Fertility Treatment Costs

April 24, 2012

In fact, by the time a woman reaches the age of 30, over 90 percent of the eggs in her body have been depleted. What's more, is treatment doesn't come cheap. The average IVF treatment can range from about $8,000 to $18,000. These statistics are overwhelming, but there are options, and hope. Amid a struggling economy, companies are now joining forces with doctors to make fertility treatments more affordable.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported fertility-related loans topped $4 billion dollars in 2011, helping to put expensive treatments in reach for many who otherwise couldn't afford it. Mindy Berkson, an infertility consultant and founder of Lotus Blossom Consulting reviews some of the options for couples looking to turn to fertility treatments.

Fertility Rates:

Infertility affects 7.3 million Americans each year. This is roughly about 12 percent of the population at reproductive age, or 1 in 6 couples. 40 percent of infertility issues are related to the woman, 40 percent male factor and 20 percent unexplained or a combination of both.

The leading cause of infertility today is delayed childbearing. In fact, by the time a woman reaches the age of 30, over 90 percent of her eggs have been depleted from her body.

Cost:

Treatment for in-vitro fertilization can range from about $8,000 to $18,000 depending on the region of the country and the fertility center you are working with and the types of medical intervention needed specific to your situation.

If you need an egg donor, then on average, plan to spend an additional $12,000.

If you need a surrogate, it is reasonable to expect to add an additional $40,000 to 50,000 to the cost of treatment.

Footing the Bill:
There are several options to help you pay for infertility treatments, including:

(1) Some healthcare plans offered by your employer will cover portions of your treatment, but be sure to check to see exactly what your policy covers beforehand so there are no surprises

(2) Fertility centers will often offer financing plans

(3) Grants and other programs offered by some patient advocacy groups, clinics and or private organizations like the Jude Andrew Adams Fund

Trends:
Key fertility trends include:

The sooner the better - Traditionally, doctors advised women to start exploring reasons for not becoming pregnant after 12 months of unsuccessfully trying to conceive. These days, it's generally accepted that sooner is better.

Fertility consultants - Enlisting the help of a specialist will help guide people through the complex process of infertility diagnosis and treatment

For more information on Mindy, you can visit: http://lotusblossomconsulting.com/

More information about RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. It is a non-profit organization with the only established nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders.
http://www.resolve.org/