There are several treatments that your doctor may suggest, depending on the factors contributing to your infertility. IVF is the most commonly known, but ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, donor eggs or sperm, and surrogacy are options that you can discuss with your doctor.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The most popular treatment is IVF which is a procedure that retrieves mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizes them with sperm in a lab before transferring the embryo into the uterus. The cost of IVF can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including location, clinic, and individual circumstances. In general, the cost of a single cycle of IVF can range from around $5,495 to $25,000 in the United States, although some clinics may offer lower-cost options. Additional costs can include medications, testing, and other related expenses. Insurance coverage for IVF varies by state and by insurance plan, and many plans do not cover the full cost of the procedure. It is important to research and compare IVF costs of different clinics and options, as well as to check with your insurance provider about coverage options and limitations.
Ovulation induction: Fertility medication stimulates the release of one or more eggs from the ovary for women who may not be ovulating or ovulate irregularly. The cost of medications used for ovulation induction, such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, can also vary widely depending on the dose, the duration of treatment, and other factors. In the United States, the cost of clomiphene citrate can range from around $30 to $100 per cycle, while the cost of gonadotropins can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per cycle.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI entails placing concentrated sperm into a woman’s uterus. This may be used in conjunction with ovulation induction. In the United States, the cost of a single IUI cycle can range from around $500 to $4,000 or more.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected into the center of an egg to help the sperm fertilize the egg. ICSI is done in conjunction with IVF to transfer the embryo into the woman’s uterus. In the United States, the cost of a single cycle of IVF with ICSI can range from around $12,000 to $25,000 or more.
Donor eggs or sperm: Egg or sperm donation allows one of the parents to keep the genetic link to the sperm. This is also beneficial for same-sex couples or single parents. The process would be done in conjunction with IVF. In the United States, the cost of a single cycle of IVF with donor eggs can range from around $25,000 to $40,000 or more. With donor sperm, the cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Surrogacy: Surrogate mothers are impregnated through IVF, which fertilizes eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as finding a surrogate mother, medical procedures and treatments, legal fees and contracts, and compensation and expenses for the surrogate mother. It is important to consult with a reputable surrogacy agency or attorney to understand the legal requirements and options for surrogacy in your location. In general, the cost of surrogacy can range from around $50,000 to $150,000 or more.
While there are many options with varying levels of price points, it’s important to consult a fertility specialist to understand each option and decide on the treatment most suitable for you.
