According to a 2015-2017 statistical study, 12 to 13 of 100 couples have experienced difficulties in conceiving. Studies have shown that 24% of infertility cases were attributed to the male partner while the other 24% were due to reproductive issues with both partners. Additionally, about 7.3 million women of childbearing age in the United States have used fertility treatments to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Unfortunately, most fertility treatments are very expensive. In this article, we will help you be informed on how you can save up your budget for fertility as you continue to plan ahead for your future family. Today, we will discuss the costs of basic and advanced fertility treatments, and budgeting tips to assist you.
The Costs of Basic Fertility Treatments
There are many fertility clinics across the world that offer a wide array of fertility testing and treatments. Basic infertility treatments like ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination or IUI are significantly less expensive compared to in vitro fertilization. Below are some details about the costs of common fertility treatments.
Clomid medication (P 500-1,500)
Also known as clomiphene citrate, Clomid is an oral medication that is typically used in treating certain types of female infertility. As a cost-effective treatment for infertility, it causes the pituitary gland to reinforce the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Higher levels of FSH stimulates the ovary’s production of an egg follicle or multiple follicles which will develop and be released in the ovulation stage. While high levels of LH stimulate ovulation. This medication is often prescribed by doctors for women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It costs around P 500-1,500 and depends on your area.
Monitored Clomid cycle (P 36,000-80,000)
People using Clomid are recommended to be monitored in order to assess ovulation and to time trigger shots, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or intercourse. Usually, patients receive regular ultrasounds during the clomiphene treatment to accurately and quickly measure follicles for the right timing of human chorionic gonadotropin injections before undergoing IUI, IVF, or sexual intercourse. Thus, the combination of Clomid with ultrasound monitoring can help in optimizing fertility treatment. It costs around P 36,000-80,000 and usually depends on your local area.
Intrauterine insemination (P 13,500-40,000)
If you have unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, cervix issues, or a single woman who wants to conceive, intrauterine insemination is a non-invasive and less-expensive fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus. You don’t need medications because it is done in your natural cycle as the doctor will place the sperm around the time of ovulation. But this treatment can also be combined with ovarian stimulation. This procedure generally costs around P 13,500-40,000.
Monitored injectable FSH cycle (P 35,000-60,000)
What if you fail in a Clomid medication? Don’t worry because you can move to the next type of fertility treatment called the monitored injectable FSH cycle. FSH attempts directly on the ovaries and stimulates the development of egg follicles. A total of 10-12 daily injections are commonly necessary to develop one or two eggs every month. This fertility treatment costs around P35,000 -60,000.
The Costs of Advanced Fertility Treatments
Due to the constantly evolving and thriving breakthroughs in the field of science, technology, and medicine, there are state-of-the-art fertility treatments that are being developed and undergoing daily clinical trials in order to bring the latest pregnancy options to couples who are having trouble conceiving despite trying the basic fertility treatments. Here are some of the advanced fertility treatments with their costs:
Hysterosalpingography with an Oil-Based Contrast (P 9,000-30,000)
One study found that hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with an oil-based contrast did significantly improve pregnancy rates in certain patients and the subsequent live birth rate was likewise evidently greater. It is a diagnostic test that uses an X-ray to observe your fallopian tubes and uterus. By doing this procedure, it analyzes the general uterine shape and if the fallopian tubes are clear. The process may involve the use of a water-based or oil-based contrast medium. Researchers found boosts in pregnancy rates after six months using oil-based or water-based contrast media, though there was higher in the oil-based contrast medium. This procedure costs around P 9,000-30,000.
In-vitro Maturation or IVM (P 200,000-300,000)
Similar to in-vitro fertilization or IVF, this method retrieves immature eggs rather than matured eggs and sperm. After retrieval, they mature in a lab under specific conditions in approximately 48 hours. Later on, the eggs are finally fertilized. The patient will receive a course of injections to mature the endometrium, the place of embryo implantation. Then, the embryos are transferred into the uterus. Compared to IVF, this is more affordable and can be attempted with higher frequency as it only costs around P 200,000-300,000.
Egg Freezing or Ovarian Cryopreservation (P300,000)
Removing a portion of ovarian tissue and preserving it through a very cold temperature for future transplantation is a fertility treatment called egg freezing or ovarian cryopreservation. Several recent studies revealed promising results with this treatment, helping women who prefer to delay motherhood or for patients who need medical treatments which can affect their future fertility like cancer patients. Also, most women who received this procedure have been able to restore their hormonal levels and achieve their natural fertility or got pregnant through IVF. This treatment generally costs P 300,000.
Helpful Budgeting Tips in Treating Infertility
The overall process of fertility treatments can rack up tens of thousands of dollars. Some couples end up using their entire savings or taking loans. We recommend that you and your spouse or partner create a budget or financial plan for fertility treatments. Below are some helpful budgeting tips that you can do:
Check and Review Your Health Insurance Options
Some major companies in the US like Cisco, MassMutual, Starbucks, Apple, and Microsoft provide fertility options in their health insurance program such as offering egg harvesting or freezing services to their employees. According to a survey, 66% of employers plan to provide fertility benefits. So, you may check and review your health insurance options. Ask for financial assistance wherever you are eligible to ease your stress.
Consult with a Fertility Specialist
Schedule an appointment with your trusted and professional fertility specialist. This will allow you and your spouse or partner to learn and understand the overall processes of fertility treatments and what type of fertility treatments are suitable for both of you.
Get an Estimate of the Fertility Treatment Costs
You need to have a clear picture or an estimate of the cost of various fertility treatments available for you. This will help you in calculating how much the particular cost is on a monthly basis. The basic and advanced fertility treatments aforementioned in this article include their general costs provided by fertility clinics. With the given figures, you can develop a systematic and realistic budget with income and expenses in mind.
Break Down the Cost
After getting an estimate, break down the cost of fertility treatment that you have selected into months. You may choose one or two, depending on your circumstances. Then, write the number of months until the start of your fertility treatment and calculate the monthly cost. This will motivate you to be confident in saving wisely.
Minimize Impulse Spending
Undergoing infertility problems can be stressful and it may also lead you in spending a little more on self-care. There’s actually nothing wrong with impulse spending but when done excessively, it will immensely wreck your bank. Exercise a higher degree of self-discipline and self-control. Consider the level of your needs and wants very conscientiously, as well as the pros and cons. Sacrificing on small daily purchases can help you accumulate more budget for the treatment.
Set Up an Automated Savings for Fertility Fund
Are you struggling to put away money each month? You may want to try setting up automated savings for your fertility fund. Create a recurring payment each month so that your bank will automatically transfer your money to the fund for your fertility treatment.
Monitor Your Progress
Monitoring your income and expenses closely is the greatest and most efficient method to keep holding to a budget. Try using simple online budgeting tools or apps to guide you in teaching savings, income, and expenses. This will help you to be aware of the unnecessary costs and take some immediate actions to remove them.
CONCLUSION
Despite the expensive costs of fertility treatments, you and your spouse/partner can choose from the affordable and effective procedures aforementioned in this article. Take into careful consideration some helpful tips in budgeting to successfully obtain these treatments and conceive your baby without breaking the bank. Remember to always consult your doctor and a certified fertility specialist about this matter.
