IVF Treatment Cost in India: Everything You Need to Know

Grace Fertility

Authored & Verified by:

Dr. Reubina Singh

MS (OB/GYN), MBBS - Senior Infertility Specialist

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a highly effective treatment for couples struggling to conceive naturally. It involves multiple stages, from hormonal injections to egg retrieval, fertilization of the embryo, and embryo transfer into the uterus. However, due to its complexity and the expertise required, IVF can be expensive. Below is a breakdown of IVF treatment costs in India, along with insights into the step-by-step IVF journey.

How Much Does IVF Cost in India?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. IVF costs depend on various factors, such as the clinic’s location, the fertility team’s expertise, and the individual needs of each patient. On average, IVF costs in India range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per cycle. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the main costs:

1: Preliminary Testing and Counseling

Before starting IVF, patients undergo initial testing and consultations to assess overall health and fertility. This includes blood tests, ultrasounds, and genetic screening, which help in creating a personalized IVF plan.

Approximate Cost: INR 5,000 to INR 20,000
(Costs vary based on the number and types of tests recommended.)

2: Stimulating the Ovaries with Hormonal Injections

Hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of retrieving viable eggs for fertilization. These injections are typically a combination of recombinant hormones and other drugs.

Injection Charges: INR 50,000 to INR 80,000 per cycle
(Costs depend on the type, dosage, and patient’s response to the treatment.)

3: Monitoring with Ultrasounds and Blood Tests

Regular ultrasounds and blood tests monitor egg development during stimulation. These tests ensure proper egg maturation and allow specialists to adjust medication dosages if necessary.

For Monitoring: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per cycle
(Multiple tests are required in a successful IVF cycle.)

4: Egg Retrieval Procedure

Once the eggs are ready, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed. Under mild anesthesia, a thin needle is used to collect eggs from the ovaries under ultrasound guidance.

Approximate Cost: INR 15,000 to INR 30,000
(Precision and skill are essential to ensure high-quality egg retrieval.)

5: Fertilization and Embryo Culture in the IVF Laboratory

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with the partner’s or donor’s sperm in a controlled lab environment. Advanced technology mimics uterine conditions to aid embryo development.

Fertilization and Lab Culture Cost: INR 40,000 to INR 60,000
(Costs vary based on lab standards and embryo culture duration, typically 3-5 days.)

6: Procedure for Embryo Transfer

The developed embryos are transferred to the uterus. This quick, non-invasive procedure requires precision to ensure the embryo is properly placed for implantation.

Charges for Embryo Transfer: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000
(Ultrasound guidance and expertise are crucial for success.)

7: Medications and Monitoring After Transfer

After embryo transfer, medications like progesterone are prescribed to support implantation and early pregnancy. Monitoring ensures optimal conditions for the embryo to attach to the uterine lining.

Cost of Medicines and Monitoring: INR 5,000 to INR 15,000
(Hormones may need to be continued until pregnancy is confirmed.)

Other Costs and Considerations

Several additional factors can impact IVF costs:

ICSI Process (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A specialized technique where a single sperm is injected into an egg to assist fertilization.
Cost: INR 20,000 to INR 30,000
Genetic Testing (PGT): Preimplantation Genetic Testing identifies genetic disorders before embryo transfer.
Cost: INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): Surplus embryos are cryopreserved for future use, incurring extra freezing and thawing costs.
Cost: INR 30,000 to INR 50,000
Donor Eggs or Sperm: If required, donor materials add to the overall costs.
Cost: INR 30,000 to INR 50,000

Tips for Managing IVF Costs

Compare Clinics: Research clinic success rates and cost structures to find the best option for your needs.
Look for Packages: Some clinics offer discounted IVF packages for multiple cycles or bundled services.
Explore Financing Options: Many fertility clinics provide payment plans to ease the financial burden.
Check Health Insurance Policies: While most Indian health insurance plans don’t cover IVF, some may partially cover fertility treatments.

Final Thoughts

IVF offers hope to couples struggling with infertility. Though financially demanding, understanding the costs involved can help with better planning. Each IVF journey is unique, influenced by factors like age, health conditions, and procedure type.

By staying informed, exploring financing options, and preparing emotionally, you can approach IVF with confidence. The cost may be high, but the possibility of starting a family makes the journey worthwhile.