What is the Cost of Male Infertility Treatment?
Male Infertility Treatment: Understanding the Cost in India
If your dream of parenthood becomes unfulfilled due to infertility, it can be emotionally overwhelming. In India, around 27.5 million couples are struggling with infertility, where 40% to 50% contribute to male infertility.
The cost of male infertility treatment varies widely, from a few thousand rupees for medication to several lakhs for advanced procedures. Basic surgical interventions can range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000, but when Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IVF or ICSI are required, the total cost can escalate to Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 or more per cycle.
Male Infertility Treatment: What is the Cost in India?
A combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical therapies treats male infertility issues. Among these options, surgical treatment is the most effective and expensive one.
- Medication Cost : The medication cost can range between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000 per month, depending on prescribed medications and dosages. Doctors prefer medicines as the first line of treatment for male infertility. It aims to stimulate hormonal production and improve sperm quality before suggesting surgical options.
- Cost of Surgical Treatments : The most effective treatment depends entirely on the diagnosed cause of infertility. The following table outlines common surgical and procedural options.
| Male Infertility Treatment Options | Explanation | Cost of Treatment | Effectiveness of Treatment |
| Sperm Retrieval Techniques | These are used for men with azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate). MESA is preferred for obstructive azoospermia. For non-obstructive azoospermia, the more advanced micro-TESE procedure is the gold standard as it offers a higher sperm retrieval rate, though it is often more expensive than conventional TESE. | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 | 40% to 50% of successful cases are reported, depending on sperm quality. |
| Vasectomy Reversal | For men who have a vasectomy and want to regain fertility. This surgery reverses a vasectomy to restore sperm flow. | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 | The success rate, measured by the return of sperm to the ejaculate (patency rate), is typically between 50% to 60%, but this can be higher if the reversal is performed soon after the initial vasectomy. The subsequent pregnancy rate for the partner is generally lower than the patency rate. |
| Varicocele Surgery | This surgery treats vein enlargement in the scrotum and improves sperm production. | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 | 60% to 70% success rate, but it depends on the severity of the condition. |
| Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) | When sperm quality is poor or sperm is retrieved surgically, procedures like IVF with ICSI are necessary. The cost for these treatments is typically charged per cycle and includes medication, monitoring, the egg retrieval procedure, laboratory fees for fertilisation, and embryo transfer. | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per cycle
| IUI: 8% - 15%, highly dependent on the female partner's age and the initial sperm quality ICSI: Similar to IVF (25% - 40%), as success is largely determined by the quality of the eggs and embryos. ICSI specifically overcomes the problem of fertilisation failure due to poor sperm quality. |
The above figures are average price ranges, and the actual cost of infertility treatment can vary. Hence, consult with a specialist doctor to personalise a medical setting plan and estimate treatment costs.
Why Does Male Infertility Treatment Cost Vary?
The cost of male fertility treatment can be deferred for individuals due to particular treatment requirements, different medications, and clinics. These listed variables can affect the overall cost and make each person's treatment plan unique.
- Clinic Infrastructure and Expertise: Selecting high-end clinics with advanced facilities and laboratories may result in costly treatment.
- Type and Complexity of Treatment: Different types of treatments have varying price ranges, and medications are less expensive. Moreover, previous medical treatments, history and health conditions also affect pricing.
- Medication Needs: Depending on complications of fertility issues and hormonal needs, doctors prescribe different doses of medicine for a specific time frame.
- Number of Sessions Required: Treatment cost significantly depends on the duration of treatment. For example, medications may continue for a long time, but surgeries can treat infertility issues in a single event as a costly alternative.
What are the Strategies to Manage Male Infertility Treatment Costs in India?
Treatment costs can be daunting, so it will be a good decision to strategise some cost management ideas.
You can discuss with your fertility specialist and explore all options of treatment to get clear assistance and an understanding of the treatment-associated cost. Plan a budget after considering additional expenses, like medications, hospitalisations, and post-treatment care.
Male infertility treatment costs in India vary widely, from Rs. 1,000 for medication to Rs. 1,50,000 for surgical options. The treatment budget depends on the types of infertility treatments and individual needs.
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