Cost-effectiveness of in vitro fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective but underutilized treatment fo r longstanding infertility. The median projected cost per IVF cycle in 2001 in the United States would be $9226 and $3531 in 25 other countries, based on previously published estimates. The cost per delivery arising from IVF cycles in 2001 in the United States would average $56,419, and $20,522 in e ight other countries, based on previously published estimates. The cost-eff ectiveness of IVF has not been proven in three randomized controlled trials , but these trials are difficult to design and implement. Multiple gestatio n births significantly increase the cost of IVF treatment. IVF multiple bir ths cost 36% more than the IVF cycles that gave rise to the multiple births . The uptake of IVF in most countries falls short of the minimum 1500 cycle s per annum that would be needed per million population. Comparative intern ational data indicate that infertile couples would increase their uptake of IVF services if the price were lower.