Infertility is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In the US, around 19% of women are diagnosed with infertility.
Still, for those looking to start a family, various fertility treatments are available to help them achieve this goal. Ordinarily, the cost of infertility treatment varies depending on the type and length of treatment needed.
To understand the full scope of potential costs associated with infertility treatment, one must look at some common options and how much they are typically priced in today’s market.
The prices listed below are based on a national average, but they vary significantly from state to state, depending on the demand for fertility treatments.
Fertility Treatment Cost
The fertility treatment cost heavily depends on the state and the health provider. Yet, another major factor is what kind of treatment the partners might need.
Sometimes, the issues can be improved only with medicine or minor surgical procedures.
The cost of fertiliy medications can vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of treatment. For example, a 30-day supply of clomiphene may cost an average of $100, while a single cycle of gonadotropins might cost up to $6,000.
Alternatively, in case of specific health problems impacting fertility, corrective surgical procedures might increase the chances of conception. Depending on the procedure and other factors, such surgeries range between $2,000 to $10,000.
However, most couples struggling with infertility must turn to advanced fertility treatments. According to CDC data, over 330,000 couples underwent assisted reproductive technology cycles in 2019.
The most common advanced fertility treatment options are:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Egg freezing
These procedures have different variants, with costs ranging from $300 to $30,000.
Health insurance plans may cover some or all these treatments depending upon specific criteria being met. Therefore, it pays off to research beforehand to understand precisely what type of coverage your insurance policy offers.
Fertility Clinic Costs
The costs associated with fertility clinics significantly impact the overall cost of infertility treatment.
Apart from the fertility treatment cost, fertility clinics also charge fees for laboratory tests, and follow-up doctor appointments. Moreover, many fertility clinics have additional fees for other procedures, such as the storage of embryos, if patients choose that option.
So, for instance, an appointment with a reproductive endocrine fertility specialist ranges between $200-400. The price for a sperm test is $50 to $300.
More complex procedures and tests might run at a much higher price. Thus, the estimated cost of a hysterosalpingogram is between $800 and $3000.
However, health insurance plans often cover many of these tests and appointments.
How much does Fertility Testing Cost?
Fertility testing is essential in determining the best course of action for those looking to conceive a child.
Testing can provide insight into potential causes of infertility, help identify any risk factors that may be present, and determine if any underlying medical conditions could be affecting one’s ability to become pregnant or carry a baby full-term.
The expenses associated with fertility testing will vary depending on the state, what type of tests are being done, and the provider.
So how much does fertility testing cost?
Infertility evaluation can be expensive, but it is necessary for determining the next steps. Many family planning services provide consultations on which tests couples should do.
The most common fertility tests for men and their costs include:
Test | Average cost |
Semen analysis | $50-300 |
Blood tests | $200-400 |
Hormone testing | $800-1,500 |
$100-2,000 | |
Testicular biopsy | $3,000-6,000 |
The most common test that women do, and their prices are:
Test | Average cost |
Pelvic ultrasound | $150-500 |
Blood tests | $200-400 |
Hormone testing | $800-1,500 |
Hysterosalpingogram | $800-3,000 |
Genetic testing | $100-2,000 |
The Average Cost of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced fertility treatment that has helped many couples achieve their dreams of starting a family. Globally, over 2.5 million IVF cycles are performed each year.
The process involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them outside the body with sperm from a partner (or a donor), and then transferring them back into the uterus for implantation.
In the US, IVS’s success rate is measured separately depending on the woman’s age. Hence, the results show the following:
Age of women | Success rate |
< 35 | 41.6% |
35 – 37 | 29.6% |
38 – 40 | 18.7% |
41 – 42 | 9.2% |
> 42 | 2.8% |
The average cost of IVF is quoted at $12,000 to $14,000 for a single cycle. However, this is typically only the base fee which doesn’t cover all additional expenses associated with IVF.
Therefore, at some clinics, this fee wouldn’t cover the cost of injectable hormones, priced between $3,000 to $6,000.
Egg retrieval is typically included in the base fee. However, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) comes at an additional $2,000.
Some clinics also include free egg storage, but almost none provide egg-freezing services. Usually, the cost of embryo cryopreservation is around $1,000 to $2,000.
Apart from a full IVF cycle, couples can also opt for a minimal stimulation cycle in vitro fertilization or mini IVF. This procedure is done with minimal medications and is less expensive.
Thus, one cycle of mini-IVF costs around $5,000 to $6,000, not including medications. The fee of the fertility drugs used in this procedure can vary significantly, depending on whether the patient takes oral medicine, which can cost $50, or whether they get injectable hormones for about $1,000 to $2,000.
Some couples might need to receive donor eggs to perform IVF. The price for such a procedure depends on what the clinic offers.
Typically, an IVF cycle with frozen donor eggs costs around $14,000 to $20,000 but can cost even more. On the other hand, if the procedure is done with fresh donor eggs, it can cost between $27,000 and $47,000.
Usually, these prices represent the base fee for the procedure. So, consulting with the clinic about what is included in an egg donor cycle and the additional costs is vital.
On a Final Note
The cost of infertility treatment in the US heavily depends on the provider, the state, and the insurance policy.
Infertility insurance coverage typically relies on the coverage options that the company provides. Place of residence is also another critical factor.
Employers are required to offer infertility insurance as a benefit by law in 20 states. However, state laws vary regarding which procedures must be covered and who is eligible for coverage.
Family support services can provide additional guidance in reducing costs and alternative options for starting a family for couples overwhelmed by fertility treatment costs.
