Cost-effective treatment of the infertile couple.
OBJECTIVE
To review the published literature on the cost-effective approach to infertility treatment.


METHODS
The literature on the economics and cost-effectiveness of infertility treatments was reviewed. Studies related to this topic were identified through MEDLINE.


RESULTS
Few cost-effectiveness studies about infertility treatment have been published. In the absence of tubal blockage and severe male factor, use of IUI and hMG-IUI is more cost-effective than IVF. In vitro fertilization is at least as cost-effective as tubal surgery. Although IVF costs are high, they fall well within the range of other accepted medical treatments and are below the general public's willingness to pay for these treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost-effectiveness analysis is an important means of improving quality of care while controlling costs. Further work regarding cost-effectiveness of treatments among different diagnostic groups is needed.
Van Voorhis
B J
BJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52245, USA. brad-van-voorhis@uiowa.edu
Stovall
D W
DW
Allen
B D
BD
Syrop
C H
CH
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D014481:United States