Infertility affects more than 7 million U.S. women and their partners each year, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The society defines infertility as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's ability to conceive. Most of the cases, 85-90 percent, are treated with medication or surgery. Three percent undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Fertility Tests
Before treatment can begin, tests may be ordered to determine the cause of infertility and decide on the proper treatment option. Testing usually begins after a couple is unsuccessful in conceiving after one year. The least expensive tests range from $50-200 and include blood tests for the woman or sperm analysis for the man. Further testing can include a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) in which dye is sent through the Fallopian tubes while an X-ray determines if there is any blockage, and an endometrial biopsy. These tests range from $200-1,000. The most invasive tests, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, can run $5,000 or more.
Treatments
The cost of infertility treatments varies as much as the fertility tests. Medication, such as Clomid, can cost $30-75 per month. Injections average $2,700 per month but can be as high as $4,000. Patients taking medications will need to be monitored via blood tests and physical examinations, adding additional costs. Artificial insemination ranges from $200-500, and in vitro fertilization averages $12,500 per cycle.
Success Rates
With IVF, women under 35 have about a 37 percent chance of success. Artificial insemination has a 10-20 percent success rate and sometimes requires several months of attempts. Clomid has a high success rate in that 40-80 percent of women taking it will ovulate, but this does not guarantee conception.
Insurance
Many insurance companies will cover the costs of testing for fertility problems, such as the blood tests and the HSG. In those cases, patients will only need to pay their shared cost. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of infertility drugs but not cover the procedures, leaving patients to cover the entire cost out of pocket. In these cases, patients should ask if there is a cash discount available for the treatment.
Making It Affordable
Certain options can help with the cost of treatment. Aside from taking out a personal loan, some organizations offers package deals for IVF and a refund guarantee if the treatments are unsuccessful. A list of organizations and options are available at Resolve.org, a site dedicated to helping those suffering from infertility.
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