When it comes to making a family, the sky should never be the limit. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In Nigeria, many couples are limited by their resources when it comes to fertility healthcare. Worry not, though; if you’re looking for information on the cost of IVF in Nigeria for 2023, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the factors that can influence IVF treatment costs in Nigeria and provide an overview of what kind of budget you’ll need to plan for if you’re considering IVF as an option. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to make informed decisions about where to get your IVF treatment from. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the cost of IVF in Nigeria in 2023.

Cost of IVF in Nigeria in 2023

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility technology used by couples to become parents when other methods have not worked. IVF is a costly process, even in Nigeria. In 2023, the estimated cost of IVF in Nigeria is between NGN600,000 and NGN3 million. This cost typically covers all stages of the IVF process, including egg retrieval, embryo transfer, semen analysis, and medication.

Also included in the cost are laboratory fees and professional fees for doctors and embryologists who are involved in the process. Additional expenses may include consultation fees, ultrasound scans, and blood tests if any of these tests are deemed necessary during the course of your treatment. The cost of travel and accommodation should also be taken into account if you are traveling outside your home city for treatment.

While the cost of IVF in Nigeria may seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for IVF treatment in other countries like the USA or the UK. It’s also important to bear in mind that some fertility clinics offer payment plans to help couples manage the costs associated with their treatments.

What to Consider When Looking for an IVF Clinic

You’re looking into IVF treatments to start a family, and you’ve decided Nigeria is the right location to pursue this. Before you settle on a clinic, here are 6 things to consider:

Cost

The cost of IVF in Nigeria can vary widely depending on the clinic and other treatments you might need. Be sure to ask for an estimate of the total cost upfront so you know exactly what you’ll be paying before committing.

Success Rates

Ultimately, success is the most important metric of an IVF clinic. Find out what their success rates are when it comes to pregnancies lasting full term and delivering healthy babies.

Services

Not all clinics provide all services related to fertility treatments, so make sure that the clinic offers all services you might need, such as egg retrieval, embryo transfer, sperm extraction or donation, etc.

Technological Capabilities

Different clinics have different capabilities when it comes to technology and procedure options offered, such as ICSI or PGT-A testing; be sure to find out which ones your preferred clinic offers.

Facilities & Equipment Quality

You want to ensure the facility is well equipped and that the equipment used by staff is new and up-to-date with safety standards in place at all times.

Expertise & Credentials of Staff Members & Doctors

Make sure your chosen doctor has plenty of experience in fertility treatments, as well as any additional credentials needed; also, ask about any additional staff members who may be part of your treatment team, such as nurses or embryologists.

Cost of IVF in Nigeria: Typical Breakdown

When considering the cost of IVF in Nigeria, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s break down the typical cost components.

Fertility specialist consultation fee – N110,000
Screening to check your egg – N160,000
Screening to check donor egg – N130,000
Reassessment – N130,000
Follow-up specialist consultation – N50,000
Sonography for the surrogate – N60,000
Assessment for the surrogate – N120,000
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Procedure Fee – N1,520,000
Drugs for surrogate & donor- N600,000
Scheduling fees- N120,000
Legal fees – N200 000

These figures are estimates for an average IVF cycle in Nigeria; the cost can vary depending on which clinic you go to and your individual circumstances and treatments prescribed by your doctor or fertility specialist.

Factors that Determine the Cost of IVF in Nigeria

The cost of IVF in Nigeria is determined by a variety of factors, including the following:

Location

Using a teaching hospital is an additional IVF treatment option. In Nigeria, teaching hospitals often charge substantially less for IVF services than private fertility clinics. One ART cycle, for instance, costs between N400,000 and N600,000 in any teaching hospital, which is around half what you would pay at any private IVF facility.

Age

Age is also a factor. Generally, success rates are higher for younger women who are trying to conceive via IVF, so if you’re in your late 30s or 40s, the cost of this fertility treatment could be more expensive for you.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic procedures are used by fertility clinics to identify the underlying causes of infertility. Before IVF therapy can start, couples must spend money on these exams. Ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, infectious disease screening, and gynecological endoscopy are a few of these examinations.

Number of Cycles

IVF cycles run from the day you get your period to the day the embryo transfer is done. In Nigeria, a single IVF cycle costs between N600,000 and N1,200,000. However, many couples often require at least two cycles of IVF therapy (and occasionally three) before becoming pregnant. Multiple IVF cycles can considerably boost a couple’s chances of becoming parents, according to numerous studies.

Naturally, there will be additional charges as the number of cycles rises. But for several cycle treatments, the majority of clinics provide discounts. Couples are therefore forced to pay a flat payment of two or three cycles in advance to account for all possibilities. However, patients occasionally receive refunds when they don’t require an extra cycle.

Donors/Surrogates

If egg or sperm donation is involved, which could be from someone known or unknown, this will increase the cost. Depending on your situation and preferences, you may choose to use an egg donor or a surrogate, both of which mean higher costs because of extra legal fees and screening processes involved in making such arrangements.

In situations where the couple needs a surrogate, which is when the process of reproduction is carried out by someone other than the people who are supposed to be the child’s parents. The costs of the procedure will be quite high. This includes the use of donated eggs, sperm, or embryos, as well as gestational carrier arrangements, in which the pregnancy is carried by someone other than the intended parent(s).

Drugs

Also, don’t forget about the drugs required for IVF. In most cases, these must be purchased separately from your treatment itself, but many clinics offer discounts when drugs are bought in bulk from them directly.

Depending on the treatment plan, the cost of medications for fertility treatment typically ranges between N400,000 and N800,000. These medications are absolutely necessary for a successful course of treatment and cannot be omitted.

Embryo freezing

The overall cost of IVF treatment may rise due to this additional treatment component. Typically, freezing an embryo is done to give the client a fallback option in the event that the customer’s first fresh embryo doesn’t work out. In such a case, rather than beginning again from scratch, the lady can simply rely on her frozen embryo and do so at little or no cost.

Legal fees

If IVF involves surrogacy, there will also be legal fees to be paid. This amount, which is a portion of what must be paid before beginning your IVF treatment, may cost as much as N200,000.

The cost of treatment varies from person to person; therefore, it’s vital to keep in mind that you can’t fully judge a fertility clinic solely on price differences between two clients.

You could spend less than one million naira on your care while someone else pays considerably more. The diagnosis and the outcome of the investigations are everything in the end. Because most clinics customize the treatment to meet the particular needs of their clients, the cost of IVF treatment also frequently varies.

Duration

You should be aware of a few other details regarding IVF treatment in addition to the cost and payment plan. The duration of the IVF procedure, for instance, may influence the final cost of the procedure. IVF treatments often last 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how unusual the situation is, and most of the time, there is no need for hospital admission at the clinic.

Overall, the cost of IVF in Nigeria can be quite high, but it is important to remember that the cost of successful treatment is worth it for couples or individuals looking to start or expand their families. It is important to research the clinic to make sure it meets your needs and has the right credentials, as well as shop around to compare prices.

Knowing what factors determine the cost of IVF in Nigeria can help you better plan and prepare financially. For instance, if you’re using known or unknown sperm donors or egg donors or if you require a surrogate, these decisions will all affect the

Some facilities also have foundations that sponsor couples and help them with the cost of treatment. For instance, the Bridge Clinic’s Aspire Foundation promotes the free IVF treatment plans that the Bridge Clinic offers.

Government Hospitals Where IVF is Done in Nigeria

IVF treatment is only provided by five teaching hospitals in Nigeria, they are:

Lagos University Teaching Hospital
University of Benin Teaching Hospital
National Hospital, Abuja
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital

Conclusion

In summary, IVF treatment in Nigeria can be quite expensive. Factors such as the number of treatments, medication, test costs, and other things can add up to a significant overall cost. Although the cost of fertility treatment can be a burden, it’s important to remember that the cost can be significantly reduced by utilizing the right fertility treatment packages and options from the get-go.

Ultimately, the cost of fertility treatment will vary from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment, the quantity of medication, and other factors, so it’s essential to consult with your fertility specialist for an accurate cost estimate. With the right combination of knowledge and resources, couples can find the most cost-effective fertility treatment in Nigeria and finally start their journey toward fulfilling their dreams of having a family.