Prolactin and IVF

After lots of convincing, fighting, tears and endless talks, my hubby and I decided to go ahead and contact some infertility clinics for the possibility of doing IVF.

I contacted two here in the area. One of them was the New Hope Center. I heard and add in the Radio and decided to call. Before I could say much, they told me they didn’t accept my insurance and the costs reach a minimum of 10.000 excluding drugs. I was expecting high costs already, but it still hurts to hear. 

The other one I contacted and booked an appointment was The Jones Institute. I have heard many good things about them through other friends that have been in the same situation. The person that contacted me after the email I sent was very delicate and informative. They have a risk share program that if you qualify to participate, you could receive a refund in case you don’t get pregnant.

I don’t know if I would qualify, but I’d like to think I am a good candidate since nobody has really found anything wrong with me.  I did book an appointment but as usual my first visit is almost 2 months away.

Since we did not have anything to do but wait, we decided to contact two other clinics in my husband’s country back in Europe just to compare and know what all our options are. First doctor I did not like at all. For some reason I couldn’t trust what he was saying. The second clinic has been amazing though. Today the doctor sent us a two pages email explaining the whole thing after revising my medical files. What surprised me was that after explaining the IVF procedure and all the things we would have to do and when to be there, he said that my prolactin was way too high for my age. Interestingly enough I had pointed out the same to my RE here in the US right before the four IUI cycles I had last year. She actually repeated the test, but stopped looked into it since the second test was in the range (although it was in the high end). 

The doctor explained in his email that with his experience and with my files he could bet that was the problem. He also said prolactin is the hormone of stress. My husband looked at me with a smirk in his face as he translated this part of the email. I do have to agree with him, I have been very touchy and anxious about everything.  He prescribed a pill that should control the prolactin and suggested I had primrose evening oil for the next weeks. He actually said if we are not in a hurry for the IVF we should try on our own for the next 2-3 months to see if controlling this hormone would help. 

What kind of doctor will give you an option that doesn’t involve thousands of dollars? I just have a really good feeling about this one.