How Much Does It Cost to Get Pregnant by IVF?
For many couples and individuals struggling with infertility, IVF offers the most realistic path to parenthood. But how much does it cost to actually get pregnant by IVF in the UK? While clinics advertise prices per cycle, the full cost of achieving a successful pregnancy often spans multiple rounds, medications, and optional treatments. This blog lays out what you can really expect to pay from start to baby bump.
Average cost per IVF cycle A single IVF cycle in the UK typically costs:
- IVF treatment: £4,000 – £7,000
- Medication: £1,000 – £2,500
- Total basic cost: £5,000 – £9,500
But this is the cost of one cycle — not necessarily the cost to get pregnant with IVF.
Number of cycles needed The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) reports that cumulative success increases with more cycles:
- 1 cycle: ~30% success for women under 35
- 2–3 cycles: 50–65% chance of success
Realistic cost to get pregnant:
- 1 cycle: £5,000 – £9,500
- 2 cycles: £10,000 – £18,000
- 3 cycles: £15,000 – £27,000
Add-ons and extras: Depending on your diagnosis, you may need:
- ICSI: £1,000 – £1,500
- Embryo freezing: £500 – £1,000
- Frozen embryo transfer: £1,200 – £2,000
- Donor sperm or eggs: £800 – £10,000+
- PGT-A testing: £2,000 – £3,500
These extras can add £2,000–£5,000 or more to the total per attempt.
Total IVF cost to get pregnant: Including multiple rounds and add-ons, many couples spend:
- £8,000 – £12,000 if successful quickly
- £15,000 – £30,000 for 2–3 cycles with extras
What affects your IVF cost?
- Your age and fertility health
- Whether you use donor eggs/sperm
- NHS access (some cycles may be free)
- Location (London clinics usually cost more)
- Whether frozen embryos are used
Real-life example: Amy and Jack underwent two full IVF cycles and one frozen embryo transfer. They paid £16,200 in total, including medication, ICSI, and embryo storage. Their pregnancy came from the FET round.
Cost-saving tips:
- Ask clinics about multi-cycle discounts or refund packages
- Consider FETs from previous cycles to reduce costs
- Check NHS eligibility in your area
- Only accept add-ons with proven benefits
The question “how much does it cost to get pregnant by IVF?” doesn’t have a simple answer. It depends on your age, diagnosis, and luck. But budgeting for at least two full cycles, plus medication and follow-up transfers, gives the best chance of success — and of accurate financial planning.
