IVF Treatment in Ontario: Costs, Process, and Public Funding Explained
What Is IVF Treatment?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most advanced and effective fertility treatments available today. It involves stimulating the ovaries with fertility medications to produce multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then retrieved in a procedure known as egg retrieval. At Markham Fertility Centre, we are proud to be the only clinic in Ontario offering pain-free egg retrieval, thanks to our partnership with anesthesiologists who are present at every single procedure.
Once the eggs are collected, they are fertilized with sperm in our controlled laboratory environment. The resulting embryos are monitored carefully until they are ready to be transferred into the uterus or frozen for future use. In some cases, patients may choose to perform genetic testing on embryos to identify which embryos would have the highest chance of pregnancy from a transfer.
Is IVF Right for You?
IVF may be recommended depending on your medical history, diagnosis, or treatment goals. You’ll work closely with your physician to determine whether IVF is the most appropriate option. Common reasons to pursue IVF include:
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Unexplained infertility
- Multiple unsuccessful IUI cycles
- Fertility preservation for future family planning
- Use of an egg donor or surrogate
- Preventing genetic conditions through embryo testing
- Reciprocal IVF for same-sex couples (one partner provides eggs, the other carries the pregnancy)
IVF Process Step-by-Step
1. Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Testing
Before IVF begins, you’ll meet with a fertility specialist to review your medical history, lifestyle, and family-building goals. A series of tests are conducted to assess fertility status and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Common fertility assessments:
- Baseline blood work including: a CBC, AMH, and TSH
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Checks ovarian follicles and uterine health
- Semen analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or saline sonohysterogram: Assesses fallopian tubes and uterine cavity
In Ontario, most diagnostic tests are generally covered by OHIP when ordered by a physician.
2. Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 Days)
The patient is prescribed injectable fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, instead of the single egg typically released each month.
Common medications include:
- Gonadotropins (FSH, LH): Stimulate follicle growth
- GnRH antagonists or agonists: Prevent premature ovulation
- hCG (trigger shot): Induces final egg maturation before retrieval
During this period, patients undergo frequent ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle development and hormone levels.
3. Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Aspiration)
Once follicles reach maturity, egg retrieval is scheduled. This is a minor surgical procedure done under sedation or anesthesia – pain-free at Markham Fertility Centre (no other clinic in Ontario routinely offers this).
The procedure:
- A thin needle is inserted through the vaginal wall using ultrasound guidance to access the ovaries and retrieve eggs from mature follicles.
- The procedure typically takes 15 minutes.
- Recovery is quick—most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
4. Fertilization in the Lab
After retrieval, eggs are combined with sperm in the lab within a few hours.
Fertilization techniques:
- Conventional insemination: Sperm and eggs are placed in a dish and allowed to fertilize naturally.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected directly into the egg—used in cases of male factor infertility.
Fertilized eggs are monitored for development into embryos over the next 5-7 days.
5. Embryo Culture & Monitoring (Days 1–5)
Embryologists monitor embryo development inside a highly controlled incubator. By Day 5, embryos ideally reach the blastocyst stage, which has the highest chance of implantation.
Embryos are graded based on cell number, symmetry, and development. The best-quality embryo is selected for transfer. At MFC, embryo glue is used at no additional cost to patients. There has been positive correlations in studies for embryo glue and IVF success rates.
6. Optional: Genetic Testing (PGT-A)
Some patients may opt for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. This can help identify which embryos have the highest chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy.
This step requires freezing embryos while test results are processed (typically 1–2 weeks).
7. Embryo Transfer
A selected embryo (fresh or frozen) is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter.
The procedure:
- A speculum is used to view the cervix; no anesthesia is usually needed.
- Embryo transfer is painless for most patients and takes about 5–10 minutes.
- After transfer, patients may rest briefly before resuming normal activities.
A luteal phase support (usually progesterone supplements) is prescribed to support the uterine lining for implantation.
8. Two-Week Wait & Pregnancy Test
Approximately 12-14 days after the transfer, a blood test (beta-hCG) is done to confirm whether implantation has occurred and a pregnancy has begun.
IVF Timeline Overview
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
| Initial consultation/tests | 1–4 weeks (OHIP-covered) |
| Ovarian stimulation | 10–14 days |
| Egg retrieval | Day 12–15 of cycle |
| Embryo culture | 5-7 days |
| Optional genetic testing | 2-3 weeks (if freezing) |
| Embryo transfer | Day 5 or after frozen embryo prep |
| Pregnancy test | 12-14 days post-transfer |
IVF Treatment: Ready to Begin Your IVF Journey?
IVF is a complex process, but thousands of patients across Ontario successfully grow their families through this treatment each year. Whether you’re facing infertility, preserving fertility, or planning a family through donor or reciprocal IVF, the team at Markham Fertility Centre is here to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about getting started with IVF at Markham Fertility Centre
IVF Success Rates
Success rates with IVF are significantly higher than many other fertility treatments. For example, patients under age 35 can expect a live birth rate of approximately 50% per IVF cycle, while IUI fertility treatment typically results in a 10–15% pregnancy rate per cycle. Although IVF is more complex and more expensive than other options, it can also lead to a faster time to pregnancy. In certain cases, it may be the only viable treatment.
No matter your circumstances, our team at Markham Fertility Centre is here to help you explore all available options—and empower you to make an informed decision.
Learn more about your IVF journey with MFC.
IVF Treatment: IVF Facts & Stats in Ontario
Ontario’s IVF Program & Utilization
- The Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), launched in 2015, publicly funds approximately 5,000 IVF cycles annually alongside IUI and fertility preservation services.
- After its introduction, the number of IVF cycles for residents aged 40–42 nearly doubled, showing increased access for older patients, Source: PubMed study, CARTR Plus & BORN data
Success & Live Birth Rates in Ontario
- Data from CARTR Plus and BORN Ontario shows that nearly 49.6% of retrieval cycles result in a clinical pregnancy. Among individuals under age 35, this rate is approximately 60%. Overall, 37.1% of IVF cycles result in a live birth, rising to 47.5% for those under 35, Source: BORN Ontario data bulletin, 2013–2019
Impact on Service Demand
- Following the OFP’s rollout, duplicate consultations (patients seeking referrals from multiple clinics) increased slightly: from 3.8% pre-program to 4.2% post-program, indicating higher demand and patient navigation activity, Source: Healthc Policy Journal, 2019.
- Infertility consultations rose from 24,565 to 27,714 annually after funding expansion, especially in the Greater Toronto Area, Source: PMC
IVF Treatment: Wait Times for Funded IVF Cycles
- Waitlists vary widely by clinic; single-clinic wait times can range from 6 months up to 36 months, with most Ontario clinics reporting waits between 12–24 months, especially in urban centres like Toronto, Source: OFP
| Data Point | Ontario IVF Program Insight |
| Annual funded cycles | ~5,000 per year via Ontario Fertility Program |
| Cycle volume increase (age 40–42) | Nearly doubled post-2015 launch |
| Clinical pregnancy rate | 49.6% avg overall; ~60% for those under 35 |
| Live birth rate per retrieval cycle | ~37.1% overall; ~47.5% for those under 35 |
| Duplicate infertility consultations | Increased from 3.8% to 4.2% post-OFP |
| Average wait time for funded IVF | 12–24 months (varies by clinic) |
IVF Treatment: What This Means for Ontario Patients
- Increasing access: Since 2015, Ontario residents under 43 have had access to publicly funded IVF, dramatically increasing treatment volume. Eligibility rules allow broad inclusion regardless of income or family status.
- Strong success rates: While success varies with age, the cumulative IVF live birth rates (≥37%) suggest meaningful opportunities for pregnancy via funded cycles.
- Growing demand: The rise in consultations and IVF cycles reflects both rising infertility demand and awareness of publicly funded services.
IVF Treatment: What affects IVF success rates?
The success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on a variety of medical, biological, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these can help patients in Ontario make informed decisions during their fertility journey.
Age of the Female Partner
Age is one of the strongest predictors of IVF success:
- Under 35: IVF success rates are around 50% per cycle
- 35–37: ~40%
- 38–40: ~30%
- Over 40: Drops to 10–20%
Why it matters: Egg quality and quantity decrease with age, especially after 35. The Ontario Fertility Program (OFP) currently funds IVF cycles only for individuals under 43 years old at the start of treatment, Source: BORN Ontario
Embryo Quality
High-quality embryos (often assessed by appearance or through genetic testing) are more likely to implant and lead to a healthy pregnancy.
Clinics may recommend preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) to help select the best embryos for transfer. At MFC we have our on site Genetics Program to counsel patients.
Underlying Fertility Diagnosis
Certain diagnoses can lower success rates:
- Endometriosis, read more
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Low ovarian reserve
- Male factor infertility, read more
- Unexplained infertility
Each condition affects IVF outcomes differently and may require tailored protocols.
Use of Donor Eggs or Sperm
Using donor eggs or sperm—typically from younger, screened donors—can significantly improve success rates, especially for older patients or those with poor egg/sperm quality.
Uterine Health
A healthy uterus is essential for embryo implantation. Conditions like fibroids, polyps, or uterine adhesions may reduce the chance of success unless treated before IVF.
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking, excess alcohol, and high BMI can negatively impact fertility outcomes.
- Moderate exercise, good nutrition, and stress management may support better results.
Number of Embryos Transferred
- In Ontario, single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended to reduce the risks of multiple pregnancies.
- While SET may slightly lower the chance per transfer, it improves safety for both parent and baby.
Clinic Experience & Laboratory Conditions
The success of IVF also depends on the quality of the fertility clinic and lab:
- Experience of embryologists and physicians
- Lab air quality and technology
- Embryo monitoring techniques
Choosing a licensed, experienced clinic with a strong IVF program — like Markham Fertility Centre — can improve overall outcomes.
IVF Funding Ontario
Ontario Fertility Program Key Facts:
You must have a valid OHIP card and be an Ontario resident
You are eligible for one funded IVF cycle per lifetime
To qualify, you must be under 43 years old when treatment begins
Funding includes monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilization, and one embryo transfer
Additional costs (e.g., medications, donor sperm/eggs, embryo storage) are not covered
Official Source: Government of Ontario – Fertility Treatments
How much is IVF in Ontario?
Below is the cost breakdown for a funded IVF cycle and non-funded IVF cycle specific to Markham Fertility Centre (as of posting date).
Funded: Funding covers ultrasound, blood work, physician visits, sperm preparation, egg retrieval, anesthesiology, fertilization including ICSI, embryo development, fresh embryo transfer, and embryo freezing.
- Treatment Fee: $0
- Medications Fee: $3,000 – $6,000
- Storage: Commences 3 months after the egg retrieval
- Monthly: $50
- Annual: $550
Markham Fertility is the only fertility clinic that provides the services of an anesthesiologist and genetic counselling at no additional cost.
About Storage Fees: Patients will be required to register with Fertility Billing Solution where they can choose between automated monthly or annual billing. Billing commences 3 months after the egg retrieval.
Please review our Blog post for more information about storage billing and dispositions at Markham Fertility Centre.
Non-funded: Markham Fertility Centre is the only clinic able to offer the services of an anesthesiologist during an egg retrieval allowing for a significantly more comfortable experience. We also provide Genetic Counselling at no extra cost, if required.
- IVF Cycle: $12,500
- Medications: $3,000 to $6,000/cycle
The above fees exclude genetic testing of embryos and subsequent frozen embryo transfers.
A deposit of $1,000 is required prior to the start of your IVF cycle. This fee is to reserve a spot in the month you intend to start your cycle and to begin the set-up with your nursing team. Remaining fees are due when you call to start stimulation.
Storage of Embryos: Billing commences 3 months after the egg retrieval. Patients will be required to register for automatic monthly or annual billing though Fertility Billing Solution. Read more about our storage and disposition program here.
MFC will refund patients a portion of the treatment costs depending on the stage they get to in their treatment cycle. The amounts below indicate what the patient will pay for completion of each stage.
- Cycle set-up and education completed: $500
- Cycle monitoring started (at least 1 ultrasound), but not completed: $1,000
- Cycle monitoring completed, but no egg retrieval performed: $2,875
- Egg retrieval procedure performed, but no eggs retrieved: $6,300
- Fertilization performed, but no embryos available to freeze: $11,500
OHIP IVF Coverage
Ontario Fertility Program
- One IVF cycle is publicly funded per eligible patient under the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP).
- Coverage includes procedures like monitoring, fertilization, egg retrieval, embryo freezing, and all embryo transfers for embryos created in that single cycle.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Not Covered by OHIP
The following are not included in public funding and are typically paid for by patients (unless reimbursed by private insurance):
- Fertility medications: approximately $5,000 per IVF cycle
- Genetic testing (e.g., PGT-A)
- Storage of embryos, eggs, or sperm
- Donor gamete use
Estimated Total Patient Costs
While the OFP covers medical procedures within the clinic, patients often face additional expenses, including:
| Item | Estimated Cost (2025) |
| Fertility drugs (per cycle) | ~$5,000 |
| Genetic testing | Varies (often several thousand) |
| Cryostorage (annual) | Typically $500+ |
| Medications + optional tests | Total out-of-pocket often $10,000–$15,000 or more |
Note: Government funding applies only to clinical procedures—not medications, storage, or testing. These extras can significantly increase total out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about IVF cost in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IVF Treatment
Is IVF covered by OHIP?
IVF is not directly covered by OHIP. However, eligible Ontario residents may access one publicly funded IVF cycle through the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP) at participating fertility clinics. Eligibility generally requires a valid Ontario health card, being under age 43, and not having previously received a funded IVF cycle through the program.
The OFP does not cover every IVF-related expense. For example, fertility medications, genetic testing, and the storage of sperm, eggs, or embryos are not covered by the program.
How long does the IVF process take in Ontario?
The timeline varies depending on your clinic, treatment plan, eligibility for publicly funded treatment, and clinic wait times.
Once you begin an IVF cycle, the active treatment process typically takes several weeks and includes appointments for ovarian stimulation, monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer.
For publicly funded IVF, the time from your initial consultation to treatment may be considerably longer because participating clinics have waitlists. Contact your chosen fertility clinic for its current estimated wait time, as availability can change.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for IVF?
Referral requirements vary between fertility clinics. Some clinics accept self-referrals, while others may require a referral from a family doctor or another healthcare provider.
If you are considering IVF at Markham Fertility Centre, contact the clinic directly for information about the current referral and intake process.
What age is IVF no longer funded in Ontario?
Under the Ontario Fertility Program, patients must be under 43 years of age to qualify for publicly funded IVF. Eligible patients can receive one funded IVF cycle per lifetime, with an additional funded cycle available in specific circumstances involving surrogacy.
Because eligibility is subject to program requirements and must be confirmed before treatment, speak with a participating fertility clinic about your individual circumstances.
Can single people or LGBTQ+ couples access IVF funding in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario’s fertility program does not restrict eligibility based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, or family status. Single people and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples may be eligible for publicly funded fertility treatment if they meet the applicable program requirements.
Markham Fertility Centre supports a range of family-building options, including treatment for single parents and LGBTQ+ families, as well as donor sperm, donor eggs, reciprocal IVF, and gestational surrogacy.
How many IVF cycles are funded in Ontario?
Eligible patients can receive one publicly funded IVF cycle per lifetime through the Ontario Fertility Program. There is an exception that allows an additional funded cycle for a patient acting as a surrogate.
What costs are not covered by publicly funded IVF in Ontario?
The Ontario Fertility Program covers a defined set of IVF services, but patients may still have additional costs. These can include fertility medications, genetic testing, and the storage of sperm, eggs, or embryos.
Your fertility clinic can explain which services are included in your funded cycle and which expenses you may need to pay separately.