Cost-effectiveness of IVF vs. IUI followed by IVF in couples with subfertility
Author Information
Author(s): Pashayan Nora, Lyratzopoulos Georgios, Mathur Raj
Primary Institution: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
Is the primary offer of IVF more cost-effective than IUI followed by IVF for couples with unexplained or mild male factor subfertility?
Conclusion
Primary offer of a full IVF cycle is less costly and more cost-effective than providing IUI followed by IVF.
Supporting Evidence
- IVF has a cost-effectiveness ratio of £12,600 per live birth-producing pregnancy.
- Offering IUI followed by IVF increases costs significantly compared to IVF alone.
- Six cycles of IUI followed by IVF could cost an additional £174,200 compared to IVF.
Takeaway
If couples have trouble getting pregnant, starting with IVF is cheaper and works better than trying IUI first.
Methodology
Mathematical modeling was used to estimate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of IVF versus IUI followed by IVF.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to reliance on local data and retrospective studies.
Limitations
The study relies on assumptions and estimates from local data, which may not reflect broader populations.
Participant Demographics
Couples with unexplained or mild male factor subfertility.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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