In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a non-surgical procedure designed to allow infertile couples to conceive a child. First performed in 1978, IVF has resulted in over 100,000 births in the United States according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and is often seen as a final option when other fertility treatments have been unsuccessful.

Current statistics suggest that the average success rate for IVF conception and birth in American clinics is 25% to 30% per egg retrieval attempt. In comparison, the average healthy couple achieves a pregnancy resulting in a live birth 20% of the time in an average month. While the following information represents a general overview of the procedure, any decision to attempt in vitro fertilization should be discussed with a licensed fertility doctor as individual cases vary.

A single cycle of in vitro fertilization will typically cost $12,400. Therefore, it is usually suggested that patients examine alternative treatments first and consider IVF as a last resort. This is especially prudent when one considers that it can take multiple attempts to conceive.