IVF Cost

Components of IVF Cost – Is It Cheaper Than Tubal Reversal?

The decision to have a baby again after having tubal ligation is a real crossroads moment. The decision then raises the question of how to really achieve your dream. Although tubal ligation reversal surgery is one option, the better know procedure is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. Of course as with all such medical treatments, there are risks, costs and failures. IVF is no different and IVF cost really requires a detailed examination by anyone considering this method as an option.

ovum cold color IVF 300x225 IVF CostWhile many women may look at the IVF cost first the prime question most women should look towards is how successful is In Vitro Fertilization? This is quite easily answered. Since IVF has been around a while there are lots of figures and studies around, which are pretty consistent in their results.

The main factor you have to consider in its success, which influences the IVF cost, is age. For those under 30, IVF success rates are around 28-30%. Remember that this is for each treatment cycle. So essentially, for every IVF process done, there is a 2 in 3 chance that it will fail. The full figures are below. This is from a UK institution, the HFEA (Human Fertilization & Embryology Authority), but is similar to the CDC figures from 2008:

  • 29.6% for women under 35 years old;
  • 23.6% for women aged 35 – 37 years old;
  • 8.2% for women aged 38 – 39 years old;
  • 10.0% for women aged 40 – 42 years old;
  • 3.2% for women aged 43 – 44 years old;
  • 0.8% for women aged over 44 years

To find the actual IVF price itself is also a complicated animal having quite a few parts to it. It is well to be aware of the various parts and to be certain they are included in any price you are quoted. Unfortunately many quoted figures for treatment only include for the actual treatment itself and not all the ancillaries around it. While IVF fees for the treatment average around $12,000 in the US the other items below can vary depending on the surgery or medical center.

  • First consultation – up to 10% of fee ($1,200)
  • Sperm injection into the egg – 25-40% of treatment ($3,000 to $4,800)
  • Hormonal drugs for stimulating the ovaries – 20-80% ($2,400 to $9,600)
  • Embryo freezing if you wish to store addition eggs for future treatments – 20-100% ($2,400 to $12,000)

These are the main additions you could face if not included in the fee and the IVF medication costs is one of the most variable and expensive not to mention the potential for harm from these. So at the worst if all of these, except embryo storage, had to be added on top of the basic fee you could be looking at up to $27,600, taking the highest percentages.

The lesson is to shop around the medical and fertility centers. They will compete and each will offer specific packages with different inclusions.

The other vital piece of the IVF calculation is that the total IVF expense may be much higher. The basic cost is for only one treatment cycle. You have to weigh this up against the success rates. So if under 30 and looking at 30% success rates, you may have to undergo 3 or 4 treatments before impregnation happens and the fetus is viable. That adds up to a minimum of around $36,000 to $48,000 to find.

There is a fine balancing act to be done with IVF, the success rates, the costs and fate. It may be that one treatment may be all that is needed if you are lucky and therefore your fees are what you would expect.

But, if you go the full course of statistics before pregnancy happens then the costs soon mount as well. It is well worth remembering, that IVF cost does not end with impregnation. Your care and well being has to continue for the full term. You will want the full story and a strong healthy baby after all.

To consider IVF as the alternative you choose is something not to be taken lightly. The success rates are not favorable to emotional stability and instant happiness. If failure happens, it may happen much later in the pregnancy, or even at the last hurdle of childbirth. Miscarriages and still births are a possible outcome of a treatment failure as well. This is the bitterest pill to swallow in the whole procedure. The actual human aspect for all to see and a real slap in the face reminder of the torrid path you may have to endure before full happiness is realized. Not everything is a matter of money and statistics of the IVF cost.