What Makes You Happy: The Contrast Between Expectations and Reality in Happiness

What Makes You Happy: The Contrast Between Expectations and Reality in Happiness

Happiness is a fleeting emotion, triggered by a contrast in circumstances. It is not about the amount of something, but the difference between what you have now and what you were just experiencing. Whether it's the taste of a glass of tap water when you're thirsty, the satisfaction of fast food when you're starving, or the relaxation of sitting on a couch after a long run, happiness comes from the contrast.

We adapt quickly to new circumstances, which is why happiness is temporary. Shackleton's second hot meal, second bath, and second night's sleep probably felt only 1% as amazing as the first. Expectations play a powerful role in our happiness, and it's important to keep them low. By putting as much effort into keeping expectations low as we do into improving our circumstances, we can find contentment and joy.

The fertility market is poised to explode due to the increasing prevalence of infertility. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people globally are affected by infertility at some point in their lives. The underlying causes of infertility are diverse, with one-third attributed to women, one-third to men, and one-third being a combination or unexplained. From 1987 to 2015, only 1 million babies were born in the United States using IVF or other assisted reproductive treatments.

The rise of infertility can be attributed to various factors, including modern lifestyles, gynecological conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The fertility industry has predominantly marketed to women, neglecting the fact that male factor infertility is the exclusive cause in around one-third of cases. Simple lifestyle changes, such as adopting a Mediterranean-style diet and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can help improve fertility.

The cost of infertility treatment is often prohibitive, especially for those without high incomes. Direct medical costs for a single round of IVF can exceed the annual income of individuals in low and middle-income countries. The lack of insurance coverage, limited availability of reproductive specialists, and scarcity of clinics in certain areas contribute to the high cost.

To make fertility treatments more affordable, there needs to be a shift in health delivery. Large-scale consolidated labs can bring down prices by providing efficient and cost-effective services to multiple clinics. Encouraging women to freeze their eggs at a younger age and offering cost-sharing programs can also help reduce the financial burden.

The fertility industry is heavily influenced by private equity firms, with fertility being the medical specialty with the greatest market share owned by such firms. Consolidation has limited competition and choice for patients, while financial incentives for clinicians can lead to a lack of justification for remaining in their posts. Add-ons and unnecessary procedures further drive up the cost of IVF, even though their effectiveness is questionable.

Infertility is still not recognized as a disease in the United States, despite being classified as such by the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association. There is no federal agency managing infertility, and no law requires payors or other entities to cover its treatment. This lack of recognition and coverage contributes to the view that infertility treatments are optional rather than essential.

Miscarriages are a common occurrence, affecting as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies. Managing a miscarriage can involve expectant management or an abortion, depending on the circumstances. Ectopic pregnancies, which occur when the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus, require abortion to manage. Personhood laws without specific exceptions for IVF can restrict the creation and disposal of embryos, leading to potential legal complications.

Innovations in the embryology lab offer potential solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiency in IVF. Mini lab-on-a-chip technology, developed within university labs, can revolutionize the process. Additionally, providing emotional and financial support to patients and creating connections with others going through similar experiences can make IVF more bearable.

In conclusion, happiness is found in the contrast between expectations and reality. The fertility market is expected to grow due to the increasing prevalence of infertility, but affordability remains a major issue. By addressing the high costs, lack of coverage, and unnecessary procedures, we can make fertility treatments more accessible. Three actionable pieces of advice to consider are: 1) Keep expectations low to find contentment in your current circumstances, 2) Make simple lifestyle changes to improve fertility, such as adopting a healthier diet and avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and 3) Advocate for the recognition and coverage of infertility as a disease to ensure access to essential treatments.