In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) commonly referred to as IVF. IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.
Yes, yes. All of this we know. And while we are grateful for this incredible modern medicine platform that allows people to conceive where they otherwise could not, the truth is it is expensive. When it comes to IVF cost, every clinic and agency fee structure is a little different.
At Elevate Egg Donors and Surrogates, we follow a specific set of standards when it comes to cost that falls whiting the ASRM guidelines as well as the Seeds Union of Ethics policies regarding expenditures for egg retrievals and embryo creation.
Here’s what a guide on everything you need to know as you consider IVF cost and which clinic/agency to select:
The Good Clinics
A great clinic will always have your best interest at heart. An efficient IVF clinic won’t try to get you to buy a package that isn’t going to serve you and your journey. IVF packages come in all shapes and sizes, but the most efficient and top clinics will guide you carefully when it comes to IVF cost.
An established and caring clinic will make sure you are not undergoing any unnecessary bloodwork or testing. They will ensure your egg donor also doesn’t undergo repeat testing. Your IVF physician will carefully review records and only do what is necessary to make sure your journey is successful and all bases are covered
A good clinic will teach you carefully how to go about your journey and conserve on IVF cost where possible. A good team with top tier service will offer you things like insurance for your journey or egg donor. The best clinics offer packages that guarantee a pregnancy. Top IVF physicians are able to offer this kind of package because of their skillset and success rates.
The Bad in IVF Cost
Unfortunately, there are enough clinics in the U.S. that are careless when it comes to intended parent care. We’ve done enough cycles at enough clinics to know which truly look out for our clients, and which let a lot go to the wayside.
IVF cost can be burdensome. Many of us want to be parents so badly but can’t afford it. There are some IVF clinics who require repeat testing done at their clinic and do not honor testing that has been done previously, even if it’s the same or similar bloodwork or psychological evaluations that are needed.
The bad IVF clinics will simply require their “in house” team does everything. These clinics are doing a disservice to intended parents who have chosen a donor who has already been screen appropriately through previous donations by asking them to pay again for testing or evaluations that have been done.
Another thing to consider when looking at clinics is how long they want the egg donor present for during a retrieval cycle. Great clinics will ask the donor to be present near the clinic for 5-8 days. Some small market clinics will ask the donor to come for two weeks.
This increases IVF cost as hotel stays for that long can be expensive. It will also limit your donor options because few donors can get off work or school for so long. A top tier clinic will have your donor monitored locally to save you money and make the cycle more efficient.
The Unaffordable
Carefully consider which agency and clinic you will use based on their IVF cost structure. There are some programs who do split retrievals entitling parents to just a few of the eggs from a cycle. This offers a few sets of intended parents to cycle with the same donor at once, but only offers them a small number of oocytes from the retrieval.
Most intended parents need a full retrieval to offer themselves the best set up possible for building a family. With the drop-off rate that naturally occurs as embryos develop, you need a healthy amount to begin with.
While compensation rates may vary, choosing a donor you love is important. Find an agency that is open to having a discussion with a donor about compensation rates. Find someone who is willing to honor your budget and help you find a cost-effective solution.
Keep in mind that most clinics will tell you they are “the best”. They will tell you that their success rates are the highest and they are the only place you should cycle. Through hundreds and hundreds of cycles at Elevate with various clinics, we have carefully noted which clinics really do offer the best care and results for our clients.
Do your research, ask a lot of questions, consider fee structures and then schedule a consultation with us today for a transparent and honest conversation about whom to place your trust and IVF journey in.
