Cost of In Vitro Fertilization

When estimating the cost of in vitro fertilization, there are several factors that you may want to consider:

• any prior infertility treatment - usually, other treatments are tried before considering IVF, including the use of fertility drugs and maybe even surgery. Each of these treatment modalities have their own associated cost
• location of the Fertility Clinic and any travel required - if travel is required, and overnights stays, transportation, food and lodging costs can add to your overalls IVF expenditures
• time loss at work related to appointment and treatments - there is some time required for testing, counselling, and treatment, which means time away from work. Availability of sick time, paid time off or Family Medical Leave can be factored into costs, as well.
• actual IVF cost - the actual cost of the IVF is from $10,000 to 15,000 per treatment cycle. The success rate average if 35%, indicating it may take up to three attempts, or more, to achieve conception and viable pregnancy.

Fortunately, insurance does assist with some costs associated with fertility treatment, and other financing options are available. Talk to your Fertility Clinic about the costs of your fertility treatment and ways that you can finance your infertility care.

Donor Sperm and Artificial Insemination

Sperm is a necessary component for reproduction. There are times when a man is unable to utilize his own sperm, either due to medical conditions which limit sperm production or quality, or due to hereditary diseases he does not want to perpetuate.

In such cases, donor sperm can be utilized to achieve pregnancy through the use of artificial insemination - a type of assistive reproductive technology which involves the use of donated sperm. Sperm donation is the key to conceiving for couples and single women who would otherwise be unable to have a child.

Like egg donation, each sperm donor is evaluated prior to the acceptance of the donation. The sperm is then tested, prepared and concentrated, prior to being utilized, to ensure that viable sperm are being used to aid in successful conception.

The laws vary from state to state with regards to the legal rights or responsibilities of sperm donors, so it is best to check with a Fertility Specialist in your area before proceeding with artificial insemination through sperm donation.

Alternatives to In Vitro Fertilization

Since IVF is not the first line treatment for infertility, there are other available options. Some of these options include:

• hormonal therapy - sometimes it is a hormonal imbalance that is preventing conception, and correction of this imbalance can result in successful pregnancy
• surgical intervention - if structural problems, such as blocked fallopian tubes or blockage of sperm ducts, are contributing to infertility, repair of these reproductive parts can successfully promote conception
• treatment of external causes - if acquired infection, radiation treatment for cancer or other externally generated cause of infertility is present, correction of these causes can aid in correcting infertility
• alleviation of medical conditions - cysts on the ovaries or testes, diabetes, pituitary tumor or other medical conditions can contribute to infertility and, when corrected, the result is a successful pregnancy and delivery
• counselling or therapy - if emotional factors are contributing to infertility, such as fear of failure, depression or anxiety resulting in erectile dysfunction or painful intercourse, counselling or other psychotherapy can help to relieve these symptoms, and promote sexual function and fertility
• other assistive reproductive technologies - intrauterine or intrafallopian insemination involve placement of sperm directly into the uterus or fallopian tubes during ovulation.