Until a few decades ago, the term IVF (in vitro fertilization) seemed like some ‘mysterious procedure’ and the only thing that most people knew was that it was an infertility treatment that produced ‘test-tube babies’.
People were unsure about the procedure and even wondered how much a ‘test tube baby costs’! As infertility became a common problem, we started to learn more about IVF and how it can help couples conceive.
Today, infertility affects 1 in every 6 couples and so IVF treatments have come a long way to help meet the need of the day. If you and your spouse are considering IVF treatments, one of the first things you would obviously consider is in vitro fertilization costs.
The Cost of IVF In India
IVF costs in India are generally in the range of 60,000 – 80,000 rupees, inclusive of the prescribed medications and drugs. However, most couples spend between 3-5 lakhs on their IVF treatments.
This is because you may need several other treatments, depending on your medical history and your fertility levels.
There are several variables that can influence your IVF costs. Here are some of them that you must know about:
The Women’s Age & Number Of Treatments
A woman under the age of 35 has a 32 percent chance of a successful pregnancy with her first IVF treatment, whereas women over 39 may need five or more IVF treatments in order to get pregnant
A woman’s age is one of the most important factors in determining the success of an IVF treatment.
While a woman under 35 has a 32 percent chance of a successful pregnancy with her first IVF treatment, women over 39 may need five or more IVF treatments in order to get pregnant.
It is important to factor this into your calculations to avoid the financial (and emotional) strain of unexpected repeat IVF treatments.
Some clinics offer multiple-cycle IVF cost plans, which would work out cheaper for older couples who are likely to need several IVF treatments.
Cost Of Donor Sperm/Eggs For IVF Treatments
Couples with low fertility levels may require either donor sperm or eggs or both. The cost of donor sperm is generally in the range of 8,000 to 12,000 rupees.
The cost of donor eggs for IVF treatments is much higher and can range from 28,000 to 42,000 rupees.
Cost Of Donor Embryos For IVF Treatments
Donated Embryos are sometimes suggested for couples where either one or both partners have a serious health condition that is likely to be inherited by their children.
In such a case, embryos are generally donated by people who have successfully completed their fertility treatment.
The cost of donor embryos for IVF treatments is much higher and can range from 36,000 to 54,000 rupees.
Cost Of Frozen Embryo Transfer For IVF Treatments
In some cases, couples prefer to freeze embryos from an IVF so that they can be thawed and transferred to the woman’s uterus at a later date and as per the couple’s convenience.
The cost of a frozen embryo transfer (FET) can be anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000 rupees.
Cost Of T.E.S.A. For IVF Treatments
The T.E.S.A. (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) is a sperm aspiration and extraction procedure that is often suggested for men who have had a vasectomy, but still wish to have children.
It is a short 30 minute procedure that is performed under local anesthesia where a fine needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testicle. The cost of T.E.S.A is generally between 12,000 and 18,000 rupees.
Cost Of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) For IVF Treatments
An ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure is generally used for couples facing male fertility issues such as low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
In this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg and this drastically increases the chance of a successful fertilization. The cost of ICSI can range from 20,000 to 45,000 rupees.
Freezing Embryos For IVF Treatments
Freezing embryos is fast becoming a popular choice for women who wish to pursue a career while they are in their 20s and 30s and then raise their children once they hit their 40s.
The cost of embryo preservation is a combination of the initial cost of the procedure followed by the annual charges to keep the eggs frozen.
The initial procedure for freezing embryos will cost between 20,000 and 30,000 and you will have to pay an additional 4,000 to 6,000 each year to preserve them.
The cost of IVF in India can also vary greatly depending on your location – this is because the IVF cost in Delhi is quite different from the IVF cost in Chennai.
Similarly, the cost of IVF in Mumbai could be very different from the rates in Bangalore or Hyderabad. Because of the vast differences in costs, some couples prefer to travel to other cities with more affordable IVF treatment plans.
However, keep in mind that even though the IVF cost in India can vary from one city to the next, and from one fertility clinic to the next, you should not base your choice on cost alone.
Look for fertility specialists with good credentials and a strong reputation. You can also check out the reviews of various fertility clinics and talk to other couples who have undergone treatment to make sure you get it right.
While IVF treatments may seem expensive, they are fairly reasonable considering the sophisticated medical technology used, and the expertise of the doctors. Besides, when it comes to children, as any couple who’s undergone the treatment will tell you, it’s certainly worth it!
