In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Cost

IVF is one of the most expensive fertility treatments, costing between $4,000 and $20,000 or more. The price depends on the clinic, medications, and any extra testing or monitoring needed. The cost also varies if you use donor sperm or eggs.

If using donor sperm, expect to pay between $350 and $1,200 per vial, depending on the sperm bank, donor type, and the kind of sperm sample needed. Some clinics prefer unwashed sperm so they can prepare it in their lab. If using a known donor, extra testing and processing may be required.

Donor Options

For single women, frozen sperm from a sperm bank (cryobank) is often the easiest option because it’s already tested and ready to use. IVF can be done with different sperm vial types, but ART vials are usually the most affordable. Some clinics prefer ICI-ready (unwashed) vials so they can prepare the sperm themselves.

If using a known donor, most clinics require both people to complete medical testing and counseling before treatment starts.

Preparing for IVF

Before IVF, your clinic will order blood tests to check your reproductive health. Some insurance plans cover these tests if done at an in-network lab. If you live far from your fertility clinic, you may be able to do some tests through your OB/GYN.

IVF requires hormone injections to help the ovaries make more eggs. These shots are usually given for about 10 days, but some clinics may have you take them for a longer time before and after the procedure.

• Before egg retrieval, hormone shots help your body release multiple eggs.
• After embryo transfer, progesterone shots may be needed to help implantation and lower the risk of miscarriage.

The injections are usually given in the belly or thigh. They might sound scary, but many people find them easier than expected. If you get redness, bruising, or irritation, contact your clinic. If you’re taking multiple medications, they may ask you to inject them in different spots to see if one is causing a reaction.

What Happens During IVF

Egg Retrieval

Once your eggs are ready, the doctor will retrieve them in a quick procedure that lasts 20–30 minutes. You’ll be given mild anesthesia or pain medication. The doctor will use a small needle, guided by ultrasound, to collect eggs from your ovaries. The eggs will then be placed in a dish and stored in an incubator.

After the procedure, you may feel soreness, bloating, or mild cramping, which is normal. You might also have light spotting. Avoid heavy exercise and intercourse for about two weeks since your ovaries stay enlarged for a while.

Fertilization

Once the eggs and sperm are ready, the lab will fertilize the eggs in one of two ways:

• Conventional insemination – Sperm and eggs are mixed together and left to fertilize naturally overnight.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – A single sperm is injected into each egg. This is used when sperm movement is low or when previous IVF attempts failed.

For older eggs, frozen eggs, or repeated failed IVF cycles, some clinics may suggest assisted hatching. This helps the embryo break through its outer shell for easier implantation.

Some clinics also offer PGS genetic testing before embryo transfer to check for chromosomal issues. This testing may increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer happens 2 to 5 days after egg retrieval, once the embryos have developed. The doctor will give you mild pain medication or a sedative, then use a thin tube to place the embryo(s) into your uterus.

If successful, implantation happens within 10 days after the egg retrieval.

What to Expect After IVF

After the procedure, mild cramping is normal. It’s best to take it easy for the rest of the day. From this point on, act as if you’re already pregnant:

• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Avoid extreme heat (hot tubs, saunas)
• Stick to light exercise (no HIIT or anything that raises your heart rate above 140 bpm)

Your clinic may want to monitor you after the transfer, but in most cases, you only need to check in if you get a positive pregnancy test. A BETA blood test, done by your doctor or OB/GYN, will confirm if the procedure was successful.

Find out what to expect during the two week wait (tww)!