Artificial Insemination Cost - Is It Affordable?

Artificial insemination is a medical procedure in which sperm either from a sperm donor or a woman's partner is placed inside of the cervix with the hope that pregnancy will occur. It is imperative that women looking to improve their chances of getting pregnant with this method carefully consider artificial insemination cost. For some women, pregnancy happens naturally without any outside help. For many others, however, infertility issues can get in the way of becoming pregnant and having the children that they always desired. These issues can occur because of age, endometriosis, a partner with a low sperm count or a number of other causes. Although it is just one option for women looking for a little help with getting pregnant it has become a pretty standard treatment option for women dealing with infertility issues.

Fertility Testing and Basic Costs

Usually, the first step in getting artificial insemination and determining the cost is finding a qualified specialist. A visit to a reproductive endocrine fertility specialist can cost several hundred dollars just for the initial visit. Before a patient receives artificial insemination, the specialist will usually complete a number of other basic tests to help diagnose abnormalities within the reproductive tract or other issues affecting pregnancy. One common artificial insemination cost at this stage is the use of a pelvic ultrasound, to check the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. The ultrasound can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.

Another possible evaluation treatment that can affect is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). An HSG is a radiological test usually performed in a hospitals radiology department to check for blockages in the fallopian tube as well as for polyps, fibroid tumors and pelvic scar tissue. The specific price for the procedure does vary but is often over $1,000.

Increasing The Chances of Getting Pregnant

To increase chances of success, the clinic doing the treatment may closely monitor the woman's menstrual cycle through blood hormone level tests, and ovarian kits - which all mean a higher artificial insemination cost. Fertility drugs are also commonly used along with artificial insemination to help regulate reproductive hormones and trigger the release of eggs during ovulation. Take for instance, the generic drug clomiphene citrate, the common fertility drug is often given for several months to regulate ovulation and increase the chances of artificial insemination being successful. The generic version of the drug, clomiphene citrate, can cost less than $20 per cycle, while a brand name version can cost as much as $100 per cycle.

Total Costs

The treatment itself can cost $700 per session in some cases and women usually need several treatments. With the cost of fertility drugs, ultrasounds and various other expenses and tests involved before insemination can occur; women or couples could pay as much as $10,000!

To make the process of trying to create life even more difficult, many health care insurance companies may not pay for fertility treatments like artificial insemination. If insurance does cover the procedure, it usually only covers certain aspects of the treatment. Additionally, insurance coverage may only be for those with a diagnosed medical condition such as endometriosis and for women in certain age ranges. For some women, an infertility cure program can eliminate high artificial insemination cost and allow women to get pregnant naturally.