When should we consider IVF?
There’s no one-size-fits-all path to IVF.
Some couples try for months or years naturally. Others begin with IUI, a less invasive option. And some head straight to IVF due to a variety of reasons.
What is the IVF Process?
Clinic Consultation
First, you do a consultation with a fertility clinic (not your OB/GYN). The doctor – called a Reproductive Endocrinologist or REI – will discuss medical history, goals, testing and more. This is the time to ask questions, like, “What are your success rates with patients like us?”
- The first step is always testing and a consultation with a doctor at a fertility clinic.
- This appointment is a great time to discuss goals and ask questions.
Fertility testing + Treatment plan
For both partners, testing includes blood work that measures hormones, genetics and more. The female partner will get a transvaginal ultrasound to count follicles, and a uterine evaluation. The male partner will do a semen analysis. After what feels like a million tests, you’ll go over results and a plan.
- From bloodwork to ultrasounds, the testing part is a lot.
- Your doctor will explain the results and next steps.
Start IVF
If IVF is the recommended path, you’ll begin treatment—and that’s where things can feel overwhelming. From coordinating appointments to managing medications and emotions, there’s a lot happening at once.
Sunfish is here to support you every step of the way—emotionally, financially, and administratively.
The Success Rates
IVF success rates depend on a lot of factors, the biggest one being the age of the woman at the time of the egg retrieval. Others include reasons for infertility, embryo quality, clinic protocols and more. In terms of wider stats, here are some general data points:
The number of IVF cycles needed to reach an 80% chance of success by age*:
*Success defined as Live Birth. Based on data using own (autologous) eggs. Calculated using the 1-cycle success rates from historical cycles and CDC data, assuming the patient in each of the age groups have no known reasons for infertility, and has a BMI of 26.8.
The Finances
When it comes to paying for IVF, there are a few ways to do it.
Paying for IVF with insurance
First, check if your health insurance covers IVF. 42% of U.S. employers offer fertility coverage (source). Some states also mandate coverage. But, even if you have coverage, insurance often doesn’t pay for everything, including egg/sperm donors or surrogacy. Make sure to get a clear explanation of benefits.
Understanding the cost of IVF & Financial Resources you can trust
Paying for IVF out-of-pocket with a clinic
With little to no fertility coverage, you can pay the clinic directly. Your clinic may have a package price for a cycle, but you will also pay for anesthesia, medications and more. Ask your clinic if they offer any payment plans, and see if you can pay with your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
Paying for IVF with Sunfish
At Sunfish, we offer another option- the Sunfish IVF Success Program is tailored to your treatment plan and built to help you become pregnant—with less confusion, more support, and lower costs. We partner with leading fertility clinics nationwide to offer our All-Inclusive IVF Bundle:
- Customized for you, based on your treatment plan.
- Unlimited Embryo Transfers.
- Expert guidance and support for up to one year.
- Discounts and savings up to $9,000 per cycle.
- Even with fertility coverage, there are a lot of hidden and unexpected costs that often aren’t covered, like embryo storage, medications and more.
- The Sunfish IVF Success Program bundles everything into one clear price, with added discounts and no surprises—offering peace of mind, financial clarity, and support from start to finish
