It is not uncommon for women to have trouble getting pregnant even when they are hoping for a natural pregnancy. Some people may have suddenly thought about infertility treatment. As such, it is important to know about IVF as a method of getting pregnant.
There are many different ways to get pregnant, so you may not need to choose IVF right away. However, it is very important to keep in mind that it is an option that can help you have a baby.
What is the IVF process, and how does it lead to pregnancy? Also, you may be wondering how much it costs.
Here we will discuss the average cost and ways to keep the cost down.
What is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which a sperm is fertilized with a pre-ovulated egg that has been removed from the body through an egg retrieval procedure. A few days later, the fertilized egg is returned to the uterus, and pregnancy can result. It is estimated that more than 4 million babies are born through IVF worldwide.
One of the main characteristics of IVF is the ability to ensure that the sperm and egg are fertilized. Therefore, if there are no problems with the sperm and egg, it is said that it is possible to get pregnant and give birth through IVF. The pregnancy rate is increased by implanting an embryo in the body that has developed through repeated cell division due to normal fertilization.
If the natural way does not result in a pregnancy, the cause, such as whether or not the sperm and egg do not have the power to fertilize, cannot be determined without first conducting tests. In infertility treatment, considering the age and the condition of the sperm and eggs, other timing methods, infertility induction methods, and artificial insemination may be cut short early and proceed to in vitro fertilization.
What is the average cost of IVF?
At this time, IVF treatment is not covered by health insurance in Philippines. Each step of the process, from egg retrieval, IVF, fertilized egg culture to the initial embryo, and embryo transfer, is costly, and the average cost is between Php 250,000 to Php 300,000.
Keep in mind that there are additional costs for medications, injections, and tests, if necessary.
The cost of natural cycle IVF, where eggs are harvested according to the menstrual cycle without ovarian stimulation, and ICSI, where only one sperm is inserted into the egg for fertilization, can also vary. Also, the cost may vary depending on the number of follicles and the number of cultures. Some hospitals set their fees in detail, so it’s a good idea to compare and consider several different hospitals.
How to reduce the cost of IVF?
Across the country, about 1 in 10 Filipinos struggle with infertility. Due to these rates, it’s no surprise that the use of IVF has become more common over the past few decades. But it’s not cheap, and most government subsidies won’t cover it.
In some cases, medical help can make it possible to have a baby that would have been difficult to get pregnant naturally. Keep in mind, however, that this is a very advanced technology, and it can be very expensive.
Conclusion
When considering IVF, it is important to check the subsidy system. If you meet the requirements and your application is approved, you may be able to take advantage of it. Be aware, however, that you may not be able to use the subsidy system depending on your age and other factors. As you think about your life plan, it is important to gather your thoughts about pregnancy once again.
