Cost of Reciprocal IVF

IVF has broadened the options available to people wishing to grow their families. It has provided hope for  individuals and couples of all persuasions to have children, as well as more freedom to choose the timing of when to begin growing their families. 

Reciprocal IVF is one of the options available in assisted reproductive treatment. It is primarily used by same-sex assigned female at birth (AFAB) couples to have children who want to have a more direct role in building their family.  

Let us discuss reciprocal IVF further, addressing how it works, how successful it is, as well as other important considerations to make should you choose to grow your family this way. 

What Is Reciprocal IVF

Another term used to describe reciprocal IVF is ‘co-maternity’, so called because both individuals in a same-sex partnership take part in the prenatal development of their child.  

The basic gist is that one partner donates their eggs for fertilization, and then the embryo is implanted into the uterus of the other partner who carries the pregnancy to term.

The process of reciprocal IVF could take anywhere between several weeks to several months, but compared to other forms of IVF therapy, it has shown great promise and become rather popular among lesbian and trans-men couples in recent years. 

How Does Reciprocal IVF Work?

The process of reciprocal IVF treatment is not different from regular IVF treatment. It has three main stages:

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is the first step, where a group of eggs is taken from the donor partner’s ovaries, after a period of ovarian stimulation with hormone injections.

Ovarian stimulation accelerates the development of a group of eggs at once, and when they are close to maturing, a final hormone injection is given to rapidly bring them to full maturity. They are then safely retrieved using a thin needle that is inserted into the ovary.

Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are fertilized using donated sperm soon after. The newly formed embryo develops outside the womb in a controlled environment for a few more days, after which it is transferred into the second partner’s uterus.

Sperm is typically sourced from either a known donor or a sperm bank. Regardless of their source, sperm samples are screened for vitality and viability using the same process. 

IVF fertilization has a high success rate and so, many individuals and couples opt to fertilize some of the eggs and freeze the rest for future use. Doing this also gives them some back up in case complications arise during the remainder of the IVF process. 

Implantation

As egg retrieval and fertilization progress, the partner who will carry the pregnancy undergoes a medication and hormone injection regimen to prepare their uterus for the transfer of the embryo. 

The embryos are placed into the uterus using a speculum and catheter. The process does not require sedation or pain meds and is usually over within 10 minutes. It is quick and less invasive than retrieving the eggs.

The Cost of Reciprocal IVF

Now that you have understood the process, your next question may be, what the financial implications are. 

Well, usually the initial round of IVF would cost upward of $20,000, which covers hormone injections, pre-procedure medication, the egg retrieval procedure, the embryo transfer, and it includes legal fees and donor sperm fees. 

Any additional treatments cost between $3,000-$5,000 per round because some steps may not be repeated such as egg retrieval or legal costs.

To Sum It Up

The reciprocal IVF treatment protocol presents a unique opportunity for same-sex couples to engage in the making of their baby. It is a very effective family building plan with a 30 percent success rate of live birth after one round of IVF treatments, and upward of 65 percent live birth rate by the sixth cycle of IVF. 

Although the costs are high, many couples find reciprocal IVF invaluable in helping them to become parents. At Reproductive Partners Medical Group, we aim to support you in navigating your family building desires with informed confidence. We specialize in guiding couples through assisted reproductive treatment by giving them expert care tailored to their needs.

Reciprocal IVF FAQs

What Is the Success Rate of Reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF is as successful as regular IVF, and in many cases it is even more successful because reciprocal IVF patients choose it because of the nature of their relationship and not due to infertility challenges as is with many IVF cases.  

Does Insurance Pay for Reciprocal IVF?

Without a medical precedent for reciprocal IVF, the procedure is unlikely to be covered by insurance, and couples can expect that they will pay out of pocket for most, if not all, of the costs. 

Is Reciprocal IVF Worth It?

The decision about growing a family is very personal, and the idea of being directly involved in the biological development of a child takes priority over the cost, for many couples.