Fertility care often feels like it wasn't designed for the people going through it, especially when it comes to the finances. The lack of transparency can be frustrating, and trying to figure out how much does reciprocal IVF cost can feel like a full-time job on its own. We believe you deserve better. You deserve a clear path forward, without financial surprises or stress. This guide breaks down every expense you can expect on your journey. We’ll also show you a more flexible, human-centered way to plan and pay for your treatment, so you can focus on what truly matters: building your family.

Key takeaways

• Understand the Full Price Tag: A clinic's quote is just the starting point. Your final cost will also include essentials like fertility medications, donor sperm, and the legal fees required to secure both partners' parental rights, so be sure to factor those into your budget from day one.
• Explore Every Payment Option: Because insurance rarely covers reciprocal IVF, it's smart to look into all your financial resources. Research everything from fertility-specific loans and grants to using your HSA or FSA funds to create a payment plan that feels manageable for you.
• Prioritize the Legal Paperwork: Working with a lawyer to establish legal parentage for the non-birthing partner is an essential investment in your family's security. Plan for this expense in your initial budget to ensure both parents' rights are protected right from the beginning.

What is reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF, sometimes called co-maternity, is a beautiful way for lesbian couples and some trans men to build their families together. It’s a special kind of IVF treatment that allows both partners to have a unique, biological connection to their baby. In this process, one partner provides the eggs, which are then fertilized with donor sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the other partner, who carries the pregnancy and gives birth.

This approach is all about shared experience. It lets one partner be the genetic mother and the other the gestational mother, creating a powerful bond for the couple throughout the journey. While the medical steps are similar to traditional IVF, the emotional and physical involvement of both partners makes it a distinct and meaningful path to parenthood. It’s a wonderful option for couples who want to share the creation of their family in a very tangible way. Before you get started, it's important to understand how the process works, who it's best suited for, and what you can expect in terms of success.

How the process works

The reciprocal IVF process is a carefully coordinated dance between both partners and your medical team. First, your cycles will be synced up, usually with birth control pills. Then, the partner providing the eggs will take medication for about 10 days to help their ovaries produce multiple mature eggs. At the same time, the partner who will carry the pregnancy takes hormones to prepare their uterine lining for the embryo.

Once the eggs are ready, they are collected in a minor procedure called an egg retrieval. In the lab, these eggs are fertilized with donor sperm to create embryos. Finally, one or two of the healthiest embryos are transferred into the carrier partner’s uterus, and you’ll wait to see if it implants.

Who is reciprocal IVF for?

Reciprocal IVF is a fantastic option for same-sex female couples or couples where one partner is a cis woman and the other is a trans man. It’s designed for partners who both want to be physically and biologically involved in the pregnancy process. The ideal candidates are two people who are in good health and prepared for the commitments of fertility treatment. One partner needs to be able to produce healthy eggs, and the other needs to be able to carry a pregnancy to term. It’s a deeply personal choice that allows you both to play an essential role in bringing your child into the world.

What are the success rates?

The good news is that success rates for reciprocal IVF are generally on par with traditional IVF. The biggest factor influencing the outcome is the age and health of the partner providing the eggs, as this directly impacts egg quality and quantity. Younger eggs typically lead to higher success rates. If neither partner has any underlying fertility issues, your chances are quite good. Choosing the right fertility clinic is also key, as their expertise and lab quality can make a real difference. Your doctor will be able to give you a more personalized prediction based on your specific health profiles.

Breaking down the cost of reciprocal IVF

The total price tag for reciprocal IVF can feel like a huge, single number, but it’s actually made up of several different parts. When you look at the costs piece by piece, the entire process becomes much easier to understand and plan for. Think of it like building a house—each stage, from the foundation to the finishing touches, has its own associated cost. Knowing what to expect at every step helps you create a realistic budget and feel more in control of your journey. Let’s walk through the typical expenses you’ll encounter, one by one.

Consultations and initial tests

Before you can begin treatment, both you and your partner will need a series of initial tests to get a clear picture of your reproductive health. This first step is all about gathering information to create the best possible treatment plan. The partner providing the eggs will typically have a pelvic ultrasound, blood tests, and genetic screening to check for any conditions that could be passed on. The partner carrying the pregnancy will also have blood work and a pelvic ultrasound to ensure their body is ready. These tests are essential for setting you up for a healthy and successful pregnancy.

The egg retrieval

The egg retrieval is a major milestone in the reciprocal IVF process. The partner providing the eggs will take medications to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Once the eggs are ready, they are collected during a minor, outpatient surgical procedure. This part of the process requires careful monitoring by your clinical team through ultrasounds and blood work to track follicle growth and time the retrieval perfectly. The costs for the monitoring appointments and the egg retrieval procedure itself typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on your clinic.

Creating and storing embryos

Once the eggs have been retrieved, the magic happens in the lab. The eggs are fertilized with donor sperm to create embryos. Over the next several days, embryologists will monitor their development. This lab work is a highly specialized part of the process and is a significant factor in the overall cost. Many couples also opt for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, which can add around $5,000 to the total. After testing, any viable embryos that aren't being transferred immediately can be frozen and stored for future use, which involves an annual storage fee.

The embryo transfer

The embryo transfer is the moment you’ve been working toward. During this simple procedure, a carefully selected embryo is placed into the carrying partner's uterus. While it’s a relatively quick and painless process, it’s a critical step that requires precision and expertise from your fertility doctor. The cost for the embryo transfer procedure usually falls between $2,000 and $3,000. This fee covers the procedure itself, the lab preparations, and the care you receive from your clinical team on the day of the transfer. It’s a hopeful and exciting step that brings you closer to growing your family.

Fertility medications

Fertility medications are a necessary and substantial part of the reciprocal IVF budget. The partner providing the eggs will need injectable hormones to stimulate egg production, while the carrying partner will take medications like estrogen and progesterone to prepare their uterine lining for the embryo transfer. The cost of these medications can vary widely depending on the specific drug protocols and dosages your doctor prescribes, but it’s common for them to add between $7,000 and $10,000 to your total expenses. It’s a good idea to research pharmacy options early on, as prices can differ.

Essential legal fees

While it’s easy to focus on the medical side of things, the legal steps are just as important for protecting your family. Reciprocal IVF involves legal complexities around parentage, especially for the non-birthing parent. You’ll need to work with a lawyer who specializes in reproductive law to draft agreements and ensure both partners are legally recognized as parents. This process secures your rights and your child’s future. These essential legal fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are a crucial investment in your family’s security.

What can change the final cost?

The price list you get from a fertility clinic is a great starting point, but it’s rarely the final number you’ll pay. Several factors can shift the total cost of reciprocal IVF, and understanding them ahead of time can help you create a more realistic budget. Think of the initial quote as the base price for a car, and these variables are the features and options you might need to add. From your clinic’s location to your personal health needs, here are the key things that can change your final bill.

Your clinic's location and fees

Where you choose to have your treatment plays a big role in the overall cost. Clinics in major metropolitan areas often have higher fees than those in smaller cities or suburban areas, simply because their overhead costs are higher. Beyond geography, each clinic sets its own prices for procedures, lab work, and consultations. Some may bundle services into packages, while others charge for everything à la carte. It’s a good idea to research and compare a few different partner clinics to understand the range of costs in your area and find a fit that feels right for both your family-building goals and your budget.

Necessary medical screenings

Before you can even begin a treatment cycle, both partners will need a series of medical screenings. These tests are essential for your doctor to get a clear picture of your reproductive health and create the most effective treatment plan. For the partner providing the eggs, this usually includes blood tests to check hormone levels and ovarian reserve, plus a pelvic ultrasound. The partner carrying the pregnancy will also need blood work and an ultrasound to ensure their uterus is ready for an embryo transfer. These diagnostic tests are crucial for a safe and successful IVF journey, but they are typically billed separately from the main IVF package.

How many cycles you need

One of the biggest unknowns in any fertility treatment is how many cycles it will take to be successful. While everyone hopes for success on the first try, it’s common for couples to need more than one cycle of reciprocal IVF to conceive. Each additional cycle involves repeating many of the same expensive steps, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer. Because there’s no guarantee, it’s wise to think about the financial and emotional possibility of a second or third round. Planning for this possibility can help you feel more prepared and less stressed if the first attempt doesn't go as hoped.

Your personal health profile

Your individual health is a key factor that influences both your treatment plan and its cost. For the partner providing the eggs, age is one of the most significant considerations, as it directly impacts egg quantity and quality. This can affect the amount of medication needed for ovarian stimulation and the number of viable embryos created. The overall health of both partners, including any underlying conditions, can also require additional monitoring or specialized care, which can add to the final cost. Your doctor will tailor the treatment protocol to your specific needs, which is great for your chances of success but can make the final price tag unique to you.

Optional add-on services

During your consultations, your doctor might suggest additional services or technologies that could potentially improve your chances of success. These are often called "add-ons" and can include things like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), which screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Another common one is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a procedure that helps fertilize the egg. While these technologies can be incredibly helpful for some patients, they also come with a significant price increase. Genetic testing alone can add several thousand dollars to your bill. It’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor about whether these optional services are truly necessary for your specific situation.

Using a sperm donor

For couples pursuing reciprocal IVF, selecting a sperm donor is a critical step in the process. The cost of donor sperm is a separate expense from your clinic’s treatment fees and is rarely covered by insurance. A single vial of sperm from a reputable sperm bank can cost anywhere from $400 to over $2,000, depending on the donor’s characteristics and the bank’s policies. On top of the purchase price, you’ll also need to budget for shipping the vial to your clinic and any potential storage fees. It’s a good idea to research different sperm banks early on to get a clear understanding of these costs.

Will insurance cover reciprocal IVF?

Figuring out insurance coverage for fertility treatments can feel like a job in itself, and reciprocal IVF is no exception. The short answer is that most insurance plans don't cover it, but the long answer is more nuanced. Coverage often depends on your specific plan, your employer, and even where you live. It’s worth doing some digging to understand exactly what you might be entitled to before you assume you have to pay for everything out of pocket.

State mandates and insurance rules

Unfortunately, very few states have laws that require insurance companies to cover fertility treatments. Even in the handful of states that do have these mandates, the rules can be specific and might not apply to every situation. For example, some plans may require you to try less expensive treatments like IUI first, or they may have a very narrow definition of infertility that excludes same-sex couples. It’s a frustrating reality that only about a quarter of Americans have any kind of IVF coverage through their insurance plans.

What insurance usually won't cover

The biggest hurdle for many couples seeking reciprocal IVF is the requirement for a medical diagnosis of "infertility." Since reciprocal IVF is often chosen by same-sex female couples who may not have a medical fertility issue, insurance providers frequently deny coverage on these grounds. They may argue that the treatment isn't "medically necessary." This can be a major roadblock, leaving many couples to cover the full cost of treatment themselves, even if their plan technically includes some fertility benefits.

How to talk to your insurance company

The best thing you can do is get on the phone and talk directly to a representative from your insurance company. Be prepared with a list of questions and don't be afraid to ask for clarification. You’ll also want to speak with the financial coordinator at your fertility clinic. They deal with insurance companies all day long and can often help you understand the ins and outs of your specific plan. They can also provide you with the billing codes for procedures so you can ask your insurance provider about coverage for specific services.

Calculating your out-of-pocket costs

Once you have a clearer picture of what your insurance will and won't cover, you can start to calculate your expected out-of-pocket costs. For most couples in the U.S., the final bill for one cycle of reciprocal IVF lands somewhere around $20,000. This cost is similar to a standard IVF cycle and includes everything from medications to monitoring and procedures. Working with one of our partner clinics can help you get a detailed cost breakdown so there are no surprises along the way.

How to pay for your treatment

Seeing the total cost of reciprocal IVF can feel overwhelming, but don't let the numbers stop you in your tracks. There are many different ways to approach paying for treatment, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Think of it as building a financial plan piece by piece, using the resources that work best for your family. From flexible payment plans and loans to grants and tax-advantaged savings accounts, let’s walk through the options available to help you move forward.

Flexible plans with Gaia

We designed Gaia because we believe your path to parenthood shouldn’t be dictated by rigid payment structures. Instead of just focusing on the bill, we partner with you to create a plan that fits your life. We offer flexible ways to afford your care, including insurance and financing options with features like payment pauses and a refund if your treatment doesn’t lead to a live birth. Our goal is to give you more control over the process, with a dedicated person in your corner to help you make sense of it all. You get to focus on your treatment, knowing the financial side is handled with transparency and support.

Fertility loans

Fertility loans are a common way to cover the costs of treatment. You can find these through companies that specialize in financing for medical procedures or by applying for a standard personal loan from a bank or credit union. A specialized fertility loan might offer terms tailored to the treatment process, while a personal loan can offer flexibility in how you use the funds. Before committing, it’s a good idea to compare interest rates, repayment terms, and any associated fees. Shopping around can help you find a loan that feels manageable and aligns with your long-term financial goals, so you can proceed with confidence.

Grants and financial assistance

Did you know there are organizations dedicated to helping people afford fertility treatment? Non-profits and foundations offer grants that can cover a portion or even the full cost of your care. These grants don’t need to be repaid, but they are often very competitive and may have specific eligibility requirements based on location, income, or diagnosis. Organizations like the Baby Quest Foundation and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association are great places to start your search. While the application process can take time and effort, securing a grant can make a significant difference in your ability to access the treatment you need.

Using your HSA or FSA

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, you can use these tax-free funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, which often includes fertility treatments like reciprocal IVF. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money specifically for healthcare costs. The funds in an HSA can roll over year after year, while FSA funds typically need to be used within the plan year. Check with your account administrator to confirm which reciprocal IVF expenses are covered and to understand your contribution limits. It’s a smart way to use money you’ve already saved.

Potential tax deductions

Many people don’t realize that you may be able to deduct some of your fertility treatment expenses on your taxes. Costs related to medical care, including IVF procedures, medications, and even travel for treatment, can potentially be claimed as medical expense deductions. To do this, you’ll need to itemize your deductions, and your total medical expenses must exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). The rules can be complex, so it’s always best to consult with a tax professional who can review your specific situation and help you understand what you can claim according to the IRS guidelines.

Create your financial plan

Once you have a handle on the potential costs, you can start putting together a financial roadmap. This isn't just about figuring out how to pay the bills; it's about creating a plan that feels sustainable and reduces stress so you can focus on your treatment. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps makes the process feel much more approachable. From comparing clinic prices to setting aside funds for legal fees, a little bit of planning goes a long way in making you feel prepared for the journey ahead.

How to compare clinic prices

It’s a good idea to consult with a few different fertility clinics to get a clear picture of what you can expect to pay. Prices can vary quite a bit, and one clinic’s standard package might not include the same services as another’s. Asking for a detailed cost breakdown helps you understand the full scope of expenses and compare your options accurately. This is also the perfect time to discuss financing and payment plans. Many clinics, including Gaia’s partner clinics, have financial counselors who can walk you through their specific programs and help you find a solution that works for you.

Are treatment packages worth it?

With reciprocal IVF costs ranging from $5,500 to over $30,000, many clinics offer treatment packages that bundle services together. These can sometimes offer better value than paying for each step à la carte, but it’s important to look closely at what’s included. Does the package cover consultations, monitoring appointments, the egg retrieval, and the embryo transfer? What about services like genetic testing or cryopreservation? Carefully evaluating what a package offers versus what you’ll actually need helps you decide if it’s the right financial choice for your family. Read the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Tips for managing medication costs

Fertility medications are a major expense, often adding between $7,000 and $10,000 to your total bill. Because they are usually billed separately from the clinic’s procedural fees, it’s easy to overlook them in your initial budget. Make sure to factor in this cost from the very beginning. You can manage these expenses by asking your clinic if they partner with any specialty pharmacies that offer competitive pricing. It’s also worth researching patient assistance programs, as some pharmaceutical companies offer discounts to eligible individuals. A little research here can lead to significant savings.

Start a treatment fund

Setting up a dedicated savings account or fund for your treatment can be a proactive and empowering way to manage costs. Knowing you have money set aside specifically for your fertility journey can provide peace of mind. Many people use a combination of personal savings, help from family, or a personal loan to build their fund. Some fertility-focused companies also offer specialized fertility loans or payment plans designed to make treatment more affordable. Having a central place for all treatment-related funds makes it easier to track your spending and stay on budget as you move forward.

Plan for legal expenses

For couples using reciprocal IVF, legal fees are an essential part of the process. These costs, which typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, cover the legal work needed to ensure both partners are recognized as legal parents. This might involve a co-parent adoption or second-parent adoption, depending on your state’s laws. While it’s another expense to add to the list, it’s a critical step in protecting your family. Be sure to include this in your financial plan from the start so you’re not caught by surprise later on.

Plan your next steps

Once you have a handle on the potential costs, you can start putting a concrete plan in place. Taking the time to organize your finances, paperwork, and support network now will make the entire process feel much more manageable. Think of these as the foundational steps for your family-building journey.

Set a realistic budget

The first step is to get a clear picture of what you might spend. The cost for reciprocal IVF can range from $10,000 to over $30,000, with the average in the U.S. sitting around $20,000. This is often comparable to the cost of a traditional IVF cycle, but you’ll also need to account for the cost of donor sperm. Use these numbers as a starting point to build a budget that feels realistic for you. Every clinic has different pricing, so it’s wise to get detailed cost sheets from a few different places before you land on a final number.

Gather your paperwork

Before you get too far into the medical process, it’s incredibly important to sort out the legal side of things. Because laws around parentage can vary so much from state to state, you’ll want to find legal assistance to make sure both partners are legally recognized as parents. This isn’t just a box to check; it’s a crucial step that protects your family and ensures both of your rights are established from the very beginning. Getting this done early can prevent a lot of stress and uncertainty down the road.

Prepare your finances

With an average out-of-pocket cost of around $20,000, preparing your finances is key. Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover reciprocal IVF, and only about a quarter of Americans have any kind of IVF coverage at all. This means you’ll likely be paying for most of the treatment yourselves. This is the time to look into all of your options, from fertility grants and loans to using an HSA or FSA. Understanding your financial path forward will help you focus on the treatment itself, not just the bills.

Find your support system

You don’t have to go through this alone. Building a strong support system is one of the most important things you can do. This includes your medical team at one of Gaia's partner clinics, who can answer your questions and guide you through every medical decision. It also includes your personal network of friends and family. And, of course, it includes us. Having a team in your corner to help you make sense of the entire process—from the financial planning to the emotional ups and downs—can make all the difference.

Related Articles

• The Real Cost of IVF: A Complete Breakdown
• How to Choose an IVF Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
• The Reciprocal IVF Timeline: A 7-Step Guide
• Full IVF Cycle Cost: A Complete 2025 Breakdown
• IVF - Our Guide To Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we decide who provides the eggs and who carries the pregnancy? This is a deeply personal decision that you and your partner will make together with your doctor. Often, the choice comes down to a combination of factors. Your doctor will evaluate both of your reproductive health profiles to see who might have a better chance of producing healthy eggs or carrying a pregnancy. Age is also a significant factor, as egg quality declines over time. Beyond the medical advice, it’s also about your personal desires and how you each envision your role in building your family.

Is reciprocal IVF more expensive than traditional IVF? The core medical procedures for reciprocal IVF cost about the same as a standard IVF cycle. The main difference in cost comes from the need to purchase donor sperm, which can add anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars to your total. Otherwise, the expenses for medications, monitoring, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer are very similar.

What happens if our first cycle doesn't result in a pregnancy? It’s completely normal to feel disappointed if the first cycle isn’t successful. It’s important to remember that it’s common for it to take more than one attempt. After an unsuccessful cycle, you’ll have a follow-up consultation with your doctor to review what happened and discuss what you might do differently next time. If you have frozen embryos remaining, your next cycle will be a frozen embryo transfer, which is less intensive and less expensive than starting over from scratch.

Why are the legal steps so important? Can't we just skip them? The legal steps are absolutely essential for protecting your family. In many places, the person who gives birth is automatically considered the legal parent, but the genetic parent who provided the egg is not. Taking legal action, like a second-parent adoption, ensures that both of you are recognized as your child’s legal parents from day one. This protects your rights and your child’s security, and it is not a step you should skip.

How long does a typical reciprocal IVF cycle take from start to finish? From your initial consultation to the day of your pregnancy test, the process usually takes about two to three months. This timeline includes initial health screenings for both partners, syncing your menstrual cycles, the 10-14 days of ovarian stimulation for the egg provider, the egg retrieval, fertilization in the lab, and finally, the embryo transfer followed by a two-week wait before the pregnancy test.