The cost of infertility diagnosis and treatment in Canada in 1995

The objectives of this study were to estimate the direct cost of infertility management, including diagnosis and treatment, in Canada during 1995, and the relative cost per live birth by treatment category. The analysis was based on the following estimates: the prevalence of infertility in Canada in 1995; the volume and distribution of infertility services; and the effectiveness and cost of specific infertility treatments. In 1995 there were approximately 330,000 couples experiencing infertility in Canada. It is estimated that <50% (150,000) sought medical advice or treatment during that year. A total of 13 diagnostic and treatment categories account for nearly all of the treatments received, and these categories form the treatment model. The cost of treatment per live birth ranges from Cdn$650 for clomiphene treatment of unexplained infertility to Cdn$41,000 for in-vitro fertilization. For a hypothetical group of 100 couples, the annual cost of diagnosis and treatment would be Cdn$77,000 and Cdn$200,000 respectively for a total of Cdn$277,000, or an average of Cdn$2770 per couple. After 1 year of treatment, it is expected that 26 of these 100 couples would achieve a live birth. The total annual cost of infertility management in Canada, estimated to be approximately Cdn$415 million, is 0.6% of the annual cost of health care.