Cost of Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is an assisted reproductive treatment that is primarily used by same-sex couples to have children aside from adoption and surrogacy options. IVF has provided an alternative to traditional conception, allowing couples of all persuasions to have children and grow their families. In this article, we shall look at reciprocal IVF, how it works, the success rate, and other important considerations. 

What Is Reciprocal IVF

Reciprocal IVF is also known as ‘co-maternity’, where both members of a same-sex partnership participate in pregnancy, allowing them to play a crucial role in the prenatal development of their child. 

Reciprocal IVF process takes between several weeks to months, depending on each couple’s circumstances. In this process, one partner donates their eggs while the other partner carries the child to term. 

In comparison to other forms of IVF therapy, it has shown great promise, and consequently, it has gained popularity among lesbian and trans-men couples in recent years. 

How Does Reciprocal IVF Work?

Reciprocal IVF treatment is no different than the regular IVF treatment and is broken into three main parts:

Egg Retrieval

The first step is to safely extract a group of eggs from the donor partner’s uterus, after they undergo a series of ovarian stimulation hormone injections.

Ovarian stimulation increases the likelihood of a successful IVF cycle by accelerating the maturation of a group of eggs. When close to full maturity, a final hormone injection is given exactly 36 hours before extraction using a thin needle inserted into the ovary.

Fertilization

The eggs are then fertilized using donated sperm, and when this is successful, the egg develops into an embryo. This embryo is allowed to develop independently for a few more days and then it is transferred into the second partner’s uterus.

Due to the relatively high success rate of fertilization through IVF, many individuals and couples choose to fertilize only a portion of the eggs retrieved, and freeze the remaining eggs for future use. This also allows for them to have back up should complications arise during the remainder of the IVF process. 

For sperm, some couples choose to use a known donor while others prefer the anonymity provided by a sperm bank. Sperms are all screened for vitality and viability using the same process, so whether the donor is known or unknown, one does not have any particular advantage over the other medically speaking. 

Implantation

The partner who will carry the pregnancy undergoes a treatment regimen that includes taking injections and hormone pills to prepare their uterus for the transfer of the embryo, as the eggs are being retrieved from one partner, and the embryos are developing in a controlled lab. 

The embryos are at last injected into the uterus using a speculum and catheter. This is a faster and less invasive process than egg retrieval and once implantation is complete, the embryo typically binds to the lining of the uterus. 

This process does not require sedation or any pain medication and typically takes no more than 10 minutes in most cases, after which pregnancy progresses normally.

The Cost of Reciprocal IVF

Typically the first cycle of IVF can cost upward of $20,000 with any additional treatments costing between $3,000-$5,000 per round. These costs are all inclusive, covering hormone injections, pre-procedure medication, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, as well as legal fees and donor sperm fees. 

To Sum It Up

Reciprocal IVF combines medical innovation with personal involvement, presenting a chance for same-sex couples to engage in the conception process. One study found that about 30 percent of patients had a successful childbirth after a single round of IVF treatments, and more than 65 percent of patients gave birth by the sixth cycle of IVF. 

Despite the associated costs, many consider it an invaluable path to parenthood. Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine specializes in guiding couples through assisted reproductive treatment. Our expert care is tailored to each couple's needs, while considering the financial implications. Our goal is to support you to navigate your family building desires with informed confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Success Rate of Reciprocal IVF?

A 2023 analysis of published research found that reciprocal IVF was as successful as IVF treatments, and in many cases the success rate was even higher. This success was attributed to couples choosing to undergo this because of the nature of their relationship and not because they were trying to navigate infertility.

Does Insurance Pay for Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF is rarely covered by insurance, unless medically, there is a demonstrated necessity for the procedure. Additionally, because insurance laws and regulations vary from one location to another, couples wanting to have families using reciprocal IVF can expect to pay out of pocket for most, if not all of the costs. 

Is Reciprocal IVF Worth It?

The decision of how and when to have a child is an incredibly personal decision and the idea of being directly involved in the biological development of a child is of more importance to some couples. Reciprocal IVF might be the best option for them, despite the significant costs and lengthy medical treatments associated with the process.