With the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, couples may be questioning the true cost of trying to conceive, and whether starting or expanding a family is financially realistic at this time. Here, we take a look at the real cost of trying for a baby.

Around 65% of patients are reportedly waiting over a year to begin fertility treatment via national healthcare after speaking to a GP – and with time being an important factor to consider in fertility, it is understandable why more and more couples and individuals  are exploring private treatment options. However, in many cases, the full financial picture of private fertility treatment may not be immediately apparent. Beyond IVF itself, additional testing, consultations and recommended treatments can contribute to the overall cost of care.

With this considered, it’s also important to be aware that support is available. A number of organisations offer financial assistance for fertility treatment, including refund schemes for unsuccessful cycles, and discounted options, helping to make private care more accessible for some patients. 

Dr Gorgy, Fertility Consultant at The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy, explains, “Fertility treatment requires highly specialised expertise, advanced technology and experienced medical teams, all of which contribute to the overall cost. Choosing a respected provider – particularly one with extensive experience in complex cases – offers reassurance that you are receiving carefully considered, high quality care from professionals who are dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey.”

Initial costs for trying to conceive

• Fertility assessment packages: A fertility assessment is often the first step for many individuals and couples. These packages typically include a series of consultations, hormone testing and baseline investigations to help build a clearer picture of reproductive health and identify any potential challenges early on.
• Sperm testing: Semen analysis is a vital part of fertility investigation, providing insight into sperm count, motility and morphology. This simple yet informative test can play an important role in informing next steps and treatment planning.
• Diagnostic scans: Ultrasound scans and other diagnostic imaging may be recommended to assess ovarian reserve, ovulation patterns and the health of the uterus. These scans help specialists tailor treatment approaches to each individual’s circumstances.

Other factors affecting the cost of fertility treatment

The overall cost of care can vary depending on the complexity of a case, the number of cycles required, medication protocols, additional procedures and the level of ongoing monitoring and support needed. As every fertility journey is unique, treatment plans (and associated costs) are highly individualised, which is why you may struggle to get an accurate figure.

Employer contribution to the cost of fertility treatment

In recent years, some employers have begun to recognise fertility treatment as an important part of workplace wellbeing. A growing number now offer fertility benefits as part of their health and wellbeing packages, which may contribute towards consultation, treatment costs or fertility preservation options. While this is not yet widespread, it is a positive step towards making support more accessible.

Additional considerations for same-sex couples

For same-sex couples, fertility treatment may involve the use of donor sperm or eggs, as well as potential legal and counselling requirements. These additional elements can increase both the complexity and overall cost of treatment, making specialist guidance and transparent planning especially important.

The cost of having a baby later in life

As fertility naturally declines with age, attempting to conceive later in life can sometimes require more intensive intervention and higher levels of medical support. Increasing awareness around fertility preservation has led more people to consider egg freezing at a younger age, which can be a more cost-effective option in the long term and may offer greater flexibility for future family planning.

NHS fertility treatment options

If you experience fertility difficulties, the investigation and treatment offered through the NHS will depend on the underlying cause and what is available locally via your integrated care board (ICB).

Options can include:

• Medication to support ovulation
• Surgical procedures to address conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids or sperm blockage
• And assisted conception techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Eligibility for NHS-funded treatment varies across the UK and waiting times can be lengthy, so patients are usually advised to speak with their GP or local ICB to understand what support is available to them.