In Vitro Fertilization can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 for a single cycle. Since many couples need two or three cycles to achieve a healthy pregnancy, out of pocket costs can be close to $50,000. The required fees include the base fee of IVF which includes the egg retrieval, monitoring, and the embryo transfer which can range from $9,000-$15,000. This does not include medications which can cost an additional $3,000-$7,000 depending on the specific protocol. So, the base of IVF can be between $15,000 to $30,000 with medications. There is also extra fees that can include genetic testing, (which I have explained in a different post), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ISCI) which is where sperm is injected directly into the egg, and then there is the Frozen Embryo Transfer can cost another $3,000 to $7,000.  

       I knew that I needed to do genetic testing with my embryos, so my main focus was in looking for fertility clinics that are reasonable for the base fee as it sets the stage for the rest of the process. Unfortunately for me, being in Nebraska, this meant I would have to go out of state for treatment because the clinic here was not reasonable for my budget. I had stumbled across a company called CNY Fertility that has a bundle with medications that run $6,300 for the base fee AND medications. They also have an egg freezing package that is $4,800. After doing all the calculations, the bundle was one of the most financially sound decisions in this process. Making this decision was scary though since I would have to go out of state, but luckily, I am able to do all of my monitoring here and only travel out of state for the egg retrieval and embryo transfer. CNY has locations all over the US to reach as many people as possible who may not be able to afford traditional IVF treatment.  

        The whole aspect of having to do genetic testing has been the most frustrating part of this journey. I have to pay $3,500 so that they can create the probe. Then there is a $450 price for EACH embryo and EACH type of genetic testing. This is a piece of IVF that many people wonder if this is worth it. I must do PGT M because of the HD and am lucky that they can do PGT A simultaneously without an extra cost on the main fee. I do have to pay for the genetic testing of each embryo, so I’m looking at more like $800-$850 per embryo for both genetic tests but if it means the best chance for a healthy pregnancy, then it is worth it. These prices seem like a no brainer for me as I already doing one test, so I may as well do the other. Most of those doing IVF do not need to do PGT M but can elect to do PGT A which can help determine the healthiest embryos that could be a success. I do have to do a Frozen Embryo Transfer as the genetic testing requires it. Luckily if I do my transfer within one year of my consultation date (January 27^th), I can receive a significant discount. I do wish I did not have to pay these extra fees and wait a significant amount of time for the probe to be created, but I continue to remind myself that finding out that my child or children are free from the HD gene will make everything worth it in the end.  

       Another fee that some people may not think about is the price of donor sperm or donor eggs. Other women like me, are doing this process to become a single mom by choice that also do not want to pass on a genetic disease. Most women can do IUI or intrauterine insemination but I have to do IVF to achieve the result I am wanting. Either way, most have to purchase donor sperm which can run around $2000 for a vial from a reputable sperm bank. You need 3 for IUI and only 1 or 2 for IVF. Cooper Surgical, the genetic testing company, suggests that I purchase a second vial of sperm to help with the genetic testing process, but luckily they gave me a huge discount for a sample of sperm from my donor for the PGT M. The entire price for donor sperm as well as some of the material from my donor’s profile such as the interview and his expressive piece will run me around $5,000-$7,000 depending on whether I buy 2 or 3 vials of sperm, which one would be for the embryos, one for the genetic probe, and another for a future child. I’d like to see my children be full siblings if at all possible but I know that it is not sometimes possible, especially if I find a relationship.  

Finally, one more hidden cost of IVF is the storage fees. Initial freezing may be included in the IVF package but annual storage fees can range from $500-$1000. The positive is that its is per couple rather than per embryo. If you were to freeze and wait 3-5 years for example, the price may increase to up to $5000. While many clinics offer a flat rate for storage regardless of the number of embryos, others may charge per embryo/vial, increasing costs dramatically. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycles, which require stored embryos, can cost an additional $3,000 to $6,000+ per attempt. To avoid surprises, clarify if your clinic bills on a per-embryo or flat-rate basis, and if the first year of storage is included in your IVF package. This is typically a cost that many people do not consider when determining what the price tag of the process is going to look like because it is a price that hangs out in the background rather than being center stage.

It’s essential to consider potential hidden fees, such as lab work or anesthesia, when budgeting for IVF. Multiple cycles often become necessary, and medication costs can vary widely. To get a clear understanding of the financial implications, consulting with multiple fertility clinics is recommended. Finding a clinic where you are comfortable and understand all the costs that are included, even the small ones. Coming into an IVF cycle prepared with a complete understanding of the cost is vital so that you can confidently participate in the process with no surprises. While there are a lot of hidden costs in an IVF cycle, many people say that it is the best money that they have ever spent.