In-Vitro Fertilization Stages & Costs
It has become more common to hear about the practice of IVF, in-vitro fertilization, particularly after the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that states frozen embryos are children. For many of us, we start a bit later due to careers, life challenges, or just not meeting the right person until a bit later, and we find we need a bit of help. Having gone through this process myself, I can tell you that we are not alone, “about 2% of births in the US results from IVF. Over 8 million babies have been born using this technology.”says Dr. Zev Williams, director of the Columbia University Fertility Center. In the quest for parenthood, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) stands out as one of the most effective yet complex and resource-intensive fertility treatments available. Understanding both the financial and time commitments required for IVF is crucial for those considering this path. Here's a closer look at the stages of IVF, highlighting the costs and time investments involved, along with personal insights from my journey. You can also find my opinions on the Alabama Supreme Court Ruling here.
Initial Consultation:
This preliminary phase can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the specific tests required and the scheduling availability of the clinic. The good news is that Many of these tests may be done with your OBGYN before they refer you to a fertility specialist.
Before the IVF process begins, couples undergo thorough medical examinations, including fertility assessments. This stage can cost between $300 and $800 for the consultation (before insurance), with additional testing ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the extent and types of tests required as well as the location.
Typically, if IVF is necessary, the woman will be put on birth control and the couple will be given a package price for the upcoming cycle that they review and agree too.
This can be an emotional and stressful time, you might feel sad about the process, concerned about outcomes, and worried about finances. If possible, make sure that you and your partner have a time to check in and be open about worries and concerns. You will have many decisions to make in this process and open communication is going to be critical. I remember a conversation with my husband where I wanted to stop and he told me, “you promised you would try everything.” It was hard but I’m grateful we pushed through.
Ovarian Stimulation
The stimulation phase lasts about 10 to 14 days, during which the patient must take medication and attend multiple monitoring appointments.
This involves the use of medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The drugs alone can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per cycle.
During this phase the woman needs to go for bloodwork about everyother day, if you are far from the clinic, talk to your Doctors about easier ways to get through this process. Note, you will need to inject yourself with the medications from home so plan accordingly for travel etc. at work. I recall waiting in line in another city as I had forgotten critical medication while traveling for work - what a nightmare!
Egg Retrieval Procedure:
The retrieval itself is a short procedure, typically lasting about 30 minutes, but it requires a full day for preparation and recovery. Patients often take a day or two off from work or daily activities for this stage.
Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved through a surgical procedure. The cost for the retrieval process can range from $2,500 to $5,000, not including anesthesia and facility fees.
While this, for me, was one of the easier things (they put you under so really you don’t do much), it was tough to schedule. You typically don’t know exactly when you will be out until the week of, so planning ahead at work is really tough. It's a long day with anesthesia and you will need to coordinate closely with schedules. It is for this reason that people sometimes tell employers what they are doing.
Laboratory Fertilization and Embryo Culture:
Embryo Culture: Following retrieval, the embryos are cultured in the lab for about 5 to 6 days before being ready for transfer. You may want to have your embryos tested for genetic viability during this phase which will increase overall costs.
Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved through a surgical procedure. The cost for the retrieval process can range from $2,500 to $5,000, not including anesthesia and facility fees.
This can be an emotional time for everyone. Doctors will call and tell you how many eggs were harvested, and then there is a waiting period until you learn how many were cultured successfully and again, how many were genetically viable, should you choose to test. This is time of hope, and fear. Again, be sure you are ready to talk to your partner and that you have time to do this. There won’t be many you feel you can talk to this about so strong partner communication is critical.
Embryo Transfer:
The transfer procedure is quick, generally taking less than an hour, but it may be followed by a period of rest. Patients are usually advised to remain in the room as long as they feel comfortable and then to take it easy for the remainder of the day.
The final step involves transferring one or more embryos into the uterus. This can cost around $2,000 to $4,000.
Again, the transfer is fairly easy. The following weeks are full of hope and questioning. It is difficult to put it out of your mind and focus on other things in your life. It is helpful to have a supporting team to talk to for this and coming days of joy and disappointment, whatever awaits you.
Overall, from the start of ovarian stimulation to the embryo transfer, the IVF process spans approximately 4 to 6 weeks for one cycle and costs can range from $12,000-$25,000. However, this does not account for the time spent in initial consultations and testing. Additionally, it's important to note that it may take multiple IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, further extending the time and financial commitments involved.
Navigating IVF requires a substantial investment of both time and money, highlighting the importance of thorough planning and consideration for those embarking on this journey to parenthood. Be ready for an emotional ride where you and your partner must support one another through ups and downs all the way. If successful, it is only the beginning of a wonderful journey where you will continue to support and challenge each other.
