The initials IVF stand for in vitro fertilization, a treatment for infertility. During the process women are given drugs to stimulate production of extra eggs. Egg growth is checked via ultrasounds and blood work. Once the eggs have ripened as determined by hormone level checks, they are harvested under anesthesia. The woman's eggs are fertilized with her partner's sperm. Once fertilized, they become embryos. Embryos are placed back in the woman's body via guided ultrasound where they may develop into a fetus. Costs for IVF vary greatly depending on a wide variety of factors.
Standard Fees
As part of the IVF process you will be charged for a wide variety of services including blood work, ultrasounds, a doctor's fee and fees for an anesthesiologist. You may be charged additionally for egg preservation and storage as well as a hospital admitting fee. These costs vary by facility. A standard IVF cycle with no additional charges such as extra fertility drugs can cost about $10,000.
Location
The average cost of IVF treatment varies depending on the location of the facility and the reputation of the doctor. A specialist in fertility treatment is called a reproductive endocrinologist. You may be charged a consultation fee just to speak with the RE. A small-town RE who only sees a few patients each month may charge less money because the demand for his services isn't large. A world-renowned facility such the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine in Englewood, Colorado, may charge more money because their success rates are higher. Some fertility centers have a huge research component. Centers such the Cornell Weill Center for Reproductive Medicine in New York City may charge less because the emphasis of the center is on research rather than profit.
Medication Costs
IVF may cost more if the female patient needs more drugs to stimulate her ovaries. A single day's medication can cost over $500. If a patient needs 10 days of medication that's $5,000. Drugs are not included in the base price of an IVF.
Male Factor Treatment
Men who have sperm production or quality problems may need a procedure called ICSI, or intra cytoplasmic sperm injection, where a single sperm is injected into the egg. This can add an additional $1,500 to $2,000 per IVF attempt.
Donor Eggs
If a woman has egg quality issues she may need to use an egg donor. An egg donor donates her eggs for an IVF cycle. The eggs are harvested from the donor and fertilized with the recipient's partner's sperm. The resulting embryos are then placed back in the woman's body. Most egg donors can expect compensation from $4,000 to $8,000. This fee is on top of standard IVF fees, making the total cost roughly $30,000 for a cycle.
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