Reproductive Health Care and Fertility Preservation

Schedule an appointment with a health care provider, such as a gynecologist, primary care physician, reproductive endocrinologist, or health care professional familiar with menstrual health. Discuss your reasons for seeking menstrual suppression and your medical history.

Find a health care provider knowledgeable about menstrual suppression and who accepts your health plan. You can find these providers with our Find a Doctor tool, or by calling 1-888-243-4420. 

Clearly explain your reasons for wanting to suppress your menstrual cycle. Your reasoning might include severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, or medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. It could also involve lifestyle factors, such as travel, sports, or personal preference.

Your health care provider will conduct a medical evaluation, including performing a physical exam and potentially ordering tests or imaging studies to assess underlying conditions.

Reviewing your contraception options

Your provider will explain the different hormonal therapy options available for menstrual suppression, which may include:

• Hormonal birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
• Contraceptive patches
• Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Contraceptive injections
• Other medications specifically designed for menstrual suppression

Work with your health care provider to choose the best method for menstrual suppression based on your medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and any specific health concerns. Consider each method's effectiveness, potential side effects, and ease of use.

If you and your provider agree on a method for menstrual suppression, your provider will write a prescription for the chosen medication or device. They'll provide instructions for using it, including dosages, administration, and any necessary follow-up appointments.

After you start menstrual suppression, your provider may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your response to the treatment. They'll assess any side effects and ensure that the chosen method successfully suppresses your menstrual cycle while maintaining overall health.

Your provider and pharmacist will work with your insurance company to determine which menstrual suppression medications your plan covers. Blue Cross doesn’t require authorization for menstrual suppression medications.

If a medication is prescribed, take it as directed by your health care provider. It's essential to take it consistently to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for menstrual suppression.

How much does menstrual suppression typically cost?

To see how much menstrual suppression costs, log into MyBlue and use our Medication Lookup tool to see your options.

Consult a health care provider to see if contraception, in addition to condoms, is right for you. Schedule an appointment with a health care provider, such as a gynecologist, primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or another health care professional specializing in reproductive health.

During the appointment, discuss your reasons for seeking contraception. This could include preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycles, managing menstrual pain, reducing acne, or addressing other health concerns.

Your health care provider will conduct a medical evaluation, which may involve discussing your medical history, preforming a physical examination, and potentially ordering tests or screenings to assess your health and determine the most suitable contraceptive options.

Your provider will explain the different contraceptive methods available. These methods can include:

• Hormonal contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, implants)
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Barrier methods (e.g., condoms, diaphragms)
• Non-hormonal methods

Together with your health care provider, decide on the most suitable contraceptive method based on your medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and any specific health concerns. Consider each method's effectiveness, potential side effects, and ease of use.

If you and your provider agree on a method for contraception, your provider will write a prescription for the chosen medication or device. They'll provide instructions for using it, including dosages, administration, and any necessary follow-up appointments. If you choose an IUD, your provider will implant it.

After you start the contraceptive, your provider may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your response to the treatment. They'll assess any side effects and ensure that the chosen method successfully meets your needs while maintaining your overall health.

Your provider and pharmacist will work with Blue Cross to determine which contraceptives are covered. Blue Cross doesn't require an authorization for contraception.

How much does contraception typically cost?

To see how much contraception costs, log in to MyBlue to use our Medication Lookup tool to see your options.

Coverage for members undergoing a treatment other than chemotherapy that is expected to render them permanently infertile (excluding voluntary sterilization):

One cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with gamete (egg) or embryo cryopreservation (up to 24 months. Please view our medical policy regarding criteria for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryopreservation.

• Frozen embryo transfer is covered when the embryo is transferred back to the member.

Gamete (sperm) collection and storage (up to 24 months) 


Gamete cryopreservation is also covered for members who have excess (supernumerary) eggs that can’t be fertilized (i.e., no sperm is able to be produced on the day of gamete retrieval, or there are too few sperm for the number of gametes retrieved on the day of egg retrieval) during a covered IVF cycle. Please view our medical policy regarding criteria for gamete cryopreservation.

Fertility preservation is a highly individualized process. Your health care team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and circumstances. They will guide you through the process, including medical assessments, hormone therapies, and preservation procedures. It's important to make informed decisions and plan for fertility preservation well in advance if you anticipate the need for gender-affirming care or other treatments that may affect your fertility.

To find an in-network reproductive endocrinologist, sign in to our Find a Doctor tool. Using in-network providers can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. If your preferred provider is not in-network, you may still be able to use your PPO plan, but you should understand the cost implications. You don’t need a referral to see an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Blue Cross will cover 24 months of cryopreservation; after this period, you will be required to cover these storage costs.

Consider legal aspects, such as consent and ownership, and consult an attorney who specializes in fertility law, especially if you’re preserving gametes (sperm or eggs) or embryos.