful just to cancel this cycle and wait until everything is cleared up with the insurances--although, that may never be the case--they may continue to bicker forever.
The other way to look at it is--you are artificially controlling your cycle any way--so a few days of a different medication is really no big deal. REs do this all the time with donor egg cycles when they are trying to cycle two women simultaneously.
Estradiol is a natural female hormone, and if you do conceive, there is a decent chance that your RE is going to have you take if for several weeks thereafter.
ART (assisted reproductive technology) is very stressful, so one suggestion is to get a good relaxation system going. This may not be the only frustration you encounter!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B
I have had more than one frantic phone call from patients late in the evenings trying to get approval from their insurances for medications! Insurances are very frustrating, and their goal is to save money. The way they do that is is by denying you your benefits.
I think that you could look at it two ways:
The first--it might be less stressful just to cancel this cycle and wait until everything is cleared up with the insurances--although, that may never be the case--they may continue to bicker forever.
The other way to look at it is--you are artificially controlling your cycle any way--so a few days of a different medication is really no big deal. REs do this all the time with donor egg cycles when they are trying to cycle two women simultaneously.
Estradiol is a natural female hormone, and if you do conceive, there is a decent chance that your RE is going to have you take if for several weeks thereafter.
ART (assisted reproductive technology) is very stressful, so one suggestion is to get a good relaxation system going. This may not be the only frustration you encounter!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B
Member Comments (2)
by bhattsay3782, Jul 17, 2009 10:40PM
To: Michelle
Hi Michelle, I really do understand your confusion. I think its better to start the injections from your next cycle once your insurance matters settle down as you rightly pointed out that any interruptions during these injections might hamper the IUI procedure and may be an obstacle in the way of you getting pregnant.
