How Much Does In Vitro Fertilization Cost?

What is In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a healthcare technique involving the fertilization of egg cells by sperm outside the woman’s womb. Also known as embryo transfer, it is a treatment procedure for infertility when other methods of conception have failed.  

Who Does IVF Benefit?

A healthy female with no negative reactions to fertility drugs is a viable candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women who have trouble conceiving due to tubal inflammation, blockage, or absent fallopian tubes could also benefit.  Candidates with a history of endometriosis or anti body irregularities may find embryo transfer as a healthcare procedure beneficial.  Instances of male infertility due to low sperm count, morphology, or motility can also be addressed by the use of embryo transfer. 

How Is Embryo Transfer Performed?

Treatment cycles typically begin on the third day of menstruation when fertility drugs are administered in order to stimulate the ovarian follicles. The patient is closely monitored and if hyper stimulation of the ovaries is registered, the treatment is ceased immediately. When follicular maturation is seen as adequate, ovulation-inducing hormones are administered. Prior to that, egg cells are retrieved from the ovary. The sperm and the eggs are incubated together for approximately 18 hours by which time fertilization should have taken place. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the patient’s uterus through a plastic catheter which passes through her vagina and cervix. Several embryos may be transferred to improve the chances of conception. After two weeks, a pregnancy test is conducted.  Success rates for embryo transfer are approximately 20-30% for each in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, but may vary according to the patient’s age, quality of the sperm and eggs, duration of infertility, and the health care access.

To compare the cost of in vitro fertilization by country, please consult our medical tourism pricing guide.