Does IVF Cost More If You Have Fertility Issues?

If you’ve been diagnosed with infertility, you may wonder whether IVF will cost more compared to someone without identified fertility issues. The truth is, certain diagnoses can increase the complexity — and cost — of your treatment. In this blog, we look at which conditions might raise your IVF cost and what you can do about it.

Not all fertility issues are the same Some diagnoses require more testing, medication, or specialist techniques to achieve success. Common conditions that may affect cost include:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Male factor infertility
• Low ovarian reserve
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Unexplained infertility

How different diagnoses impact IVF costs Endometriosis:

• May need higher medication doses to stimulate ovaries
• Sometimes requires surgery before IVF
• More likely to need ICSI or freezing

PCOS:

• Risk of overstimulation means careful medication management
• May require more blood tests and monitoring

Male factor infertility:

• ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is often needed: £1,000–£1,500
• Surgical sperm retrieval (PESA/TESA) may be required: £1,000–£2,000

Low ovarian reserve:

• Higher doses of stimulation drugs: adds £500–£1,500
• More likely to need multiple cycles to succeed

Recurrent miscarriage or genetic issues:

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A): £2,000–£3,500

So, how much more might it cost? The average person may spend £5,000–£9,500 per cycle. With more complex diagnoses, the cost can rise to:

• £7,000–£12,000 per cycle (due to medication, ICSI, add-ons)
• £15,000–£25,000+ for 2–3 cycles with advanced interventions

What can you do to manage these costs?

• Choose a clinic experienced with your diagnosis
• Ask about tailored treatment plans — not one-size-fits-all
• Get second opinions if costly add-ons are suggested
• Consider multi-cycle or refund packages

NHS funding If your fertility issue meets NICE guidelines, you may qualify for funded cycles — but availability depends on your local NHS trust.

Real-life example: Ben and Leila had male factor infertility and needed both ICSI and surgical sperm retrieval. Their first IVF cycle cost £11,200, including medication and retrieval. They succeeded after one round — and avoided unnecessary extras by seeking evidence-based guidance.

Yes, IVF can cost more if you have certain fertility challenges — but with the right planning and clinic support, you can manage your path and avoid overpaying.