How Much Does It Cost? The Financial Side of Using Donor Eggs, Sperm, and Embryos in IVF
When it comes to in vitro fertilization (IVF), some individuals and couples may require donated eggs (oocytes), sperm, or embryos due to infertility, genetic concerns, or medical conditions. Choosing to purchase these materials from a donor of their choosing can offer a pathway to parenthood, but it is not cheap! These costs can vary depending on the type of donation and the specific clinic or sperm bank involved. Understanding these expenses is crucial for those considering IVF with donor materials, as it helps to set realistic expectations and better plan for the financial commitment involved. Below we’ll share our experience with costs associated when purchasing donor specimens.
1. IVF Donated Oocytes (Eggs)
Oocyte donation is often the most expensive form of IVF donation. Women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs may turn to egg donation, where eggs are retrieved from a donor, fertilized with sperm (either from a partner or sperm donor), and then implanted in the recipient’s uterus.
The costs involved in the donor egg cycle typically include:
Egg Donor Compensation: Donors are compensated for their time, effort, and the physical toll of the egg retrieval process. Donor compensation usually ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, though in some cases, it can be higher for highly experienced donors or those who are in high demand.
Screening and Testing: Donors undergo extensive health and genetic screening to ensure they are healthy and do not carry any inherited conditions. This testing can cost an additional $2,000 to $3,000, covering physical and genetic screenings, psychological evaluations, and other necessary assessments.
IVF Cycle Fees: After the eggs are retrieved, they need to be fertilized and cultured before being implanted in the recipient’s uterus. The IVF process itself (egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culturing, and transfer) typically costs between $12,000 to $15,000. Medications used for egg retrieval, both for the donor and recipient, can add another $3,000 to $5,000.
Total Cost: The total cost of using donated eggs for IVF typically ranges between $20,000 and $35,000, depending on factors like compensation for the donor, screening, IVF procedures, and medications. Some clinics may also offer additional services like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which can add more to the overall expense.
Now when it comes to PATIENT COSTS, we would say that the cost is generally standardized amongst clinics and donor agencies, so most clinics will be charging similar rates. Patients can typically purchase a set number of donor eggs for a few or coordinate to receive all the eggs from a donor after retrieval. This cost can be more standard with an example of $3000 for each donor egg. Of course, they may vary with the clinic’s package pricing. Expect to pay up to $20000 for 6 eggs!
We’ve had donors set their rates or even receive specific offers from patients who wanted their eggs. One couple offered a potential donor $100,000 if she could donate all her eggs in one cycle. This was done outside of a donor agency, so really any situation is possible and the cost can range from high or low.
2. IVF Donated Sperm
For individuals or couples experiencing male infertility or genetic concerns, sperm donation can offer a solution. Sperm donors are carefully screened for health conditions, sexually transmitted infections, and genetic disorders. Donors are typically anonymous, though some clinics may offer known donor options.
The cost of buying donor sperm includes:
Sperm Donor Compensation: Sperm donors are compensated for their time, but the compensation is generally much lower than that for egg donors. Donors typically receive $100 to $1,000 per donation.
Sperm Bank Fees: Sperm banks charge fees for the processing, screening, and storage of donor sperm. A single vial of donor sperm typically costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on the sperm bank and the donor’s profile. If the sperm is shipped to a different clinic, there may be additional shipping fees (typically $100 to $300).
IVF Cycle Costs: If sperm is being used for IVF, the additional IVF cycle costs apply, including egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culturing, and transfer. This will cost an additional $12,000 to $20,000, including medication and monitoring costs.
Total Cost: The total cost of using donated sperm for IVF can range from $12,000 to $25,000. This amount includes the sperm purchase, IVF cycle fees, medications, and any additional services required, like sperm storage or shipping.
Now when it comes to PATIENT COSTS, we would say that the cost is generally $1200. As you can see in the image to the left, which was taken directly from the California Cryobank
You could also do the direct donation route and create a deal with someone for their sperm. Naturally this costs are what the patient and donor agree on. However, did you know about the The Sperminator?
3. IVF Donated Embryos
Embryo donation is another option for those who need donor material. In this case, embryos that were created through IVF by other couples (who no longer need them) are donated to a recipient. These embryos are typically frozen and then thawed for implantation into the recipient’s uterus. This can be a cost-effective option compared to using donor eggs because the fertilization process has already been completed.
The costs of buying donated embryos typically include:
Embryo Purchase: The cost of purchasing donated embryos varies depending on the clinic and the quality of the embryos. Typically, the price for embryo donation ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 for a set of embryos, though this may vary depending on factors like screening and the donor's medical background.
IVF Cycle Fees: The embryo transfer procedure itself is an IVF procedure, which includes the use of IVF medications, ultrasounds, and blood tests to prepare the recipient’s uterus. This costs $5,000 to $10,000 for monitoring, medications, and the transfer procedure. There may be additional costs if embryo freezing or further testing (such as genetic screening) is needed.
Legal and Administrative Fees: Some clinics may also charge for the legal and administrative costs associated with the donation. These fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of the donation and the legal requirements.
Total Cost: The overall cost for embryo donation ranges between $10,000 and $20,000. This includes the purchase of embryos, IVF cycle costs, and any necessary medical or legal services. It can be a more affordable option than egg donation since the fertilization step is already complete.
Disclaimer - Embryo donation is extremely uncommon because this embryo typically does not have the DNA of a female or male patient. It is quiet rare for embryo donation and patients typically donate embryos for free so we don’t expect any major costs here.
Conclusion
Choosing to use IVF donor material—whether eggs, sperm, or embryos—can offer a solution for those struggling with infertility or genetic concerns, but it comes at a significant financial cost. The expenses involved vary depending on the type of donation:
Donated eggs: Typically $20,000 to $60,000 per cycle.
Donated sperm: Typically $1,000 to $2,000 per cycle.
Donated embryos: Typically $free$
These costs can fluctuate based on the donor's profile, medical screenings, legal fees, and the specific services provided by the fertility clinic. It is important to fully understand the financial commitment involved when considering IVF with donor material and to consult with a fertility clinic to get a detailed breakdown of all the potential costs. While the expenses may be high, for many, the chance to build a family through donor-assisted IVF is priceless.
“Good eggs aren’t cheap, and cheap eggs aren’t good—let’s talk IVF donor costs.”
