Babies are priceless, but IVF isn’t 👶🏻

Read on to know about five unexpected IVF expenses that are often ignored

Hey!

Think about this: We plan for everything from big weddings, and dream homes to vacations. But one of the biggest expenses of your life is having a child/children and not many of you are planning for it. But before we get into the details, tell me:

For those of you who chose options 1,2, or 4 and want to have children, it could be an easy, organic process. But for some of you, life could throw a curveball with fertility. Then comes IVF, and with it comes huge six-figure bills. Yes. Plural. IVF doesn’t just come with emotionally and physically exhaustion. It’s also financially crushing. And in India, the price tag is only going up.

Here’s what’s in store for you:

• Monthly Market Review - September 2024

• 5 IVF Expenses Often Overlooked

• Binge Of The Month

• Need-Of-The-Hour Kinda Info Within 3.5 Mins

‘Sup with the market

February was brutal for Indian equities! 📉 The Sensex crashed over 4,000 points, erasing a staggering ₹40 lakh crore in market value. The Nifty logged its longest losing streak since 1996, with five straight months of declines, dropping 15% from its September peak. Adding to the pain, Nifty failed to close above its previous day’s high for 15 consecutive sessions, reinforcing the bearish trend. 😬

Weirdly, amidst all the chaos, DIIs went on a buying spree, pumping in ₹56,356 crore into the market (the highest monthly inflow in a decade)! This optimism stems from expectations of a BJP-led alliance securing a majority. Plus, March has historically been a turnaround month, with Nifty closing positive in seven of the last ten years. 📊 However, global uncertainties loom large, and recovery isn’t a given. While a bounce-back is possible, staying cautious and keeping an eye on global trends is the smart move for now. ⚠️

5 Unexpected IVF Expenses Often Overlooked

India’s in-vitro fertilization (IVF) market has experienced remarkable growth, driven by advancements in fertility treatments and the increasing need for effective reproductive solutions.

A key factor fueling this expansion is the decline in reproductive health among a significant portion of the population, influenced by sedentary lifestyles and changing environmental factors. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.51% from FY2025 to FY2032, rising from USD 1.74 billion in FY2024 to an estimated USD 4.80 billion by FY2032.

Honestly, these statistics took us by surprise so we’ve roped in Dr. Prateek Makwana aka @fertility_scribbles to write this month’s guest piece because y’all deserve to hear from the best! He’s an Embryologist who drops a lot of value bombs about reproductive health on the internet and here’s what he says:

Undergoing IVF is a major decision, emotionally and financially. While most couples plan for big-ticket expenses like consultations, stimulation injections, and embryo transfers, there are hidden costs that often creep up, adding unexpected stress to an already intense process. So, let’s break down five often-overlooked expenses that can impact your IVF budget.

1. Pre-IVF Testing and Consultations 🧪

Most people assume IVF begins right away. In reality, a series of tests and consultations come first, helping doctors tailor the treatment plan. Here’s what you may be in for and these tests may cost you a significant sum before getting started:

• Hormone Tests: To assess ovarian reserve, thyroid function, and other reproductive markers.

• Semen Analysis: A deep dive into motility, morphology, and sperm health.

• Ultrasounds: Baseline scans to evaluate ovarian and uterine health.

• Genetic Screening: Recommended in certain cases to detect inherited conditions.

• Mock Transfers: A practice run to increase the chances of a smooth embryo transfer (not all clinics require this).

2. The Real Cost of Medications 💊

Fertility drugs play a crucial role in ovarian stimulation, but they don’t come cheap.

• Average medication costs: ₹30,000 - ₹80,000 per cycle.

• Dose Adjustments: If the response is lower than expected, costs may go up with an increase in dosage.

• Complications: Rare conditions like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may require additional medications or hospitalization.

3. Add-On Procedures in the Lab 🔬

Many IVF packages cover only the basics, but additional lab procedures, often recommended for better outcomes, come with separate charges:

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Often suggested for male factor infertility, but some labs include this in basic packages.

• PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Costs ₹8,000-₹13,000 per embryo. If multiple embryos are tested, expenses can soar.

• Embryo Freezing & Storage: Extra embryos can be frozen for future use, but annual storage fees apply.

4. Travel, Time Off Work, and Lifestyle Changes ✈️💼

Beyond medical expenses, IVF affects your routine too. The hidden lifestyle costs include:

• Frequent Clinic Visits: IVF requires constant monitoring, which means repeated trips to the clinic. If you live far from the fertility center of your choice, travel and lodging costs can add up.

• Time Off Work: Egg retrieval and embryo transfer require downtime, and if you run out of paid leave, this could cost you too.

• Wellness Expenses: Some couples invest in acupuncture, fertility yoga, special diets, and supplements, adding to the overall cost.

Since IVF often requires multiple cycles, these ongoing lifestyle costs can become significant.

5. The Cost of Failure and Repeated Cycles 🔄

The hardest financial (and emotional) burden to prepare for is the possibility that the first cycle will be unsuccessful, so consider these too:

• Cost per cycle: Typically ₹1,30,000-₹3,50,000 (varies by city and clinic).

• Miscarriages & Additional Treatments: If pregnancy occurs but results in a miscarriage, more medical care/testing may be needed before attempting another cycle.

• Multi-Cycle Packages: Some clinics offer discounts for multiple cycles, but these require a larger upfront investment.

🔖 Binge of the month

I watched Suits LA and read Steve Cavanagh’s Thirteen. While the show was decent, what an amazing read Thirteen was! It was so gripping that it’s impossible to put down, so check it out if you're looking for a book to get you back into your reading groove! 🔥

🍸 Cocktail Pe Charcha

Is it too overwhelming to research & plan your investments? Say no more, we can personally guide you into mixing the perfect financial cocktail to manage your money!

Life’s biggest expenses aren’t always the ones we expect. Whether it’s fertility, a medical emergency, or even sudden career shifts, none of us see them coming years ahead, right? I'm not saying you've to be financially prepared by predicting the future. Just ensure you have options to deal with when the unexpected happens.

To an abundance of options🥂

Sayali❤️