Thousands of California couples seek to start a family every year. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often an effective procedure for families struggling to become pregnant. However, it is important to understand the potential costs of IVF before heading down this road.
What is IVF?
In IVF, medical professionals collect eggs from a person’s ovaries and fertilize them with sperm in a laboratory. They transfer the resulting embryos into a uterus for implantation and development. They may freeze some of the embryos for later use.
Because fertilization happens in the lab, IVF offers a possible solution for several situations. Doctors developed the treatment to help heterosexual couples struggling with infertility; however, it can also benefit same-sex couples hoping to start a biologically related family.
The basic cost of IVF
When couples look at IVF as an option, they may find a variety of estimates from clinic to clinic. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine puts the average cost for a single cycle at $12,400. However, clinics may charge up to $25,000 depending on their services and support.
Couples must also understand that they may not have a successful pregnancy in the first round of treatment. Ensuing rounds are generally less expensive because they will use frozen embryos produced in the first attempt. These additional implantation attempts cost $7,000 on average.
Additional financial considerations
The full IVF process can involve several procedures along the way to a successful pregnancy. Some clinics may include genetic testing as part of their IVF package, but others list it as a separate expense.
If neither of the parents can carry a child to term, the expenses for the procedure will increase. Fertility and surrogacy services involve additional legal and agency fees while seeking a suitable gestational carrier.
Cost is a critical concern when considering IVF. It’s a good idea for couples to learn what the clinic offers, their insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket costs before setting an appointment.