Bringing a child into the world is a dream shared by many – yet for some, the journey to parenthood can be pretty challenging. In fact, about 9% of men and about 11% of women struggle with infertility.
But hope isn’t lost – fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) help couples struggling with infertility. But along with the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, there is a lot of confusion around the costs involved.
We understand that the financial landscape can be a little confusing, but understanding the costs associated with these treatments is crucial for those embarking on this journey. In today’s blog, we’ll talk about the typical costs – and what we’re able to offer here at Fertility Partnership.
Understanding Fertility Treatment Costs:
Fertility treatments can vary widely in cost depending on the type of procedure, the clinic, geographical location, and individual circumstances. In general, IVF tends to be the most expensive fertility treatment option, followed by IUI and other less invasive methods.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.
A “fresh” IVF cycle will cost $12,000 on average in the United States. This does not include medications that can run anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. In addition to this, you may also be interested in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and embryo freezing. Factors such as the need for additional procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or embryo freezing can further increase the cost.
Fertility Partnership is proud to offer one of the most affordable in vitro fertilization services throughout not only St. Louis but the region, starting at just $10,200.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
IUI is a less invasive fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. The cost of IUI is generally lower than IVF, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per cycle. However, multiple cycles are typically needed to achieve pregnancy, leading to cumulative costs.
Other Fertility Treatments:
Beyond IVF and IUI, there are a range of other fertility treatments available, including fertility medications, ovulation induction, and surgical procedures. The costs of these treatments can vary widely depending on the specific procedure and individual factors, but a doctor can help.
Affording Fertility Treatment:
While we’re proud to offer more affordable options, we understand that it’s still a financial undertaking for a family, and navigating the financial aspect can be daunting. Thankfully though – there are several options available to help make these treatments more affordable:
Insurance Coverage:
Some insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for fertility treatments, including IVF and IUI. But coverage varies widely between plans and states, and not all insurance types include fertility coverage. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand what treatments are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
Fertility Grants and Scholarships:
There are several organizations and foundations that offer fertility grants and scholarships to help couples to afford fertility treatments. These grants often have specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to research and apply to those that align with your circumstances.
Financing Options:
Many fertility clinics, including Fertility Partnership, offer financing options, such as payment plans or loans with as low as 0% APR, to help spread out the cost of treatment over time. Additionally, some clinics may offer discounts or package deals for multiple treatment cycles.
Choosing a More Affordable Clinic:
Frankly, some clinics charge more because they can. Whether this is due to competition, or otherwise – prices will vary clinic to clinic. To help you afford growing your family, we recommend doing your research and understanding the full cost at a range of clinics before making your decision.
While the cost of fertility treatment can be a barrier for many people, there are options available to help make these treatments more affordable. Understanding the costs associated with different fertility treatments, exploring insurance coverage and financial assistance programs, and discussing payment options with your fertility clinic can all help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with infertility.
Ultimately, the journey to parenthood is priceless, and with perseverance and support, many couples can overcome the obstacles and can realize their dream of starting a family.