The Cost of IVF and the Future of Reproductive Healthcare with Jessica Schaefer
In this episode of Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, host Nicole Lapin and guest Jessica Schaefer delve into the physical, emotional, and financial challenges surrounding egg freezing and IVF treatments. They share personal experiences navigating invasive procedures, balancing fertility treatments with work, and the loneliness that can accompany the process.
Lapin and Schaefer also examine the rising costs of fertility treatments, with egg freezing cycles potentially exceeding $100,000. They discuss concerns about the commercialization of the fertility industry and how private equity's pursuit of rapid growth could compromise patient care quality. Additionally, the episode explores how technology and startups like Schaefer's Lushy aim to enhance fertility care through personalized medicine, improved patient education, and a more holistic approach.
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Physical, Emotional, and Practical Challenges of Egg Freezing and IVF
Jessica Schaefer recounts the invasive nature of egg freezing procedures, self-administering hormone injections, and her anguish at retrieving just 5 eggs after expecting 28 due to an improperly taken trigger shot. Nicole Lapin and Schaefer discuss balancing fertility treatments with work, with Lapin altering her podcast schedule and Schaefer avoiding travel during peak career periods. Schaefer expresses loneliness without a support network, while Lapin voices anxiety about discussing treatment failures at work. Both advocate for accommodating work environments.
Financial Barriers and Commercialization Concerns
Schaefer explains egg freezing can cost over $10,000 per cycle, with multiple cycles potentially reaching $100,000. Only about 50% of companies offer fertility benefits. Lapin raises concerns about private equity and venture capital prioritizing rapid growth over quality patient care in the fertility industry. Schaefer notes some venture-backed companies may compromise care standards to meet growth targets.
Enhancing Fertility Care with Technology and Startups
Lapin suggests technology could provide personalized medicine and enhance the egg freezing experience, but doesn't specify how. Schaefer criticizes outdated patient education materials, envisioning apps for treatment reminders and telehealth for better patient-provider communication. Schaefer aims to disrupt the industry with her startup Lushy, offering tailored fertility treatments and clinics focused on holistic conception care for American women.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A trigger shot in egg freezing procedures is a hormone injection given to induce the final maturation of the eggs before they are retrieved. It helps synchronize the timing of egg release for collection during the egg retrieval process. The trigger shot is crucial for successful egg freezing as it ensures that the eggs are at the right stage of development for retrieval. Failure to administer the trigger shot properly can result in a lower number of eggs retrieved than expected.
- Balancing fertility treatments with work involves managing the demands of undergoing procedures like IVF or egg freezing while maintaining responsibilities at one's job. This can include scheduling appointments around work hours, dealing with potential side effects at work, and making adjustments to work routines to accommodate treatment needs. It often requires open communication with employers to navigate time off for appointments and procedures. Juggling work and fertility treatments can be emotionally and physically challenging, impacting both professional and personal aspects of life.
- Feeling loneliness without a support network in the context of fertility treatments can mean experiencing emotional isolation and a lack of understanding or empathy from those around you during a challenging and often emotionally taxing process. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, unsupported, and navigating the complexities of fertility treatments without the comfort and guidance of a close-knit support system.
- Discussing treatment failures at work can be challenging for individuals undergoing fertility treatments like IVF or egg freezing. It involves sharing personal struggles and setbacks related to the process with colleagues or supervisors in a professional setting. This can lead to feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and potential judgment from others in the workplace. Supportive work environments that promote open communication and understanding can help individuals navigate these difficult conversations effectively.
- Private equity and venture capital in the fertility industry involve investment firms providing funding to companies operating in areas like assisted reproductive technology, egg freezing, in vitro fertilization, and fertility clinics. These financial entities aim to support the growth and development of fertility-related businesses in exchange for potential returns on their investments. Private equity firms typically invest in established companies, while venture capital firms focus on early-stage startups in the fertility sector. Their involvement can influence the direction, innovation, and business practices within the fertility industry.
- Compromising care standards for growth targets means that some companies in the fertility industry may prioritize expanding their business quickly over maintaining high-quality patient care, potentially leading to shortcuts or decisions that prioritize profit over the well-being of patients. This can manifest as pushing for more treatments or procedures than necessary, cutting corners in patient care, or focusing on financial goals at the expense of providing the best possible care for individuals seeking fertility treatments.
- Personalized medicine in fertility care involves tailoring treatments based on individual characteristics like genetics, lifestyle, and medical history. This approach aims to optimize outcomes by customizing interventions to each person's specific needs and circumstances. By utilizing personalized medicine, healthcare providers can offer more targeted and effective fertility treatments, potentially improving success rates and minimizing risks for patients. This approach may involve using advanced technologies and genetic testing to personalize treatment plans for individuals undergoing fertility procedures.
- Outdated patient education materials are resources or information provided to patients that may not reflect the most current medical knowledge, practices, or technologies in the field of fertility treatment. These materials could lack the latest advancements, guidelines, or best practices, potentially leading to misunderstandings or outdated expectations among patients undergoing fertility procedures. Updating these materials is crucial to ensure patients are well-informed, empowered, and receiving the most accurate and relevant information for their treatment journey.
Counterarguments
- While Schaefer and Lapin advocate for supportive work environments, some might argue that businesses have a primary obligation to their operations and shareholders, and accommodating fertility treatments could present logistical and financial challenges for some employers.
- The high cost of egg freezing and IVF treatments is a significant barrier, but one could argue that the expense reflects the complex technology and expertise required to provide such services, and that costs might decrease as techniques become more efficient and widespread.
- Concerns about the influence of private equity and venture capital in the fertility industry are valid, but an alternative view might be that investment can drive innovation and improve access to fertility treatments through increased funding and resources.
- The criticism of venture-backed companies potentially compromising care to meet growth targets could be countered by the argument that not all companies sacrifice care quality for growth, and that ethical business practices can coexist with financial objectives.
- While technology is seen as a potential enhancer of fertility care, some might argue that the human element of healthcare is irreplaceable and that over-reliance on technology could detract from the patient-provider relationship.
- Schaefer's aim to disrupt the industry with her startup Lushy is ambitious, but skeptics might point out that new entrants face significant challenges in healthcare, including regulatory hurdles and entrenched competition, which could hinder the startup's impact.
- The idea of holistic conception care might be challenged by those who believe that evidence-based medicine should be the primary approach, and that "holistic" methods may not always be supported by scientific research.
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Personal experiences with egg freezing and IVF, including physical, emotional, and practical challenges
Nicole Lapin and Jessica Schaefer share intimate details of their journeys through egg freezing and IVF, revealing the physical, emotional, and practical complexities involved.
Firsthand account of the physical and emotional toll of undergoing egg freezing and IVF
Jessica Schaefer details her egg freezing experience, from the invasive nature of the procedures to the intensive schedule of self-administering hormone injections, likening the process’s privacy to [restricted term] or filler treatments but for the critical purpose of preserving the ability to have a family. She recounts the anguish of taking the trigger shot incorrectly, leading to a disappointing outcome of retrieving only five eggs when initially, 28 were expected. She likens the experience to a "cattle call," highlighting the impersonal and overwhelming aspects of the treatment and emphasizes the necessity of the trigger shot, which is crucial for successful egg retrieval.
Difficulty balancing fertility treatments with work and other life demands
Both Nicole and Jessica grapple with the challenges of balancing intense professional lives with their fertility treatments. Jessica speaks about the struggle she faced during the egg freezing process, which coincided with a peak period in her career shortly after selling her company. She stopped traveling completely to focus on the egg freezing process, deciding that it was important to prioritize the treatments to avoid having to undergo multiple cycles.
Nicole describes her difficulty with fulfilling work commitments while suffering from side effects and attending frequent doctor's appointments. She altered her podcast recording schedule to one extended day rather than spreading it out through the week for better recovery time and had to navigate airport security with her medication and snacks, illustrating the added challenges of managing treatments alongside work responsibilities.
Emotional impact of the fertility journey, including anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty
The emotional burden of undergoing fertility treatment is a central theme in Nicole and Jessica’s stories. Jessica, who went through the process after he ...
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Personal experiences with egg freezing and IVF, including physical, emotional, and practical challenges
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personal fertility journey diary to track your experiences, emotions, and appointments, which can help you manage the complexities of treatments and work-life balance. By documenting your daily feelings and treatment schedules, you can identify patterns in your stress levels and side effects, allowing you to adjust your routines and communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers and employer. For example, if you notice that certain treatments leave you feeling particularly drained, you might arrange to work from home or take a day off in advance.
- Develop a stress-reduction toolkit that includes activities like mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, or breathing exercises to use during fertility treatments. Since stress can impact egg quality, having a go-to set of stress-relief techniques can be beneficial. You might start with a 10-minute meditation session in the morning or a short yoga routine in the evening, gradually building these practices into your daily routine to help maintain a sense of calm throughout your fertility journey.
- Seek out ...
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Financial costs and barriers associated with fertility treatments
Jessica Schaefer and Nicole Lapin explore the economic challenges individuals face when seeking fertility treatments such as egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF), and their concerns about the commercialization of fertility care.
High out-of-pocket costs for egg freezing and IVF
Schaefer explains that while fertility treatments might seem within reach if individuals save early using a Health Savings Account (HSA) alongside a 401k, the procedures, in reality, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Egg freezing starts at around $10,000 but can escalate with another $5,000 to $10,000 for fertility drugs. Multiple cycles can drive the total cost close to $100,000.
Schaefer mentions that her first round of egg freezing cost $15,000, and she anticipates needing to do it more times. She also notes that the average age women are freezing their eggs is 35, suggesting that freezing eggs earlier can potentially influence the overall costs if better outcomes are achieved with fewer cycles. For some women, going to Europe for the procedure is an option to consider due to its affordability.
Lack of insurance coverage and financial assistance
Only about 50% of companies offer fertility benefits, and smaller companies are less likely to provide support than larger tech companies, such as Amazon and Google. Schaefer suggests that beyond fertility benefits, employers should also allow for schedule adjustments and time off to accommodate the demanding nature of fertility treatments. The high out-of-pocket costs discussed imply a lack of adequate insurance or financial assistance from employers, indicating a significa ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Financial costs and barriers associated with fertility treatments
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that individuals can use to save for medical expenses. It is typically paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan. On the other hand, a 401(k) is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. Both accounts offer tax benefits and can help individuals save for different financial needs—healthcare costs in the case of an HSA and retirement in the case of a 401(k).
- Growth KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are metrics used to measure the progress and success of a company's growth strategies. These indicators help track specific goals related to expansion, revenue increase, market share growth, or other key objectives set by the organization. They provide a quantifiable way to assess whether a company is meeting its growth targets and are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of business decisions and initiatives. Growth KPIs are crucial for guiding strategic planning and ensuring that a company is on track to achieve its desired level of growth.
- Success rates in fertility treatments ty ...
Counterarguments
- The high cost of fertility treatments can be seen as an investment in family planning, and some might argue that the value of having a child is immeasurable, potentially justifying the expense.
- While egg freezing and IVF are expensive, they are specialized medical procedures that require advanced technology and expertise, which can account for the high costs.
- The mention of going to Europe for more affordable procedures could be challenged by noting that lower costs might be due to different healthcare systems, and there could be hidden costs such as travel, accommodation, and potential follow-up care back home.
- The statistic that only about 50% of companies offer fertility benefits may not reflect the full range of benefits that employers provide, such as flexible spending accounts or other health and wellness programs that can indirectly support fertility treatments.
- The argument for employers to allow schedule adjustments and time off could be met with the counterpoint that not all businesses can afford to offer such flexibility without impacting their operations, especially small businesses.
- The concern about the commercialization of the fertility industry and the involvement of venture capital and private equity could be countered by the argument that such investment can drive innovation, improve access to care, and lead to better treatment opti ...
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The role of technology and startups in improving the fertility healthcare experience
Nicole Lapin and Jessica Schaefer discuss how technology and startups could transform fertility healthcare by personalizing the experience and embracing innovative approaches.
Opportunities to leverage technology to enhance the fertility treatment process
Both Lapin and Schaefer acknowledge that the fertility healthcare sector can benefit greatly from the integration of technology.
Integrating AI, telehealth, and digital tools could provide better support, education, and communication for patients
Nicole Lapin suggests that personalized medicine can be improved with technology, given the unique nature of everyone's fertility situation. She notes the potential for technology and startups to enhance not only fertility treatments but also the egg freezing process. However, she did not specify how AI, telehealth, or digital tools could be utilized for this purpose.
Jessica Schaefer criticizes the outdated materials currently used in fertility treatments, such as being sent a link to a 1980s video for learning self-administration of shots. Schaefer sees a vast opportunity to modernize patient education and support using technology. She also discusses the potential of apps in notifying patients about critical steps in their treatment process, like when to take the trigger shot.
The utilization of telehealth services, which are currently underused in fertility treatments, could allow for more frequent interaction between patients and healthcare providers. AI could be used to provide responses based on doctors' advice to the common questions of patients outside of office hours, which could alleviate their anxiety and ensure proper adherence to treatments.
Importance of patient-centric, holistic approaches to fertility care
The discussion emphasizes a shift toward more personalized, empathetic, and comprehensive fertility services, although no specific content from the provided excerpt directly addresses how technology and startups incorporate holistic approaches to fertility care.
Lapin notes that while there is significant investor interest in fertility startups, there's a challenge in striking a balance between making treatments more affordable and maintaining safety and quality.
Potential for new, innovative fertility companies to disrupt the industry
Jessica Schaefer introduces her upcoming startup, Lushy, as a potential disruptor in the fertility industry. Schaefer, who comes fro ...
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The role of technology and startups in improving the fertility healthcare experience
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The declining US growth and birth rates can have economic implications as they impact the size and composition of the workforce, influence consumer spending patterns, and affect the sustainability of social welfare programs like Social Security. This demographic shift can lead to challenges such as labor shortages, reduced economic growth potential, and increased pressure on government budgets to support an aging population. Additionally, lower birth rates can affect industries like childcare, education, and healthcare, prompting the need for adjustments in policies and services to address changing demographic trends.
- Bevel is a tech and VCPR (Venture Capita ...
Counterarguments
- While technology can personalize healthcare, it may not be able to fully replicate the nuanced understanding and empathy of face-to-face interactions with healthcare professionals.
- The integration of technology in healthcare raises concerns about data privacy and security, which must be addressed to protect sensitive patient information.
- AI and digital tools may not be accessible to all due to varying levels of technological literacy, potentially widening the gap in healthcare quality.
- Telehealth, while beneficial, may not be suitable for all aspects of fertility treatment, which often requires physical examinations and procedures.
- The reliance on apps and digital notifications could lead to an over-dependence on technology, potentially reducing patients' ability to manage their own health without digital assistance.
- AI responses, although helpful, may not capture the complexity of individual cases and could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach if not carefully implemented.
- There is a risk that startups may prioritize innovation and disruption over evidence-based practices, which could lead to unproven and potentially unsafe treatments.
- The focus on investor interest and the economic implications of fertility may overshadow the primary goal of healthcare, which is to improve patient health and well-being.
- Startups like Lushy may face challenges i ...
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