If you are considering in vitro fertilization (IVF), one of the most important things to consider is the cost of treatment. IVF is one of the most powerful fertility treatments available, but the cost of treatment can be significant. Below, we will take a look at what you can expect with IVF, as well as the common costs of a regular IVF cycle.

What to Expect During a Regular IVF Cycle

Each IVF cycle begins on the first day of the woman's menstrual cycle. Once full flow bleeding begins, the patient informs the office. On day 2 or 3, she comes in for a blood test and ultrasound. In some cases, the woman will begin taking injections of gonadotropin medications containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which induces the ovaries to produce new eggs. In other cases, she may take several days of birth control first. Once the fertility medication has been taken for several days, a new ultrasound and blood test are performed, and the medication can be adjusted as necessary. More medications are added to prevent premature ovulation, then trigger medications are given. The egg retrieval is performed two days after the trigger injection. The eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using sperm from the male partner or from a donor. The woman receives progesterone to help prepare her for the pregnancy. The embryos are examined so that the healthiest embryos are transferred, giving the best chances of pregnancy. Five days later, the embryo is transferred to the uterus, and progesterone is continued. After eight days, pregnancy can be confirmed. If a woman has been through previous IVF cycles, she may have frozen embryos that are being used, in which case the treatment protocol is much different. IVF can also be performed with eggs that have previously been frozen.

Common Costs of a Regular IVF Cycle

In terms of the common costs of a regular IVF cycle, patients at IVF1 can expect to pay $20-25,000 for an IVF cycle. This includes the cost of medication, appointments, and all procedures and testing. In addition, this rate includes the cost of preimplantation genetic screening, in which embryos are examined to ensure that they appear normal and have the correct amount of chromosomes. By choosing only the highest quality embryos, we can help ensure that pregnancy is as likely to occur as possible.

Managing the Cost of Treatment

Couples who are considering IVF should discuss how they will manage the common costs of a regular IVF cycle, as well as how many cycles they are willing to go through to get pregnant. This is a highly personal decision. For some couples, the cost of IVF is relatively easy to manage, but for many it represents a challenge and a dilemma. Many people in Illinois are surprised to learn that they have insurance coverage that covers IVF. All people can purchase insurance that covers IVF though the Illinois Healthcare Exchange. IVF1 accepts virtually all insurance plans. For people who do not have insurance that covers fertility treatments, financing may be necessary. IVF1 offers infertility treatment financing. In some cases, it is possible to freeze extra embryos so that they can be used in future cycles, which is more affordable when it is possible. IVF1 produces hundreds of pregnancies through the use of frozen embryos. Pregnancy rates are high when transferring frozen embryos since IVF1 only freezes healthy embryos that have a high chance of being viable when thawed. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about whether or not IVF is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.