It’s no secret that IVF is an expensive procedure.  The costs incurred by one cycle of IVF are astronomical – and with a high failure rate, many women require multiple cycles to conceive.

The cost of IVF varies greatly from case to case, mostly due to the complicated breakdown of procedures and services that may or may not be required for different patients.  It’s important to understand that the final cost of having IVF depends on a number of factors, the most prominent being how many cycles each patient requires.

In the United States, IVF costs incurred for one cycle include:

• An initial consultation at your selected infertility center.  This may include testing for you and your partner, ultrasounds, sperm analysis, and administrative fees.
• Egg collection and embryo transfer fees from your doctor.  Egg retrieval will usually cost around $1,000.
• Fertilization, ultrasound and anesthetics fees from your embryologist.
• Intercytoplasmic sperm injection, which can often cost up to $1,500 per embryo.  ICSI, which involves direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, is not always necessary but is becoming more and more common as a standard part of IVF treatment.  You may choose to forego it.
• Hormones, which usually account for at least a quarter of the total cost.  The exact cost of the hormone portion of your treatment will depend on the exact hormones and doses you are prescribed.  The cost may also vary depending on how much your pharmacist charges.
• Embryo freezing.  Though some doctors include this fee with egg collection/embryo transfer fees, many charge for this separately and also tack on a yearly fee for embryo storage.  They may also charge for thawing when you decide to use them later on.
• Preimplantation genetic screening.  Though this is an optional procedure (and can cost around $3,000), it’s a smart choice for many couples with a history of genetic problems.
• Immunological therapies.  Another optional treatment, their effectiveness is debated.
• Regulatory fees.

The total cost of IVF usually ranges from about $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle, and unfortunately most women will experience a failed IVF, therefore requiring more than one cycle to conceive.  For women who choose to use donor eggs, IVF costs will generally be significantly higher depending on compensation for their donor.  Using a sperm donor will also incur extra costs.  Women who choose to use donor embryos (which are usually donated from previous IVF patients), IVF costs can come in as low as $7,000; this is because egg collection and fertilization costs are already covered.  Women who have set aside frozen eggs and embryos from previous cycles may also end up spending less on IVF.

The decision to undergo in-vitro fertilization is hard for any couple, and financial issues related to IVF can make having a child even more difficult.  IVF financing options are available, and it’s important for anyone thinking about IVF to discuss all options and procedures thoroughly with their doctor.  Potential patients are advised to explore their options: meet with several clinics and discuss ways to pay for IVF procedures with your physician and financial planner.  Knowing the basics of the treatment and being ready to make smart choices about IVF is the first step to success.

Further reading: A Doctor’s Response to the “Fertility Crisis”