Optimize Your Fertility: Evaluation and Infertility Treatment Options

Infertility affects 6.1 million American men and women. Fortunately, advances in medicine have helped many of these couples start families. Today, effective medical treatments exist for every type of infertility problem you might encounter giving infertile couples more treatment options than ever before. If you have trouble getting pregnant and have decided to seek treatment, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best options for you.

Typically, your doctor will review you and your partner’s, medical histories. He will discuss topics with you such as your family medical history, your surgical history, as well as discussing your current sexual practices. In addition, your doctor will also perform a physical exam. Based on your medical and lifestyle history, your doctor will conduct some basic tests, including lab work, pelvic exam, pap smear, routine cultures for STD’s, and usually a pelvic ultrasound. Your partner will also be examined; he will need to provide a semen sample for analysis, and possible blood tests.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,

Affordable Family Health Insurance For Children and Students

Health insurance is a complex area and it’s very easy to overlook the special needs of children and students. Finding an affordable health insurance plan that fits your needs is not always easy but, with some guidance, it is possible.

Nearly 10 years ago now Congress passed a plan entitled Title XXI, or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program [SCHIP]. This plan was aimed at dealing with the growing number of children in the United States living without any form of health insurance. Unfortunately, for many families, their income is not sufficient to afford private health insurance but is too high to apply for Medicaid. Under this state plan however the family is charged a maximum of 5% of their gross annual income and, in many cases, can receive medical treatment at no cost at all.

The cover provided under this program varies from state to state, but all states must provide a minimum of cover including such things as well-baby and well-child physicals, immunization and emergency services.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,