Artificial insemination is a procedure that involves placing sperm directly in a woman’s reproductive tract with the intention of making it easier for the egg to be fertilized and pregnancy to occur. There are different types of artificial insemination, and the costs for each procedure will vary. For many couples the costs will help determine which procedure is best for them.
Cost of Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination involves injecting “washed” sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter. This is the most common type of artificial insemination because it has the highest rate of success. However, it is also one of the most expensive procedures. In the United States, the average cost per cycle using your partner’s sperm is around $865. Since most couples will need to undergo more than one procedure before successfully getting pregnant, this can begin to add up quickly.
The exact cost will vary depending on many factors, such as if you are also taking ovulation-inducing medications, where you live, and whether your state mandates insurance coverage for infertility. Also, keep in mind that if you are using donor sperm instead of your partner providing the sperm sample, it will probably cost a little more.
Cost of Intravaginal Insemination
Intravaginal insemination is the simplest form of artificial insemination, since it involves using a syringe to place a sperm sample into your vagina. This type of insemination is the usually the cheapest route you could take, since you can opt to perform the procedure by yourself from the privacy of your own home. If this is the case, all you have to pay for is the cost of the equipment.
However, since there tends to be a higher success rate for “washed” sperm, paying for this process in the lab will cost a little extra. Also, the cost could increase to as much as $500 if you are using donor sperm and if you are on fertility drugs such as Clomid.
Cost of Intracervical Insemination
This is a very simple procedure that involves placing sperm inside your cervix right before ovulation. Intracervical insemination is often a popular alternative to intrauterine insemination because it is less invasive and less expensive, with each cycle costing between $200 and $300.
Cost of Intratubal Insemination
This is the least common type of artificial insemination because it is the most invasive and usually the most expensive, even though the success rates are generally the same as intrauterine insemination. Intratubal insemination involves placing the sperm directly into one or both of your fallopian tubes.
During this procedure, sperm is placed into your fallopian tubes either intracervically or laparoscopically. The cervical method is less invasive since it involves placing a catheter inside your cervix, uterus, and up into your fallopian tubes. However, the laparoscopic method involves making an incision in your abdomen and using a camera to observe your pelvic cavity and locate your fallopian tubes. Then, the catheter is inserted directly into your fallopian tubes. Because it is such a complicated procedure, intratubal insemination usually costs around $1000 per cycle.
