Considering IVF? Cost, Risk & Success Rate
What are the costs, risks and success rate of IVF? If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive, your fertility specialist may recommend trying in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF can be expensive and time-consuming, it has helped many couples achieve their dreams of becoming parents.
What is IVF?
IVF is a fertility treatment that helps couples conceive a child. IVF stands for in vitro fertilization, and it's a process where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish. If the combination results in fertilization, the embryos are then transferred back into the woman's uterus to grow and develop.
When is IVF recommended?
IVF is one of the most common fertility treatments, and it's been used for more than 40 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 to 2 percent of all U.S. births annually are via IVF. IVF can be used to treat a variety of fertility issues, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male infertility, and ovulation problems.
What are my chances of getting pregnant with IVF?
IVF is a costly treatment, and it's not always successful. However, for couples who have been unable to conceive naturally, IVF can be a great option for starting a family. According to the CDC, the chance of having a baby after IVF ranges from 30 to 50 percent. With each cycle of IVF, the chances of success increase. Your doctor will counsel you on your chances of becoming pregnant based on your age and underlying fertility issues.
What is the cost of IVF?
If you're considering IVF, it's important to understand the cost and the potential risks and benefits. IVF can be expensive, and the cost varies depending on your location and the clinic you choose. The average cost of a single IVF cycle is around $12,000 to $15,000, but the total IVF cost of a cycle with medications is often closer to $20,000. IVF success rates and IVF success stories can also vary greatly.
IVF includes many stages and steps. It's not just the IVF procedure that can be costly; IVF requires multiple visits to a fertility clinic or reproductive center for monitoring throughout the process. During your initial consultation, you'll meet with a fertility specialist to discuss your options and the cost of IVF.
What are the risk of IVF?
IVF is a major medical procedure, and like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved. IVF can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, IVF can increase the risk of multiple births, which can pose a risk to both babies and mom. IVF doesn't always result in a baby, so IVF failure is also possible.
What do I do if I have more embryos than I need?
If you have had successful IVF treatment and have finished your family with more embryos than you needed consider donating your embryos. Direct embryo donation is simple and will bless the adoptive family. To learn more about direct embryo donation go to Donation Q and A.
What do I do if IVF Fails?
Sometimes IVF is not successful or you may not be comfortable pursuing IVF. Embryo adoption may be the answer for growing your family. To learn more about embryo adoption go to Embryo Adoption Project.
The costs, risks and success rate of IVF are often a huge factor when considering IVF. If IVF is successful for you, consider donating any embryos you do not use. If IVF is not successful, consider embryo adoption as an option to grow your family.