In Vitro Fertilization Cost

In Vitro Fertilization Cost

In vitro fertilization brings hope to couples who have long been wanting to have their own child but couldn’t because of infertility problems. The average in vitro fertilization cost  in the United States is about $12,000.  This amount just covers routine procedures of this multi-step process.  Additional costs may be added if  additional  medications and procedures outside regular procedures will be required by the physician or if the couple would want to avail of other services outside of the regular IVF procedure.

Before the actual start of in vitro fertilization partners go through a screening process.  If screening results are satisfactory the actual IVF procedure starts with the woman being injected with a medication that would stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple follicles.  It is in these follicles where the eggs develop and grow.  Through ultrasound and blood tests the growth of the eggs is monitored.  Once the hormone levels indicate that the eggs have ripened, the eggs are aspirated from the ovaries.  The eggs are then fertilized with the partner’s sperms in the laboratory.  Fertilization will form a zygote which develops into an embryo.  After being cultured in the laboratory for two to six days, the embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus where it will develop into a fetus and hopefully into a healthy infant  in 9 months. An additional cost of around $ 500 a day might be added to in vitro fertilization cost if the woman would need additional medication  to stimulate her ovaries.  In vitro fertilization cost will also increase by $1,000 to $1,500 for  a special  procedure if there are problems with the male sperm’s quality.

With advances in artificial reproductive technology specifically in vitro fertilization, couples now have more chances of being blessed with a child of their own.  In vitro fertilization cost maybe a bit too high for some but when you think about it, isn’t it is too small a price to pay for something that is priceless…life?