Reciprocal IVF Cost: Breakdown of Prices, Add-Ons & How to Save

By CNY Fertility Published on

Reciprocal IVF, sometimes called shared motherhood, is a form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to participate in conceiving a child. One partner provides the eggs, while the other carries the pregnancy.

It’s a beautiful way for both partners to be biologically involved. But because reciprocal IVF requires medical involvement from both partners, it is a more complex process, and usually more expensive than standard IVF.

So how much does reciprocal IVF cost? Prices vary widely by clinic, location, and what’s included, but understanding the key components can help you plan and save.

Quick Answer: What Does Reciprocal IVF Cost?

In the United States, the average cost of reciprocal IVF typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per cycle, depending on clinic fees, medications, and add-on procedures.

At CNY Fertility, a complete reciprocal IVF cycle, including monitoring for both partners, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and medications, can cost as little as $8,000 to $10,000, depending on your treatment plan and whether an FET is required.

Reciprocal IVF Cost Snapshot

ScenarioNational AverageCNY Fertility
One complete IVF cycle (including both partners’ monitoring, medications, retrieval, and fresh transfer)~$20,000–$25,000$8,290
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), if applicable~$5,000$945
Estimated Total Cost (Reciprocal IVF)$20,000–$30,000$8,000–$10,000

Note: CNY Fertility’s base IVF package is $7,295, which includes medications for both stimulation and transfer. Because reciprocal IVF involves two partners, an additional $995 monitoring fee applies, bringing the starting total to $8,290 before optional add-ons.

Why Reciprocal IVF Costs More

Reciprocal IVF costs more than a traditional IVF cycle because it involves additional coordination and clinical steps.

  • Two partners require baseline testing and monitoring. Both the egg and carrying partner need initial fertility evaluations and ongoing cycle tracking before treatment begins.

  • Cycle coordination adds complexity. Clinics must either synchronize both partners’ cycles or perform a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) at a later time.

  • More clinical oversight. Two treatment plans, medication regimens, and schedules mean greater clinic involvement and lab coordination.

These factors add modest cost and complexity, but they allow both partners to share directly in the biological and emotional experience of family building.

What Variables Impact the Cost of Reciprocal IVF

  1. Clinic Choice

    The biggest factor in the total price. Some clinics simply charge more for identical services. Reciprocal IVF pricing can vary by $10,000 or more between clinics.

  2. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

    If the embryo transfer doesn’t occur in the same cycle, you’ll need an FET to transfer embryos later.

    • National average: ~$5,000

    • CNY Fertility: $945 (since reciprocal IVF already includes monitoring)

  3. Other Add-On Lab Services

    • ICSI (sperm injection): ~$1,500 nationally — included at CNY Fertility

    • Assisted Hatching: ~$500 nationally — included at CNY Fertility

    • Cryopreservation & First-Year Storage: ~$600–$1,500 (Cryopreservation included at CNY, storage is $50/month)

  4. Donor Sperm Costs

    Donor sperm typically adds $500–$1,000, depending on the sperm bank and donor choice.

    CNY Fertility works with many sperm banks and can coordinate shipment directly to the clinic.

  5. Clinic Location

    The clinic’s location may also affect the price of IVF. Some major cities have higher operating costs that drive up treatment prices. However, this isn’t a hard rule. Pricing can vary dramatically from clinic to clinic, even within the same city.

  6. Insurance Coverage

    Most insurance plans do not fully cover reciprocal IVF, though some may help pay for diagnostic testing, medications, or monitoring. Always verify what is covered for both partners.

Ways to Make Reciprocal IVF More Affordable

  1. FSA and HSA Accounts

    Use pre-tax dollars for medical expenses to save 20–30% depending on your tax bracket.

  2. In-House Financing

    CNY Fertility offers 100% approval on in-house payment plans with as little as 25% down, helping reduce upfront costs.

  3. Third-Party Financing

    Fertility lenders such as Future Family and CapxMD offer programs tailored for IVF and LGBTQ+ family-building.

  4. Travel for Affordable Care

    Many couples travel to CNY Fertility for significant savings. Even after airfare and lodging, total costs often remain less than half the national average.

The Bottom Line

The cost and price of reciprocal IVF typically range from $20,000–$30,000 per cycle in the U.S., depending on the clinic, medications, and treatment plan.

At CNY Fertility, the same comprehensive care, including both partners’ monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer, and medications, can cost as little as $8,000–$10,000.

By understanding the factors that influence reciprocal IVF costs and exploring options such as bundled medications, in-house financing, and travel programs, couples can make shared motherhood more affordable and accessible.