Cost of IVF Treatment: A Detailed Breakdown
With success stories spread across the world, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has supported millions of couples to achieve parenthood. However, one of the top concerns for opting for this alternative is the costs that it entails. The knowledge of the monetary implications of the IVF procedure can assist you in making the right decision for you.
The overall IVF treatment cost in India is affected by several factors. We will walk you through the breakdown of these factors and discuss the available financial aid that you can access.
Understanding IVF and Its Procedure
A layered process, the IVF centre in Siliguri has multiple steps which include activating ovaries to stimulate eggs, then retrieving them, fertilising those eggs with sperm, and finally transferring the cultured embryos into the woman. Of the many stages, some are:
Ovarian Stimulation:
Hormones are used to activate the ovaries to retrieve eggs.
Egg Retrieval:
To collect the eggs, patients need to go through a minor surgery.
Fertilization:
The fertilization of the eggs is completed by using the sperm of a donor or partner.
Embryo Transfer:
The transfer is then made for implantation by selecting the best quality embryos.
The expense greatly depends on various factors, due to the complexity of the procedure that requires specialized care.
The Average Cost of IVF Treatment
Several factors, such as location, clinic, and specific rules that are followed in the facility, affect the cost of the IVF treatment. A single IVF treatment cost in India ranges between ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 ($1,300 to $3,300), which includes medications for ovary stimulation, basic IVF processes, and egg retrieval. Additional services might increase the overall cost.
Factors Influencing the Cost of IVF
Several factors affect the total cost of IVF. Understanding these might help us decide better given your financial standing.
Ovarian Stimulation Medications
One of the biggest costs is influenced by the medications that are used to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs. These medications are essential for increasing the chances of pregnancy by producing multiple eggs. The dosage and type of drugs prescribed vary, which ultimately decides the total expense.
Usually, an IVF process costs about ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 ($250 to $500) for medications. Women who need a higher dosage, however, will have to endure a higher cost due to their complex situation.
Laboratory and Embryology Fees
The costliest of all the procedures in IVF treatments is the cost of the laboratory, where the fertilisation of eggs and sperm takes place. The service charges for an IVF treatment in India at a laboratory cost between ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 ($500 to $1,000).
There can be an increase in the costs if further specialised treatments are required. These include sperm freezing, embryo freezing, or PGT (genetic screening). Genetic abnormalities are checked through the process of genetic screening, particularly made available for older women or women with a history of genetic disorders.
Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
Women must be put under anesthesia for the process of egg retrieval, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Egg retrieval cost is generally included in the IVF package, and can range between ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 ($250 to $375). A less aggressive treatment, embryo transfer, is most often included in the IVF package, although there are clinics that charge separately for it, and can cost between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 ($125 to $200).
Donor Eggs or Sperm
IVF can lessen the burden on people who cannot use their sperm or eggs. The overall cost of the IVF procedure increases with the usage of donor gametes. Depending on the particular clinic and location, egg donation alone can cost around ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 ($1,300 to $3,300). Sperm donation can range between ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 ($250 to $600).
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Specially for male infertility, a specialized treatment is advised that is ICSI. Here, a single sperm is implanted directly into an egg. An additional cost of ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 ($500 to $900) can be expected per cycle.
Cryopreservation (Freezing) of Embryos
The process of freezing the embryos is called Embryo freezing, which can add a cost of ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 ($250 to $500). Additional costs can range between ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 ($125 to $250) annually.
Additional Tests and Procedures
Few extra diagnostic tests are required for some couples, such as ultrasound scans, blood tests, or hysteroscopy (a procedure for examining the uterus), to examine the environment of the uterus. This can affect the total cost as these tests can add up to ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 ($125 to $600) more.
Total IVF Cost Breakdown
The typical IVF cost breakdown is given below:
| Cost Component | Cost Range (INR) | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic IVF Procedure | ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 | $1,300 to $3,300 |
| Ovarian Stimulation Medications | ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 | $250 to $500 |
| Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer | ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 | $375 to $600 |
| Laboratory Fees | ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 | $500 to $1,000 |
| ICSI (if required) | ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 | $500 to $900 |
| Donor Eggs or Sperm (if required) | ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 | $1,300 to $3,300 |
| Embryo Freezing (if required) | ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 | $250 to $500 |
| Additional Tests and Procedures | ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 | $125 to $600 |
| Total IVF Cost per Cycle | ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 | $1,900 to $6,500 |
Depending on the specialised need of the patients, the total cost of IVF may vary and can range between ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 ($1,900 to $6,500) per cycle.
Additional Financial Considerations
Several other economic considerations are needed that you must keep in mind on top of the base cost of an IVF treatment:
Multiple Cycles May Be Required
Maybe successful for many, IVF may not be successful on the first attempt as well. Factors such as overall health, age, and medical history can determine how many cycles you will need to go through for an IVF treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Not all insurance policies give you full coverage for your IVF treatment. There are some instances, too, where your plan and location affect the price. Discuss with your agent about the procedures that will be covered by your chosen policy.
Financing Options
Many clinics provide financial assistance to help patients with IVF treatments. Installment plans or loan options are offered for the fertility treatments. Discussions about these options are important for a better understanding of these supports.
Is IVF Worth the Cost?
IVF costs are overlooked by many couples, as the satisfaction of parenthood surpasses all. It proves to have a higher success rate when other methods seem to fail. Combined with modern technology and advanced medicines, this can be one of the best options available.
A life-altering decision, the choice of IVF should not be taken lightly. The cost of IVF in Siliguri can be high, but the experience can be priceless for many, with the opportunity to become a parent, hold a baby, and finally grow the family.
Conclusion
IVF has made the dream of many couples of becoming parents possible. The cost of IVF procedure can be more than an investment, with the emotional value outshining all the expenses and physical challenges. A discussion with the fertility specialist as well as insurance agents is necessary to select the best plan according to your needs and budget. These costs include laboratory charges, medicines, donor options, and extra processes if required.
Connect with our expert medical professionals at New Life Fertility Clinic and get the perfect idea about the costs of the treatments that you require, the number of cycles that may be required for a successful pregnancy, the financial aid that can be availed by you, and the services that we provide.
