Campaign Story

My name is Tara, and I have PCOS. I’ve struggled with having PCOS for over ten years and the side effects from weight gain, irregular periods, and infertility. My body doesn’t ovulate unless on medication (Clomid or Letrozole). In 2016, when Lou and I were trying to conceive, I was put on Clomid and got pregnant in the first round with our daughter Ava who is now four years old.
We have been trying to expand our family for baby #2 for about three years now. We tried naturally for a few months, and then my doctor put me on Clomid. I had high hopes for Clomid since it worked the first time, but unfortunately, after eight months, it was unsuccessful. After being on Clomid for so long, we decided to give it a little break because of the heartache. When Covid hit, we went back to trying naturally, and then after a few months, I went back to the doctor, and she put me on Letrozole. After being on Letrozole for over six months, my OB doctor referred me to see a fertility clinic.
From April-May, we completed all fertility testing, and everything from lab work to ultrasounds looked good. The doctor suggested trying IUI for a few cycles or said we could go straight to IVF since we’ve done so many months of medication.
We have decided to go the less expensive route and are now trying IUI this month (July). I am a teacher while also going to school for my doctorate in educational leadership, and my husband is currently in school and working part-time as a nurse intern at our nearby hospital. My insurance hasn’t covered my fertility testing (about $1,200) and does not cover IUI treatments ($1,800 per cycle).
This has been such an emotional rollercoaster, but we are excited to try IUI and hope we can conceive.
We would love to expand our little family.