Great news Dr. Q!! Thanks for the info!
Infertility Editorial
July 23, 2008
This past month, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) declared that "Infertility is a disease", marking the first time such a declaration is made by a medical society. This medical declaration may now push insurance companies to provide coverage for those who need it. Furthermore, by calling infertility a disease, we hope that public opinion will change for the better, so that people realize that having this condition maybe no different than having any other condition that may be temporary, such as a "broken bone"...
In addition, a new criteria was added to infertility, so that now it is no longer those who ttc for 12 or more months, but also those who are >35 y/o who have ttc for 6 months or more. Furthermore as many of you have seen me emphasize on this site, the ASRM committe has stated that "Earlier evaluation and treatment may be justified based on medical history and physical findings". An example of this are those who aren't ovulating require immediate diagnosis and treatment to ttc...
Recurrent Miscarriages were also classified "as a disease" by the committee, and the same applies to what I stated above. Those who have undergone two or more miscarriages have by definition this diagnosis, with each loss meriting careful review. "After three or more losses, a thorough evaluation is warranted". The ASRM committee did state that a pregnancy in this case is that of at least a clinical pregnancy, and/or one that was able to provide a specimen.
These appear to be steps in the right direction that will allow appropriate changes from all fascets of society (medical, insurance, perception). This acknowledgement of infertility we hope will provide prompt treatment to those who need it while making this journey a lot easier for everyone involved
Dr. Q
In addition, a new criteria was added to infertility, so that now it is no longer those who ttc for 12 or more months, but also those who are >35 y/o who have ttc for 6 months or more. Furthermore as many of you have seen me emphasize on this site, the ASRM committe has stated that "Earlier evaluation and treatment may be justified based on medical history and physical findings". An example of this are those who aren't ovulating require immediate diagnosis and treatment to ttc...
Recurrent Miscarriages were also classified "as a disease" by the committee, and the same applies to what I stated above. Those who have undergone two or more miscarriages have by definition this diagnosis, with each loss meriting careful review. "After three or more losses, a thorough evaluation is warranted". The ASRM committee did state that a pregnancy in this case is that of at least a clinical pregnancy, and/or one that was able to provide a specimen.
These appear to be steps in the right direction that will allow appropriate changes from all fascets of society (medical, insurance, perception). This acknowledgement of infertility we hope will provide prompt treatment to those who need it while making this journey a lot easier for everyone involved
Dr. Q
July 23, 2008
FertilityTies.com will bring you more information or updates to keep everyone updated on these very important issues.