IVF costs don’t end when the retrieval is over

After dropping over $60,000 of our own money (plus help from a few kind family members), we thought we were finally at the “done spending” part of IVF.

But then came storage fees.

We started at $500/year, and just two years later, that jumped to $683. That’s just to keep our embryos safe—never mind using them.

It’s exhausting to pour your heart, body, and bank account into this process, only to be hit with more bills when you’re already tapped out.

No insurance coverage. No guarantees. Just more decisions with price tags attached.

Have you gone through this too? How are you managing storage costs—or are you feeling the pressure to decide sooner than you’re ready? Let’s talk about it. This part needs more visibility.

#lemon8contest #AskLemon8 #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #ivfsupport

2025/5/1 Edited to

9 comments

Andréa's images
Andréa

IVF should be covered by insurance, the Gov wants us to have children but don’t want to help us with services like this 😩

See more(1)
Liz Johns's images
Liz Johns

This is why my husband and I haven’t done IVF to have baby number 2. Insurance covers a tiny amount but the rest of it is out of pocket. It feels illegal. Something has to change in the United States because the cost to try to have a baby is insane plus all of the medication, doctor’s appointments, and now to store the embryos until you go in and try. I wish you the absolute best and praying you end up with a gorgeous and perfect baby!!

See more(3)

See more comments

Related posts

A young woman sits on a bed with a laptop, looking at the screen. Text overlay reads 'How To Manage Your Studying.' The image has a dark, cozy ambiance.
An infographic titled 'STUDYING TIMELINE' outlines a week-long exam preparation plan, including creating schedules, reviewing notes, using resources, relaxing before the test, and eating well on test day.
This image presents 'STUDY RATIOS' for work and break times, 'STUDY TECHNIQUES' like watching videos and flashcards, and general 'STUDY TIPS' such as participating in class and practicing online.
How to Make Your Studying Easier for School😏
Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren’t cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? Many students realize that their high school study habits aren’t very effective in college. This is understandable, as college is quite different from hig
Angelina

Angelina

622 likes

An open textbook with a stethoscope and floral sticker, overlaid with text 'APPS ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE DOWNLOADED' and '#studywithme', suggesting essential study tools.
A screenshot of the Apple App Store page for Zotero, showing its icon, 4.7-star rating, and in-app views of its research organization and citation management features.
A screenshot of the Apple App Store page for Clockify Time Tracker, displaying its icon, 4.6-star rating, and in-app views of its time tracking and timesheet logging functions.
The best study apps for nursing students 🫶🫶🫶
Reach your academic goals through These apps! They are perfect for busy back to school students! As this next semester starts, it is time to set up your study supplies fora successful spring semester! ⏰ Zotero ~ a powerful and user-friendly reference management tool that simplifies the research
Stella Studies

Stella Studies

1156 likes

A study desk with an iPad, highlighter, textbook, and notes, featuring the title "How to get a 4.00 GPA Based on your Major" and "All majors included!".
Strategies for Business & Management Majors (Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics), including Active Participation, Case Study Analysis, Practice Financial Modeling, and Utilize Study Groups, with mentions of MarketingSherpa and GroupMe.
Strategies for Communications & Education Majors (Communications, Education), including Create Multimedia Presentations, Peer Teaching, Reflective Journaling, and Attend Workshops, with mentions of Canva and Notion.
Major-Specific Strategies to Achieve a ✨4.0 GPA✨🎓🧠
🎓1. Business & Management Majors (Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics) ✅Active Participation: Example: In a Marketing class, when discussing a case study like Coca-Cola’s rebranding, share your analysis of the marketing mix (4Ps). This not only engages you in the materi
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

7049 likes

A tablet with a keyboard case displays an e-reader showing text about new entrants in an industry, set in a classroom. Overlay text highlights "STUDY Tips FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS" and "FROM ONE STUDENT TO THE NEXT," emphasizing effective study strategies.
A tablet displays a presentation on manufacturing processes, alongside a notebook with handwritten notes. Overlay text advises using the Pomodoro Technique: "STUDY FOR 25 MINUTES, THEN TAKE A 5-MINUTE BREAK TO STAY FOCUSED & AVOID BURNOUT."
A laptop shows an accounting concept about common mistakes, next to a spiral notebook with handwritten notes. Overlay text encourages students to "USE YOUR OWN WORDS TO UNDERSTAND" and "REWRITE CONCEPTS IN SiMPLER & FAMiLIAR TERMS TO DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING."
from one student to the next
Master your study sessions with these easy and effective strategies! #studylikeacollegestudent #collegeproductivity #collegestudenttips #collegetips #studytips
ceci 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

ceci 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

223 likes

Study notes for Nursing Care 1, Unit 2, covering drug therapy definitions, legal responsibilities, generic and brand names, antibiotic classifications (bacteriostatic, bactericidal, broad/narrow spectrum), and general guidelines for drug administration, adverse reactions, and patient education.
Detailed study notes on antibacterial drug classes: Penicillin (amoxicillin), Cephalosporins (cephalexin), Monobactams (aztreonam), and Carbapenams (imipenem). Each drug includes its mechanism of action, uses, adverse reactions, administration, interactions, and nursing interventions.
Study notes on antibacterial drugs: Tetracyclines (tetracycline), Vancomycin, Macrolides (erythromycin), and Aminoglycosides (gentamicin). Information includes their MOA, uses, administration, adverse reactions (like Red Man Syndrome), interactions, and nursing interventions.
Nursing Care 1
Just got 100% on my quiz using this study guide in Nursing Care 1 ❤️
MzJez

MzJez

61 likes

Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting IVF
No sugarcoating — just sharing the hard truths as someone still going through it. #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #eggretrieval #ttc
Lexi Lippoldt

Lexi Lippoldt

28 likes

How to Pay for IVF: 3 Real Ways
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: IVF costs. 💸 When we started our journey, the numbers felt overwhelming. But after doing the research, I found there are ways to make it more manageable. Here are 3 paths to look into if you’re trying to figure out how to fund your family-building journ
MarPhill

MarPhill

4 likes

Study like a Harvard Student
ピンクの曼珠沙華

ピンクの曼珠沙華

526 likes

A collection of eight self-help books, including 'The Four Agreements' and 'The Power of Now,' displayed upright. The image is titled 'Books I Wish I Could Read Again For the First Time.'
A close-up of 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz, described as spiritual and transformative. The text emphasizes discovering ancient Toltec wisdom for freedom, happiness, and love.
A close-up of 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle, labeled profound, mindful, and practical. The text encourages embracing the present moment for peace and enlightenment.
8 Self-Help Books All Women Should Read
📚✨ Welcome to my Self-Help Library ✨📚 Ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation? Check out these empowering reads that have truly enriched my life: 1. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - A profound guide offering ancient Toltec wisdom to achieve freedom and happi
irianna

irianna

434 likes

An open notebook displays handwritten notes on topics like data protection, AI-powered instruction, and problem-solving strategies, with a light green keyboard in the background, illustrating detailed study material.
A graphic titled 'BEST VISUAL GUIDES FOR INFORMATION OVERLOAD' shows a colorful mind map with a central concept and branching ideas, explaining how mind maps help organize information spatially.
A graphic titled 'BEST VISUAL GUIDES FOR INFORMATION OVERLOAD' features a pie chart and bar elements, illustrating visual summaries to transform text into charts and diagrams for efficient processing.
How to deal with information overload at uni 📓☕️
Bonus Tip: 🧠 Practice spaced repetition and retrieval Rather than cramming all at once, spread your study sessions over time. Use flashcards or practice tests to actively recall information instead of passively rereading. Research shows that the effort of retrieving information strengthens
teal.days

teal.days

58 likes

A Bible page with highlighted verses from Luke 11-12 and handwritten notes summarizing themes like religious hypocrisy, fearing God, and acknowledging Christ, with a pink highlighter visible.
A notebook page with detailed notes on Luke 12:8-11, discussing confessing Christ boldly, the meaning of 'Son of Man,' and the concept of denying Christ and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
A notebook page continuing the notes on Luke 12:8-12, defining blasphemy, explaining why it's unforgivable, and discussing how the Holy Spirit helps believers during persecution.
Bible Reading & Notes - Luke 12:8-12 📖
Luke 12:8-12 | Acknowledging Christ 📝 ♥️ Today’s Heart Check: Am I relying on God’s guidance and the Holy Spirit when I feel anxious or afraid to speak about my faith? #biblestudy #biblenotes #biblejournaling #bible reading 🥰 #bible verse
MAE ♡

MAE ♡

73 likes

An iPad displays a financial dashboard with charts and tables, overlaid with text reading 'Turn your iPad into an AudioBook' and 'THE ULTIMATE HACK FOR STUDENTS'.
An iPad screen shows the Settings menu, with 'Accessibility' selected and a blue arrow pointing to 'Spoken Content' under the Vision section.
An iPad screen displays the 'Spoken Content' settings, with blue arrows indicating the 'Speak Selection' and 'Speak Screen' toggles, both turned on.
🌟 My most used IPad Setting hack for Studying
I do this with both my IPad Pro 11th Gen and IPad 10th Gen and both models allow this setting. This setup is so nice because I have so many PDFs from class and I can take notes on my iPad while listening to it read. The Nathan (enhanced) voice sounds most natural to me, so I’m using that one. T
TheHappyPlanner

TheHappyPlanner

567 likes

Data Analysts Career Guide: SQL Query Optimization
Hello everyone! I wanted to share tips for optimizing SQL query performance. Using indexes effectively on key columns and selecting specific columns can speed up data retrieval. Additionally, minimizing nested queries and optimizing join operations enhances efficiency. Moreover, limiting unnecessar
Yun Jung

Yun Jung

15 likes

who wants eggs for breakfast?! I got 50!!!! 🍳 no but actually… this so crazy 🤪 #ivf #ivfjourney #eggretrieval #infertiltity #infertile
Tori Halford

Tori Halford

90 likes

Egg retrieval day has me starving and thirsty af 🤣 #ivf #eggretrieval #infertility #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney #infertilityawareness #ivfwarrior
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

1 like

A cover image titled "INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS: A SIMPLE MINI GUIDE THE STRATEGIES OF A YOUNG INVESTOR," featuring a stack of US dollar bills against a soft pink background.
This image presents two investment platforms. The top section highlights a platform with app screenshots showing financial management and trading, emphasizing features like paper trading and strong customer support. The bottom section showcases another platform's app, noting its low costs, retirement savings options, and educational tools.
This image features a mobile app for active investing, highlighting its user-friendly platform, goal-based investing, and educational content. It mentions zero account minimums and fractional shares, set against an indoor background with a butterfly graphic.
Investing for retirement? best accounts here!👵🏽👴🏽
Here or some of the best investment accounts to start use to invest 2025 these platforms offer beginner-friendly features like low fees, educational resources, and easy-to-use interfaces, making them great starting points for new investors. Join my discord to start trade with me today 🫶🏼⬆️
Abinicole🦋💗

Abinicole🦋💗

126 likes

Egg retrieval day!! What a journey so far! #ivf #ivfjourney #wlw #wlwcouple #lgbt #fertilityjourney
Allison & Hannah

Allison & Hannah

51 likes

I’m that embryologist. The one who talks about more than just what happens in the lab. Because IVF success isn’t just about the retrieval or the transfer. It starts before that—with your biology, your patterns, and your full-body health. I’m not here to tell you the same old advice like “eat
THEOVAHAUL

THEOVAHAUL

0 likes

POV: 2nd round of ivf
#ivfjourney #ivfwarrior
Elaine |TTC_BabyBrady

Elaine |TTC_BabyBrady

6 likes

I wish I was joking 🙃🤣😭 #ivf #infertility #eggretrieval #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney #ivfwarrior #infertilityawareness
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

1 like

Like… could my ovaries have given me a notice…?! Moved up my retrevial 24 hours… I’m scared 😱 #eggretrieval #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #ivfwarrior
Tori Halford

Tori Halford

62 likes

The BIGGEST fear. And it’s so valid. You start to question everything you are doing and if you are going to mess it up. But just know, GOD is with you always. His will is the way. ❤️ hold onto the faith. #ivfsuccess #ivfjourney #ttcjourney #eggretrieval #ivfwarrior
Casey Bess | CORTISOL & MENTAL

Casey Bess | CORTISOL & MENTAL

4 likes

The bloat is bloating!! Recovering after the retrevial and feeling so much better than my 1st one!! 🫶🏼 so grateful for all you kind words and prayers!! 🙏🏼 #bloat #ivf #eggretrieval #ivfwarrior #ivfgotthis
Tori Halford

Tori Halford

124 likes

My Egg Retrieval Supplement Stack – Round #2 Prep
I’ve done the research. Here’s what’s in my supplement lineup as I prepare for another round of IVF. 💊🧬 #ivf #eggretrieval #infertility #ttc
Lexi Lippoldt

Lexi Lippoldt

10 likes

Soul loss & soul retrieval ☀️🍄🌿
Morganna Leigh

Morganna Leigh

6 likes

Egg Retrieval Day!!! What a journey it’s been so far! #wlw #wlwcouple #ivfjourney #ivf #eggretrieval #ivfpregnancy #lesbiansoftiktok
Allison & Hannah

Allison & Hannah

9 likes

IVF round 6 🤍 We have 1 embryo that fertilized. 🤞🏼 Send us ALL the baby dust our one and only embryo makes it to day 5. ✨ #ivf #eggretrievalresults #ttc #infertility #ivfgotthis #ivfmom #ttcjourney #infertilityjourney #infertilityawareness #ivfstory #ivfwarrior #infertilitywarri
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

63 likes

FEELING SO POSTIVE ABOUT THIS NUMBER!!! 🌹 I want to be clear though, this does NOT mean we ended with 14 embryos, they still have to go through genetic testing and then we will get our final number! Will update you guys asap!! 🫶🏼 #ivf #ivfstory #eggretrevialresults #eggretrieval #ivfmama
Tori Halford

Tori Halford

123 likes

#greenscreen #frontier #d3list #stocks #business I’m still speaking out, even though I have been DEM🪙NETIZED by TikTok. Please support here: Thed3list.substack.com © Justin Moore 2025 All rights reserved. All materials, content, and intellectual property, including but not limited to
TheD3List

TheD3List

1 like

eeekkkk! It’s finally time!! I don’t know if I’m more scared or excited! lol #ivf #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #eggretrieval #infertility
Tori Halford

Tori Halford

85 likes

IVF Egg Retrieval
Hey babes ! My name is Lua. I’m currently undergoing IVF treatments to receive our miracle baby in 2025, God Willing. Follow along to see my journey ✨👩🏽‍🍼
LULU

LULU

12 likes

Egg Retrieval # 2 coming soon!
#ivf #eggretrieval #infertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #infertility
Bianca Presti | TTC

Bianca Presti | TTC

4 likes

A Quick Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide covering drug names, pharmacology basics, patient education, lifespan considerations (pregnancy, pediatric, geriatric), drug interactions, adverse reactions, routes of administration, and controlled substance schedules.
A Quick Nursing Study Terminology guide detailing general tools & equipment, assessment techniques (vital signs, breathing, pulse, blood pressure), and documentation & charting methods like SOAP and SOAPIER notes.
A Quick Anatomy Study Guide, "The Anatomy 2," featuring detailed diagrams of human anatomy, including anterior and posterior views of arms, trunk, head, and specific joints and ligaments of the shoulder, wrist, hand, and foot.
Nursing Prep
Got my cheat sheets for class
Sereniti Battle

Sereniti Battle

122 likes

Most people think egg retrieval = the result. It’s not. The first 24 hours only tell part of the story. Not every egg is mature. Not every egg fertilizes. And not every fertilized egg becomes an embryo. That’s normal. What happens over the next 5–6 days is important. This is when emb
Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov

Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov

0 likes

Egg retrieval day!!! ✨🥚🥹 #ivf #eggretrieval #infertility #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

0 likes

Egg retrieval naps hit hard 😴 #ivf #infertility #eggretrieval #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney #infertilityawareness #ivfwarrior
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

2 likes

Replying to @Elleigh Beck IVF journey - starting IVF round 7. ✨ #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #infertilityjourney #ivfgotthis #ivfsuccess #ivfwarrior #ttc #eggretrievalresults #ivfstory #ivfwarrior #eggretrieval #infertilityjourney #invitro #ivftreatment #ttcjourney
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

2 likes

Egg retrieval day 🥚 IVF round 6 🤍 #eggretrieval #ivf #infertility #ivfjourney #ivfwarrior #ttc #infertilityjourney #ivfstory #ivfgotthis #infertilitysupport #ttcjourney #ttccommunity #infertilityawareness #ivfmom
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

0 likes

To Every Version of Me That Thought It Was Over
To the girl I was at 12, at 17, at 21… and even the woman I was not long ago I know you thought the pain would never end. I know you thought the storm would last forever. I know there were nights you didn’t recognize yourself… and mornings you didn’t want to get out of bed. But look at
TheLifesizeDoll🇯🇲

TheLifesizeDoll🇯🇲

1 like

I’m starting IVF 🙏🏽💉
I’ve been nervous to share this, but here we go—this week is the real start of our IVF journey! I have my baseline ultrasound coming up, and I officially start injections on Friday. I’ve been prepping with some essentials that have come highly recommended by others going through IVF, and I wante
Sereena_lee

Sereena_lee

23 likes

The things you’ll do to have a baby 🥹 I did the trigger 💉 & egg retrieval is tomorrow. 🤍 Send us baby dust! ✨ #ivf #infertility #ivfjourney #infertilityjourney #eggretrieval
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

0 likes

Day 9 of IVF cycle
Today, I had my final office visit for the week. My follicles are continuing to grow nicely. Majority were 14-16mm range. Estrogen is over 3000 bc of the number of follicles. I’m definitely feeling it in the girls. I had a pretty light workday so I was able to get out for some shopping and exercise
SSS

SSS

8 likes

IVF round 6 🤍 10 eggs retrieved, 8 mature.. Today we were told 0 fertilized. 💔 We are devastated. 😭 #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #ivfretrieval #eggretrieval #ttc #ttcjourney #icsi #ivfwarrior #infertilityjourney #ivfstory #ivfgotthis #infertilitywarrior #infertilityawareness #in
Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

Brittony Peterson | IVF mama

15 likes

scroll if you don’t want to watch a girl cry lolz #ivfwithkale #ivfjourney #eggretrieval #ttccommunity
_kaleyoufeelit

_kaleyoufeelit

0 likes

Ready to transform your life for the better?
Okay, here's a plan for a 7-day lifestyle transformation, focusing on eco-friendliness, natural living, and financial well-being, all supported by mindset shifts. This includes a daily morning and night routine and a list of 40 actionable steps categorized for ease of implementation. **Core
Purple Flower

Purple Flower

7 likes

If your job got you whispering “not today” every morning… this is your sign. ✨ Work from home ✨ NO call center ✨ Quiet job energy And before you ask — 👉 my previous video shows you step-by-step how to create your OWN resume templates so please stop paying people 🫶🏽 Save this. Send i
Arialle Tate

Arialle Tate

40 likes

What if artists had the support they actually need? 👀💡
Pavilion+

Pavilion+

0 likes

Day 7 of IVF Stims leading up to egg retrieval!! The bloating is getting real. #ivf #ivfaftertuballigation #ivfjourney #ivfstory #fyp
taylorrcooley

taylorrcooley

0 likes

‼️This is going to be a long post but please read ‼️ Hi! We’re Ryan and Sierra Blankenship! We’re reaching out with hopeful hearts as we navigate a journey we never expected—unexplained infertility. After years of trying, testing, and holding onto hope, we’ve been given a chance to grow our
sierra💖

sierra💖

3 likes

See more