Services included in IVF fee
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology, which provides hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, the cost of IVF is not cheap, mainly including the following services:
1. Physical examination and diagnosis
Before the IVF process, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and diagnosis for the couple. This means that couples need to carry out a series of blood tests, reproductive system tests, chromosome screening and other related tests. The purpose of these tests is to determine whether couples are suitable for IVF and to identify any potential health problems. The cost usually includes the doctor's diagnosis cost, laboratory test cost and the use cost of related equipment.
In China, some well-known reproductive hospitals (such as the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the Reproductive Department of Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine) provide world-class IVF physical examination and diagnostic services. They have advanced equipment and professional medical teams, which can provide high-quality diagnostic results.
2. Preparation of drugs and hormone therapy
In the process of IVF, women need to receive a series of drugs and hormone treatments to promote the development of eggs and ovulation. These drugs usually include ovulation promoting drugs, estrogen and progesterone. The cost includes the purchase of drugs and related treatment services.
In addition, women also need regular ultrasonic examination and blood testing to monitor the development of eggs and hormone levels. These monitoring services are also usually included in the IVF fee.
3. Egg collection and sperm donation
When the egg develops to an appropriate stage, the doctor will use the fine needle technique under the guidance of ultrasound to collect the egg. This is a minimally invasive surgery process, which needs to be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The expenses include operation, anesthesia and related equipment use.
In addition, if couples need to use sperm donation for IVF, they also need to pay for sperm donation and related artificial insemination costs.
4. Embryo culture and transplantation
After eggs are collected, doctors will combine sperm and eggs in the laboratory to cultivate embryos. Embryo culture usually lasts for 3-5 days, during which appropriate environment and nutrition are required. The cost includes the use of equipment and reagents for embryo culture, incubator, and the work costs of relevant doctors and laboratory personnel.
Once the embryo culture is completed, the doctor will select the best embryo for transplantation into the woman's uterus. Embryo transfer is a simple process that usually does not require anesthesia. The cost includes the operation cost of transplantation and related equipment use cost.
To sum up, the cost of IVF covers medical examination and diagnosis, drug preparation and hormone treatment, egg collection and sperm donation, embryo culture and transplantation and other services. These costs usually vary according to the geographical location of the hospital, facilities and the level of the medical team. Couples should consult their doctors before IVF and make full financial preparations.
