What is IVF?
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It’s a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps people build their families. There are over 500,000 IVF deliveries worldwide each year! (source)
TL;DR
- IVF = In Vitro Fertilization
- ART = Assisted Reproductive Technology
How does IVF work? How long does IVF take?
After taking hormone injections, you’ll retrieve eggs (from yourself or an egg donor) and fertilize them with sperm in a lab. Some develop into full embryos, which you can then ‘transfer’ AKA implant into a uterus. The full process takes about 4 months per cycle, with multiple transfer attempts often needed.
- Stimulate ovaries → retrieve eggs
- Fertilize eggs → hope for embryos. (Remember: 10 eggs does not equal 10 embryos).
- Transfer embryos → may take a few attempts
Over 12 MILLION babies have been born in the world thanks to IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies.
That’s a lot of diapers.
What are the IVF success rates?
No two journeys are the same. Success depends on many factors—especially the egg provider’s age at retrieval. Other key elements: fertility diagnosis, embryo quality, and clinic protocols.
Estimated IVF cycles needed to reach an 80% chance of success*:
* 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.
- IVF success takes time
- Age is one of the biggest factors.
- The more cycles you do, the better chance of success.
How much does IVF cost?
One cycle of IVF can cost $20,000-$35,000 or more, including the price of transfer(s), medication, genetic testing, and embryo storage. Sometimes, insurance covers part or all of the cost, depending on your plan and what state you’re in. But a lot of times, it’s an out-of-pocket cost (and a BIG one).
Through my work helping hundreds of aspiring parents pursue IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation, I saw firsthand the gap in financial resources for those pursuing parenthood. I created Sunfish to change that.
What is IVF vs. IUI?
Intrauterine insemination AKA “IUI” is simpler than IVF (It only takes about 10-15 minutes!)—it places sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. IVF involves lab fertilization and is typically used after IUI or for complex cases. Some patients may start treatments with IUI.
When is IVF needed? Where can I do IVF?
Some people try for years before turning to IVF. Others start sooner—due to age, fertility conditions, LGBTQIA+ family-building, or timing. IVF is done at a fertility clinic, and finding the right one matters. Look for success rates, reviews, and most importantly, what feels like the right fit.
