How Much Does Infertility Treatment Cost?

Infertility Treatment Comes at a Cost

Many individuals considering infertility treatment may feel hesitant due to its perceived high cost or may wish to wait until they are more financially secure. In this article, we’ll explore the costs associated with infertility treatment in detail.

According to a 2017 online survey on infertility treatment by Ninkatsu Voice, a web media platform supporting all women undergoing fertility challenges, the average cost for those who underwent advanced infertility treatments was around ¥1.93 million. Advanced infertility treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which require sophisticated techniques and generally have higher success rates.

For individuals who have undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI), the average treatment cost was approximately ¥340,000. Expanding to include all types of fertility efforts, the average cost was around ¥350,000.

Typical Costs for Different Types of Infertility Treatment

Infertility treatment usually begins with basic evaluations and progresses from general infertility treatments to more advanced procedures if necessary. Let’s take a closer look at the costs associated with each treatment stage.

• Preliminary Examinations

In preliminary exams, men typically undergo semen analysis, while women receive blood tests and ultrasound exams to assess reproductive health. As these are essential for determining a treatment plan, both partners should consider undergoing these exams together.

The cost for these preliminary examinations varies by clinic but typically ranges from ¥20,000 to ¥30,000.

• Timing Therapy

Timing therapy, often the initial approach to infertility treatment, uses ultrasound exams, hormone tests, and cervical mucus evaluations to predict ovulation. Intercourse is then timed around ovulation to maximize the chances of conception. Timing therapy is covered by insurance, with an out-of-pocket cost of a few thousand yen.

• Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy uses ovulation-inducing drugs to stimulate egg maturation, supporting a body more conducive to conception. Ovulation-inducing drugs are commonly administered for those with ovulation disorders but can also benefit individuals who ovulate naturally to increase pregnancy chances.

This therapy includes both oral and injectable options, and the total cost, including consultations, exams, and medication, is typically a few thousand yen.

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI involves introducing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of sperm reaching the egg. As this procedure allows for the selection of more motile sperm, it has a higher success rate than timing therapy. IUI is often pursued when timing therapy does not result in pregnancy.

Recently added to insurance coverage, IUI typically costs between ¥5,000 and ¥7,000 per procedure.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a procedure where eggs and sperm are retrieved and fertilized outside the body in a lab. If the fertilized egg (embryo) develops successfully, it is transferred back to the uterus for implantation.

IVF is usually recommended for those who did not conceive through IUI or have difficulty achieving fertilization naturally. IVF is conditionally covered by insurance, with the cost depending on the number of eggs retrieved, averaging around ¥100,000. Without insurance, a single IVF cycle may cost between ¥200,000 and ¥600,000.

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg using a fine glass needle under a microscope, enhancing the chance of fertilization. This technique is useful for selecting high-quality sperm to increase pregnancy chances.

ICSI can involve freezing embryos and later adjusting the uterine environment if needed. The cost for ICSI typically adds ¥50,000 to ¥150,000 on top of standard IVF costs, averaging around ¥150,000 with insurance.

Conditions for Insurance Coverage of Infertility Treatment

Although infertility treatments can be costly, insurance coverage introduced in April 2022 has reduced the financial burden. Insurance now covers male infertility testing and includes coverage for common-law partners.

However, insurance coverage is conditional, and patients should confirm eligibility before treatment. For insurance to apply, the female patient must be under 43 years of age at the start of treatment.

Furthermore, coverage for "embryo transfer cycles" varies by age. For women under 40, up to six embryo transfers are covered per child. For women aged 40 to under 43, coverage extends to three transfers per child.

With these financial considerations in mind, individuals can make more informed decisions about infertility treatments.