IVF Cost and Procedure Guide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 women in the United States struggle to get pregnant after one year of trying.¹ In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a common solution for families facing infertility.

IVF offers hope by helping you overcome complex fertility challenges. But it can be expensive and emotionally stressful, so it’s important to understand how it works, how much it costs and what financing options are available.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps people conceive when natural methods are unsuccessful. It involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus.²

IVF is one of the most effective types of fertility treatment.² The process is typically done in cycles, with each cycle lasting about four to six weeks.

Candidates for IVF

Doctors use IVF as an infertility treatment for women and couples dealing with various types of fertility problems, including:³

• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Early menopause
• Men with low sperm counts
• Men with sperm production issues
• Ovulation disorders
• Pelvic adhesions
• Previous cancer treatments that have impacted fertility
• Severe endometriosis
• Unexplained fertility issues
• Women being over the age of 35

IVF can also be used for same-sex couples or single individuals who want to have a child using donor eggs, sperm or embryos.²

Types of IVF

While conventional IVF and mini IVF are the most common, other variations — such as natural cycle IVF, donor egg IVF, gestational carrier IVF and frozen embryo transfer — offer additional options. Each type of IVF has specific benefits and considerations, depending on your fertility journey. Your doctor can help you determine which approach is best for you based on your medical history, fertility goals and personal preferences.

Here’s a brief overview of each type:

Conventional IVF

Conventional IVF, also called stimulated IVF, is the standard approach to in vitro fertilization. This is the type of IVF cycle previously discussed: Your ovaries are stimulated with high doses of fertility medications to produce multiple eggs, the eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a lab and then the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus.⁴

This method is ideal for individuals or couples with significant fertility challenges, as it maximizes the number of embryos available for transfer or freezing. The main drawbacks are that it is more likely to cause multiple births, and it can be more costly.⁴

Mini IVF

Mini IVF, also known as minimal stimulation IVF, uses lower doses of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries. This approach produces fewer eggs but is less intense and more affordable than conventional IVF.⁵

This protocol is often recommended for women with a lower ovarian reserve or those who prefer a gentler treatment option. You'll also want to know that mini IVF is less likely to result in multiple births.⁵

Mini IVF is a more cost-effective and potentially less stressful option for those dealing with infertility. There is also a lesser risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation. While fewer eggs and embryos are produced and retrieved using this method, the results may be similar to traditional IVF.⁵

Natural cycle IVF

Natural cycle IVF involves harvesting a single egg produced during a woman’s natural menstrual cycle, without the use of fertility medications. This method is less invasive and avoids the problems associated with ovarian stimulation. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe fertility issues, as it relies on the body’s natural ability to produce a viable egg.⁴

Donor egg IVF

Donor egg IVF is an option for women who cannot produce healthy eggs due to age, medical conditions or other factors.² In this process, eggs from a donor are fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus.⁶ This method is ideal for women over 40 or those with diminished ovarian function.³

Gestational carrier IVF

Gestational carrier IVF involves using another person to carry the pregnancy. This option is often chosen by individuals or couples who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical reasons, such as uterine abnormalities or health issues.⁷

The intended parents’ egg and sperm (or donor materials) are used to create embryos, which are then transferred to the gestational carrier. This is sometimes referred to as surrogacy. However, it differs from traditional surrogacy because the embryo is not genetically linked to the person carrying out the pregnancy.⁷

Frozen embryo transfer

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a process where embryos from a previous IVF cycle are thawed and transferred into the uterus. FET allows individuals to use embryos that were frozen for future use, offering flexibility and reducing the need for additional ovarian stimulation.²

IVF Pricing Overview

The total cost* of IVF from start to finish can range from $17,000 to $75,000+ depending on the success rate, number of cycles and use of donor eggs. This total reflects the complete journey and includes medications, multiple treatment cycles, embryo storage and related procedures.⁸

Most patients need two or three cycles to become pregnant. However, every IVF treatment path is unique, and these costs can sometimes go higher depending on individual medical needs and circumstances.⁸

Basic cost of IVF

The basic cost* of one conventional IVF cycle runs between $8,000 and $17,000 for frozen eggs and between $9,000 and $19,000 for fresh eggs. This does not include anesthesia, medications, transfers, diagnostic or genetic testing and donor eggs (if used).⁸

The treatment cycle usually includes the following:²

• Basic monitoring appointments with your doctor
• Surgical egg retrieval with your doctor
• Fertilized egg (embryo) creation in the lab
• Surgical implantation of the embryo
• Pregnancy testing

Cost of mini IVF

The national average cost* for mini IVF per cycle is $7,180 but can range from $5,736 to $14,099. Factors that may affect cost include medication, the number of cycles needed, clinic fees, laboratory costs, the doctor's expertise and any additional services.⁸

Average cost of mini IVF by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of mini IVF for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁸

Additional IVF fertility treatment costs

IVF costs can vary further depending on the specific treatment plan. Here’s a breakdown of ancillary IVF costs:⁸

Is IVF Covered by Health Insurance?

Yes, some health insurance companies cover IVF treatment. In fact, some states have mandated that health insurance plans offer coverage for fertility treatments, including IVF.⁹ However, many of these health insurance plans put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage that you can apply to IVF and other fertility treatments.

In addition, your insurance must see that your IVF treatments are medically necessary, so you'll have to prove that you have a history of infertility over a six- to 12-month period, which your doctor must document.⁹ To determine if your insurance covers IVF treatments, the limits they may impose and your potential copays, you'll need to contact your provider directly. Also, note that many insurance companies may require that you try other types of fertility treatments before paying for any of your IVF costs.

How Does an IVF Cycle Work?

While everyone's experience is unique, a cycle of IVF involves the same steps — each one designed to increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy. Here's a breakdown of what you may expect during a typical IVF cycle:

1. Ovarian stimulation

The first step of an effective fertility treatment is hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. In addition to mild soreness at the injection site, you may also experience some breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating and mild pelvic or abdominal discomfort.²

2. Egg retrieval

Once the eggs are mature, your doctor will perform a minor surgical procedure to collect them from your ovaries. The procedure uses an ultrasound-guided needle to safely remove the eggs while you’re under sedation to minimize discomfort.²

3. Fertilization

In a laboratory, an embryologist will fertilize the eggs with sperm from your partner or a donor. Fertilization can happen naturally in a dish or through a specialized process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg. The developing embryos will be monitored after fertilization.²

4. Embryo transfer

Using a thin catheter, your doctor will safely transfer the embryos into your uterus. This is a minimally invasive procedure that feels like mild discomfort or cramping. Any remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.²

5. Implantation

After the embryo is transferred, it needs to implant into the uterine lining to establish a pregnancy. This process typically takes a few days. During this time, doctors often recommend avoiding rigorous physical activity and focusing on rest to support implantation.¹⁰ Be sure to follow the instructions from your doctor and reach out to your clinic for guidance if you have any concerns.

6. The two-week wait

This is the period between the embryo transfer and the pregnancy test.¹⁰ It can be emotionally challenging as you wait to find out if the transfer was successful. Use this time to focus on self-care practices like maintaining a healthy routine, staying busy with enjoyable activities and seeking support from loved ones or a therapist.

Avoid excessive symptom-checking. It may help to remind yourself that the wait is a normal part of the process.

7. Pregnancy test

About nine to 14 days after the embryo transfer, your doctor will perform a blood test to measure hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels, which indicate whether the embryo has successfully implanted and a pregnancy has begun.¹⁰

8. Follow-up care

If the pregnancy test is positive, your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the pregnancy. If the test is negative, your doctor will discuss the next steps, which may include another IVF cycle or other fertility options.¹⁰

Considerations Before Starting IVF Treatment

If your doctor has recommended IVF as a viable infertility treatment for you, there are several things to consider:¹

• Before starting IVF, it’s essential to prioritize health screenings to support overall wellness and ensure your body is ready for the journey.
• A woman's chances of having a baby diminish swiftly each year after the age of 30.
• For couples with no obvious fertility or health problems, where the woman has regular menstrual cycles and is under the age of 35, experts recommend trying to conceive for at least a year before consulting your doctor.
• For individuals and couples with no obvious fertility or health problems, where the woman has regular menstrual cycles and is 35 years or older, experts suggest consulting your doctor after six months of trying to naturally conceive without success.
• For situations where the woman is older than 40, experts recommend considering more immediate assessment and treatment.
• While generally safe, IVF treatment can be emotionally and financially taxing because it may take multiple cycles of treatment to see success. You'll also want to account for your pregnancy costs if your treatments are successful.
• Miscarriages, multiple births and ectopic pregnancies are possible.
• Your doctor may suggest artificial insemination before IVF, depending on the reasons for your infertility.

IVF can provide hope for those struggling with infertility, but it comes with financial and emotional challenges. Understanding the process, costs and financing solutions can help you plan for treatment. If you’re considering IVF, consult a fertility specialist to explore your options and find the best path forward.

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Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.