Economic input of test tube babies: the status quo in the United States
IVF is an advanced fertility technology, which provides a choice for couples who cannot conceive in a natural way to pursue fertility. However, the implementation of this technology requires huge economic investment, covering various costs. This article will elaborate on the US economic investment in IVF from four aspects.
Hospital expenses
One of the biggest economic inputs in the process of IVF is hospital expenses. IVF treatment in the United States usually needs to be carried out through professional reproductive medical centers, such as Boston IVF, one of the famous reproductive medical centers in the United States. According to the data of the center, the medical cost of a complete IVF course is about 20000 to 30000 dollars. These costs cover routine examinations, drug treatment, egg retrieval and embryo transfer. In addition, if multiple attempts or further auxiliary technologies are required, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), the cost will be further increased.
In addition, the process of IVF may also involve professional consultation fees of doctors and nurses as well as surgery fees. These fees will vary according to the charging standards of different regions and hospitals, and may fluctuate due to different personal conditions of patients.
Auxiliary technology and drug costs
In addition to hospital costs, the economic input of IVF also includes the costs of auxiliary technology and drugs. Assisted technology can improve the success rate of IVF, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The cost of these technologies is usually not included in the basic medical costs, but requires additional payment.
In addition, IVF needs to use a large number of drugs to promote ovarian stimulation and control the ovulation cycle. These drugs, including gonadotropin and estrogen, are expensive. According to the data of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in a complete IVF treatment course, the drug cost can reach about 10000 to 20000 dollars.
Reproductive insurance expenses
Considering the high cost of IVF treatment, some couples may consider purchasing reproductive insurance to reduce economic pressure. Reproductive insurance usually covers some costs of IVF treatment, such as surgery costs, egg collection and embryo implantation. However, the coverage and limits of reproductive insurance vary from insurance type to insurance type, and some insurance companies do not provide reproductive insurance. In addition, even if you purchase reproductive insurance, you still need to pay a certain percentage of the additional costs.
Social and psychological costs
In addition to direct economic input, IVF may also bring some indirect social and psychological costs. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of IVF process, couples need to invest a lot of time and energy. They may need to ask for leave, adjust their pace of life, or even give up other plans to match the medical process. Although these social costs are invisible, they have a certain impact on the couple's economic and mental state.
In short, the implementation of IVF in the United States requires huge economic investment. In addition to hospital costs and auxiliary technology costs, drug costs and possible reproductive insurance costs should also be considered. In addition, IVF also brings some indirect social and psychological costs. Nevertheless, IVF technology still provides a valuable reproductive option for couples who cannot conceive in a natural way.
