In Vitro Fertilization

Reviewed by Sharon LaMothe, Infertility Specialist

In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF as its commonly referred to, is when a doctor, commonly known as an Embrologist, manually combines an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish for fertilization. If or when the procedure is successful, the next step is an embryo transfer. An embryo transfer is when the embryo is manually placed in the uterus. IVF can be done with the intended couple’s egg and sperm, or with donor eggs, sperm or embryos. 30-35% of IVF procedures are successful in women under the age of 35, where as only 15-25% of IVF procedures are successful for women between the ages of 35-40.

There are five main steps involving the IVF procedure:

1. Monitor and stimulate the ovaries in order to develop healthy eggs
2. Collect the healthy eggs (known as an egg retrieval)
3. Collect and test the sperm
4. Combine the eggs and sperm in the laboratory, providing the correct environment for fertilization and embryo growth.
5. Transfer the embryos into the uterus (the egg retrieval and transfer of embryos are done by the Reproductive Endocrinologist)

Why Choose IVF?

There are many reasons why people choose to do in vitro fertilization. The most common reason is because a couple is struggling to get pregnant on their own and need a little assistance. Sometimes, the male is struggling to provide enough sperm in order for fertilization to take place, therefore IVF is appropriate. Other times, a woman is struggling to produce healthy eggs. Another common reason is genetics, and a donor egg or sperm is used instead of the intended parents’ egg or sperm.

Other Types of IVF

There are two other forms or variations of IVF; GIFT and ZIFT. GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) is similar to IVF only the egg and sperm are transferred to the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tubes and not the laboratory dish. ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer) is similar to GIFT except the fertilization process happens in the laboratory dish, not the fallopian tubes. After the egg is fertilized it’s placed in the fallopian tubes. Both procedures use a laparoscopic surgical procedure to transfer the sperm and egg into the tubes.

IVF Cost

Many people are concerned about the financial part of the IVF procedure especially since most insurances do not cover infertility treatments. For the past 10 years the IVF market has been very stable. Most reputable clinics who perform this procedure charge between $10,000-$12,000 for the complete cycle and medications. If an advertisement is promoting IVF for much less, there is usually something that has been left out of the advertisement such as laboratory costs, medications and the cost of monitoring.

There are types of plans, different than insurance plans that offer couples options. There are “money back guarantee” plans, where they will refund the costs if the procedure does not work. In order to take part in this type of plan, a couple will usually have to pay more for the procedure ($15,000 or more), but there is a catch. Most times, it will depend on the age of a woman. If the woman is older, chances are she won’t ever receive money back, or will spend a great deal of time fighting for just a portion of the money spent. You have to keep in mind that these plans are not set up for the clinic to lose money.

Another option is that a couple can pay for multiple cycles at once in a packaged deal. Usually these packages are good for three cycles. It’s slightly cheaper to pay for multiple cycles at once instead of three individual cycles. The catch is that if the couple is successful in the first or second cycle, they don’t see a savings. In fact, the only savings a couple receives is if they are successful during the third try. Keep in mind that with the successful pregnancy rates this day in age, paying for multiple cycles up front shouldn’t be considered unless the couple has been unsuccessful previously.