Lakshman TL, CEO, Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospitals highlights that in India, IVF therapy has lately gained popularity. With all the infrastructure, facilities, and use of modern equipment, the procedure is not the cheapest, but with the passage of time, it has evolved into one of the most successful means of reproductive aid available
In this golden era, the joy of parenthood comes with its fair share of overwhelming experiences that are often not spoken about. And the one that is taking a toll on couples’ physical as well as mental health is the infertility issue. According to the WHO, 15 per cent of reproductive-aged couples worldwide are affected by infertility, and the total incidence of primary infertility in India is estimated to be between 3.9 and 16.8 per cent. Thus, to overcome the obstacles, the fertility business is making thoughtful efforts to guarantee that couples may experience the joy of parenthood. In this context, the treatment that has gained favor among modern couples is IVF, which leads on their parenting journey and gives them the option of naturally conceiving. Consequently, IVF has become a suitable treatment for all couples, depending on their health and requirements.
IVF treatment: Importance, accessibility, and affordability
Traditionally, couples have always sought to have children at an early age, but with shifting demographics, the present generation is on a different path. Because the new-age generation is continuously on a rat race to attain professional success, the decision to postpone pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. According to expert reports, the average age of having the first child worldwide is 28 years and above. In contrast, other people still have their first child in their forties in industrialised countries where jobs are a priority. In fact, thanks to the invention of IVF technology, the couple that is having difficulty conceiving naturally has gained hope.
In-vitro fertilisation process has become a new-age treatment to start a family when both couples are ready. During this procedure, professionals collect the patient’s eggs and sperm, combine them and nurture them in a laboratory. When both parents are prepared to embark on the adventure of parenting, the fertilised egg is put in the woman’s uterus. Though technology has become prevalent, it is sometimes regarded as excessive, limiting access to these services for many, particularly those in the middle and lower-income segments of society. Furthermore, due to a lack of pricing transparency, many patients have no idea how much the therapy will cost throughout its whole course and end up in a state of financial distress. Thus, let’s dive into the details about the cost of IVF treatment and how to make it affordable.
Cost of IVF treatment in India
In India, IVF therapy has lately gained popularity. With all the infrastructure, facilities, and use of modern equipment, the procedure is not the cheapest, but with the passage of time, it has evolved into one of the most successful means of reproductive aid available. In truth, no two IVF treatments are the same; therefore, the cost for each individual might vary depending on their personal demands. To put a number on it, the minimal cost of IVF treatment in India starts from 68,000 Indian rupees, which covers the whole IVF treatment and often provides free check-ups, consultations, and ultrasounds.
Furthermore, the success rate of IVF therapy depends on the patient’s unique qualities. As a result, numerous cycles of IVF therapy may be necessary for the fertilised embryo to implant successfully in the uterus. Each IVF cycle costs between Rs 70,000 and 1,25,000 on average. The cost of IVF therapy differs per facility as well. Some top-tier facilities in India have experienced doctors and employ the best technology to provide the most successful and hassle-free IVF treatment. These hospitals charge between Rs 1.25 and 3 lakh for each round of IVF therapy, including medicines, consultations, and the actual surgery. As a result, in the realm of fertility, specialists are working to overcome the cost issue to make the treatment process more successful, affordable, and accessible to all.
Ways to make IVF treatment affordable
Insurance: Nowadays, many fertility clinics provide and accept insurance. The clinic also offers financial counselors to assist patients by understanding their needs and requirements. Furthermore, even if IVF is not covered, some aspects of the treatment might be, such as ultrasounds or lab tests. Thus, it has become the best way for couples to afford treatment without being stressed about financial issues.
Fertility financing: Finding methods to afford treatment might be complex, but several fertility facilities are accessible today with various healthcare-specific funding solutions for individuals. They also have excellent third-party partners that may assist patients in obtaining financing. They will collaborate with the parents to ensure that the funds are in place before commencing treatment, so parents can go forward without the extra burden of financial concerns.
Multi-cycle plan: Multi-cycle plans allow parents to undergo many IVF cycles at a reduced cost. Even with the most advanced equipment and therapy, most women require more than one IVF cycle to conceive. Concerns about treatment costs tend to exacerbate an already stressful situation. Thus, a multi-cycle approach increases the likelihood of success while keeping treatment expenses realistic by ensuring everyone.
All things considered!
With the technological advancements of the modern era, everything is transforming at a breakneck pace. In this context, every IVF treatment process has pros and cons. Thus, by employing the aforementioned methods, parents may make their IVF treatment journey more inexpensive and accessible while increasing their chances of success in experiencing the joy of parenthood when they are ready to embark on that journey.