How Much Does In Vitro Fertilization Cost
An in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be the answer to pregnancy problems of one or both partners. Literally, "in vitro" is a Latin phrase that means "in glass." This procedure involves gathering eggs from the ovaries and mixing them with a sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilization takes place in the glass dish in the laboratory; hence, the name test tube baby was born. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one percent of all the infants born in the U.S. yearly are conceived using this technology.
However, the cost of IVF is not low. The question of how much is IVF has been asked by many couples who are getting hopes for this kind of procedure. This article will discuss how much does IVF cost.
Typical Cost Of IVF
The usual cost of IVF ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 for one cycle.
Included In The Price Of IVF
The price includes one cycle of IVF, which means reproductive cycle monitoring, administering of drugs, harvesting eggs and sperms, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and implanting them to the uterus. This also includes all laboratory and professional fees.
Consider These Factors
Age. Take note that IVF is not always a successful venture. Usually, the success rate falls down when a woman becomes older. Those who are under 30 have one in four chances of success with this technology while women over 40 have one in ten chance of success.
Number of IVF cycles needed. Gaining success in IVF is not usually a one-shot basis. At times, couples undergo multiple IVF cycles to successfully conceive a baby. There are lucky women who successfully conceive after one IVF cycle but other women may need to undergo two to six cycles to succeed. Unfortunately, there are some women who are unable to conceive despite multiple IVF cycles. If the average cost of IVF is $12,500, you’ll spend $25,000 for two cycles and the price goes higher the more IVF treatment cycles you undergo.
Payment and refund programs. Some fertility clinics offer payment programs that make the treatment more affordable for you. Others have refund programs where you are required to pay $20,000 to $30,000 but the clinic will refund some of your money in case you don't get pregnant after three to four IVF cycles.
Additional In Vitro Fertilization Costs
Additional assisted reproductive technologies in line with IVF cost extra. This includes treatments like ICSI, assisted hatching, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), in vitro maturation, and the like. An ICSI treatment may be around $1,000 to $1,500 while PGD can cost $3,000 or more.
Embryo freezing can also add up to the cost of IVF. This involves initial freezing and storage of good quality embryos that can be used in the future.
Getting an egg or sperm donor can also mean an additional cost. An egg donor can be priced from $25,000 to $30,000 per cycle while a sperm donor can be $13,000 to $17,000 per IVF cycle.
Tips Before You Consider IVF
Understand that IVF is not for everyone. Talk with a medical professional regarding this option and see your chances of success. The Baby Center website has a complete line of information regarding IVF including how it's done, the treatment process, the success rate, and pros and cons.
Make sure to get a qualified professional to help you with the procedure. IVF.net lists all clinics around the world that specialize in IVF. Take note that choosing a good clinic and physician to do the job for you can increase your chances of safety and success with this treatment method. Infertility Resources for Consumers also has a wide database of infertility IVF clinics all over the United Sates. Parents.com, on the other hand, lists the 10 best fertility centers today.
Before signing up with a fertility clinic, make sure you have a written copy of the inclusions and terms and conditions of the IVF procedure. This is especially true if you are getting payment or refund programs in line with the IVF treatment.
Not all insurance plans provide coverage for IVF treatments. However, 15 states in the U.S. mandate infertility insurance coverage that can help you manage the cost of IVF. GrowingFamilyBenefits.com lists all the states and their laws mandating infertility insurance coverage.