Couples who are struggling with the problem of infertility would naturally consider some form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, because of the many reports about IVF, many of these people would first want to know how much in vitro fertilization cost before taking the plunge.
This is understandable. However, if you are searching to know the cost of IVF, it will interest you to know that ivf cost varies depending on your location and circumstances.
For example, as of December 2012, the American Society of Reproductive medicine put the average cost of an in vitro fertilization cycle at $12,400. But the exact cost may actually depend on what is included in the quote like fertility drug purchases, ultrasound and monitoring costs, blood work, insurance, etc.
In some other places around the globe this cost may be lower. However, if you want to take IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment abroad it is important that you research the subject very well before committing to it. During my search on this subject I found this site with an online calculate that will help you know how much in vitro fertilization will possibly cost you in the UK.
Making IVF Treatment More Affordable
Though many media reports put IVF infertility treatment cost very high the truth is that many fertility clinics offer payment programs that make IVF treatment really affordable. So, before you consider other less expensive infertility treatment options make sure that you have talked to your clinic about the options open to you.
in vitro fertilization costSome clinics have IVF refund programs. These work in such a way that you pay a set fee, usually between $20,000 and $30,000, and the clinic refund part of your money if you do not get pregnant after three or four IVF treatment cycles. Of course, not all couples qualify, and the terms vary from clinic to clinic.
Also, some 15 states in the United States require insurance companies to provide coverage for fertility treatments. So, if you have health insurance through your employer in these states, the chances are that you are already covered for fertility treatments!
One thing you must note however when considering the cost of in vitro fertilization is not to confuse micro-IVF, or mini-IVF, with regular IVF treatment. While Micro-IV, which is a relatively new approach to fertility treatment, uses lower doses of fertility drugs and involves less monitoring of the growing embryos before transfer. Regular IVF treatments involve more than these. Micro-IVF, on average, costs about $5,000 and it’s not for everyone but better suited for couples looking to try IUI treatment and success rates for Micro-IVF are unclear.
IVF and Infertility Treatments
Though there are many options for treating infertility problems, IVF has been found to give more effectiveness compared to other options. For example, while an intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be much less expensive than an in vitro fertilization (IVF), it has been proven that the chances of getting pregnant the first time may be much higher with IVF.
This means therefore that when considering the cost of IVF as against other forms of infertility treatment, you should first consider the effectiveness of the option. Also, do not choose a fertility clinic based only on the cost. You should also consider their success rates. If an IVF clinic has a very low price, but their success rates are low and multiple cycles are needed to achieve a pregnancy, then choosing the cheaper IVF clinic isn’t worth it.
Conclusion
Indeed, infertility is a problem in many societies today with the Department of Health and Human Services in the US putting the approximate number of infertile couples in the USA at a conservative rate of 10% and 15%.
You mustnt allow the high cost of in vitro fertilization stop you from getting help. Click here for some of our recommended resources that will help you if you are concerned with how much in vitro fertilization will cost you.