What the IVF Journey Looks Like

The demand for artificial reproductive technology (ART) has increased at a rate of 7.13% per year in the past 5 years. From 2015-2020, the number of ART cycles performed increased from 231,000 to 326,000 in the United States. As the demand increases drastically, we found it important to highlight and educate what the typical IVF journey looks like for those who may be unfamiliar.

The in vitro fertilization (IVF) process typically involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. The exact details of the procedure may vary depending on the patient's specific needs and circumstances.

Before ovarian stimulation, doctors would typically recommend a couple tests done to assess the patient’s overall fertility and to determine the best course of treatment. These tests include but are not limited to: ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, genetic testing, and hormone testing. Depending on the results, doctors may recommend other courses of treatment such as a more optimal diet, timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination(IUI) and more. If the patient is a candidate for IVF, the doctors will design a personalized treatment plan, beginning with ovarian stimulation.

During the ovarian stimulation phase, the patient is given hormones to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. The eggs are then mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. After several days, the resulting embryos are either transferred to the uterus in the hope that one will implant and result in a successful pregnancy, or frozen for later use.

Another popular artificial reproductive treatment is egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, which involves several steps. First, the patient undergoes testing similar to above. Then, the patient goes through ovarian stimulation, in which hormones are given to stimulate the development of multiple eggs. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. The eggs are then frozen using a process called vitrification, which allows them to be preserved for later use.

The costs associated with both IVF and egg freezing can vary depending on a number of factors, including the clinic where the procedure is performed, the patient's individual circumstances, and the type of insurance coverage they have.

In general, however, the total cost of IVF can range from $10,000 to $25,000 per cycle, and the total cost of an egg freezing cycle can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per cycle. These costs typically include medications, laboratory fees, and other expenses associated with the procedure. Some patients may require multiple cycles of IVF or egg freezing in order to either achieve a successful pregnancy or obtain a sufficient number of viable eggs, which can increase the overall cost.

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