A walkthrough of the most common paths to parenthood when conception isn't straightforward. What each path involves, what it typically costs in the US, and how long it usually takes.
Ovarian stimulation with daily injections, an egg retrieval procedure, fertilization in a lab, and embryo transfer back to the uterus. The most common path for people who can't conceive without medical help.
Typical cost in the US
$15,000 to $25,000 per cycle out of pocket in the US, including medications. PGT-A adds $2,500-$5,000. Insurance coverage varies widely.
Typical timeline
One cycle is roughly 4-6 weeks from first stim injection to first beta. Many people do 2-3 cycles before a successful transfer.
What it involves
Using a gestational carrier to carry a pregnancy on your behalf. The carrier has no genetic connection to the baby. Used when carrying a pregnancy yourself isn't possible or safe.
Typical cost in the US
$100,000 to $200,000+ in the US. Includes agency fees ($25K-$45K), legal ($10K-$15K), carrier compensation ($45K-$70K base), medical costs, escrow management, insurance for the carrier, and travel.
Typical timeline
18 to 24 months from agency signup to bringing baby home, in a smooth case. Includes 3-6 months matching, 2-4 months legal and screening, then the cycle and pregnancy.
What it involves
Worth knowing
Surrogacy laws vary significantly by US state. Some states are surrogacy-friendly (CA, IL, NV); some require post-birth adoption (NY changed recently); some prohibit it entirely. Your attorney drives the state decision.
Using eggs from a donor instead of your own. The eggs are fertilized with sperm (yours, donor, or combined) and the resulting embryo is transferred to your uterus (or a carrier).
Typical cost in the US
$25,000 to $45,000 per cycle in the US. Fresh donor cycles tend to be higher ($35K-$45K); frozen donor egg banks are usually cheaper ($25K-$30K). Includes donor compensation, agency fees, your IVF treatment, and meds.
Typical timeline
3 to 9 months from starting the search to embryo transfer. Frozen donor eggs can move faster (3-4 months); fresh cycles need cycle sync (4-9 months).
What it involves
Using sperm from a donor for IUI or IVF. Common for single mothers by choice, same-sex female couples, and heterosexual couples facing severe male factor infertility. The medical side is simpler than donor eggs; the choices are mostly about the donor and the legal framework.
Typical cost in the US
Vials are roughly $700 to $1,500 each, plus $200-$400 per month for storage if you buy multiples up front. IUI cycles add $400-$1,500 each on top. IVF with donor sperm runs the same as standard IVF ($15K-$25K). Known donors avoid bank costs but add legal ($1.5K-$5K) and required screening ($1K-$2.5K).
Typical timeline
1 to 4 months to choose a donor and place an order with a bank. IUI cycles are then about 4 weeks each; many people try 3-6 IUI cycles before moving to IVF if needed.
What it involves
Worth knowing
At-home DNA testing has made true donor anonymity effectively impossible. Most banks and counselors now recommend an ID-disclosure or known donor so the eventual conversation with the child can include accurate information.
Receiving frozen embryos donated by another family who completed their own treatment. A lower-cost path to parenthood that uses no genetic material from you or a partner.
Typical cost in the US
$5,000 to $15,000 per transfer in the US, depending on agency fees and your clinic's transfer cost. Much cheaper than fresh IVF or donor eggs because the embryos already exist.
Typical timeline
6 to 18 months including application, matching, legal, and transfer. The medical part is short; matching can take time depending on the program.
What it involves
Freezing eggs or embryos for future use. Done by people who aren't ready to conceive yet, before medical treatments that may affect fertility (chemotherapy), or to preserve options.
Typical cost in the US
$10,000 to $15,000 per retrieval cycle in the US, plus $500-$1,000 per year for storage. Some employers cover this; some insurance plans do for cancer patients.
Typical timeline
Each retrieval cycle is 2-4 weeks. Many people do 1-3 cycles to bank enough eggs or embryos for likely future use.
What it involves
The glossary covers the terms your doctor, nurse, portal, insurance, and the forums all use. Hormones, labs, procedures, embryology, surrogacy, donor sperm and eggs, and the acronyms you'll see online.
Open the glossary →