Looking at fertility options in Australia? Here are some of the costs you can expect.

by Kahla Preston July 25, 2015

People often talk about how much it costs to raise a child — but for many couples, there’s also some cost involved in falling pregnant.

Australian couples who are struggling to conceive have access to a number of fertility options, so if this is something you’re currently exploring we’ve rounded up some of the costs you can expect to pay.

Of course, it will differ from one place to the next, and is largely dependent on the specifics of the treatment, so these figures are a general guide for you.

1. IVF and ICSI

The total upfront cost of one cycle of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is generally between $8000 and $10,000; of this, the out-of-pocket cost will be upwards of $3000-4000. These prices will be slightly reduced for subsequent cycles; while a cycle of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) will cost slightly more than IVF.

In order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need a referral from your doctor or specialist obstetrician/gynaecologist that is valid for 12 months or three months respectively. It will cover things like blood tests, ultrasounds, and standard medications — although you may be prescribed medications that aren’t covered.

Also, if you don’t have private health insurance, you could end up paying $1000 to $2000 more for private hospital care and an anaesthetist. Most hospital and day surgery fees — which could include egg collection and/or embryo transfer — are covered by private health insurance.

2. Artificial insemination/IUI

Artificial insemination — where the semen of a male partner or donor is inserted into the uterus — is covered by Medicare.

According to IVF Australia, you can expect an out-of-pocket expense around the $1700 mark. Additional costs apply when accessing donor sperm.

3. Egg freezing

Source: iStock.

In total, the egg freezing process can cost between $8000 to $12000 upfront (around $10,000 seems most common). This includes the collection of eggs and freezing them, generally through a process known as vitrification. There can also be storage fees.

If you're entitled to the Medicare rebate, which you may be if you have a medical reason for freezing your eggs, you can generally expect an out-of-pocket price similar to that of a regular IVF cycle.

However, fertility preservation for so-called 'social' reasons (for instance, young women pre-emptively preserving their fertility for the future) isn't covered by Medicare. (Post continues after gallery.)

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pill

The Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine device

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

Condoms

The male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condom

The female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

Diaphragm

Like the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implant

This is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ring

Vaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo Provera

Depo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pill

Emergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

4. Surrogacy

There are a number of processes, and therefore costs, associated with surrogacy. According to IVF Australia, this includes consultations, counselling and legal advice leading up to the arrangement. Then, if the parent is using her own eggs, they are collected through an IVF treatment and fertilised with her partner's sperm. The embryo is then inseminated into the surrogate mother.

Currently, couples undertaking IVF for surrogacy purposes are not eligible for a Medicare rebate, so the cost for one cycle can cost around $10,000 (or more in some cases).

In Australia, it is illegal to pay a surrogate mother for her services, beyond any medical costs or other out-of-pocket expenses, like travel and maternity clothing, associated with the pregnancy. For this reason, some couples seek arrangements in countries where commercial surrogacy is legal.

5. Adoption

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have adopted three children. (Getty)

The legal and administrative costs of adoption can vary from one state to another, and are also different for local and overseas adoptions.

For instance, local adoption in NSW incurs departmental fees of around $2782 and legal fees of $834 (some of which is waived for permanent care placements); while departmental fees for international adoption are around $9700 for the first adoption. In Western Australia, the administrative and legal fees of local adoption amount to around $2000.