IVF (in-vitro fertilization) Market Outlook, 2029

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the field of reproductive medicine since its inception in the late 1970s. Originally developed to help couples struggling with infertility, IVF has now become a cornerstone of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is utilized by individuals and couples worldwide. The IVF industry has grown significantly over the years, driven by advancements in technology, changing societal attitudes towards family planning, and increasing demand for fertility treatments. The journey of IVF from experimental procedure to mainstream fertility treatment has been remarkable. The pioneering work of researchers such as Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr.

Patrick Steptoe laid the foundation for the first successful IVF birth with the arrival of Louise Brown in 1978. Since then, the field has witnessed exponential growth, with continuous refinements in laboratory techniques, hormonal stimulation protocols, and embryo transfer procedures. These are specialized medical facilities that offer a range of fertility treatments, including IVF.

The quality of care and success rates vary widely among clinics, with some of the leading ones based in the United States, Europe, and Asia. On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in the IVF industry by developing and manufacturing fertility drugs, such as gonadotropins and antagonists, which are essential for the IVF process.

Some of the major players in this sector include Merck, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and EMD Serono. Factors like delayed childbearing, environmental toxins, and certain medical conditions can contribute to infertility. Additionally, growing awareness and acceptance of IVF treatments are leading more couples to explore this option. The early fee-for-service model for infertility treatments has given way to highly integrated, multicenter corporate businesses driven by profits rather than academic pursuits.

This change is reflected in the employment patterns of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) fellows, with only 26% of those trained between 1996 and 2021 currently employed in academic practices. The increasing involvement of private equity in healthcare, particularly in the acquisition of physician practices and hospitals, has led to concerns about the potential detrimental effects on patient care and the academic base of infertility programs.

According to the research report, the market is anticipated to cross USD 35 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 24.87 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with 8.36% CAGR by 2024-29. Advancements in IVF technology have significantly improved success rates and expanded the scope of treatment options. Innovations such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and vitrification of embryos have enhanced the efficacy and safety of IVF procedures. Moreover, the advent of time-lapse imaging systems and artificial intelligence (AI) applications has enabled embryologists to monitor embryo development more closely and select the most viable embryos for transfer, thereby optimizing outcomes.

The rapid evolution of IVF technology has raised complex ethical dilemmas regarding reproductive autonomy, embryo disposition, and the commodification of human gametes and embryos. Debates surrounding the use of preimplantation genetic screening for non-medical purposes, the creation and fate of surplus embryos, and the ethical implications of reproductive cloning and germline editing continue to provoke discussions within the scientific community and society at large. Ethical guidelines and professional standards play a crucial role in ensuring that IVF practices uphold principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy.

The IVF industry is continually evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed to improve success rates and patient care. These include preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), time-lapse imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) for embryo selection. The phenomenon of fertility tourism, where individuals travel to other countries for fertility treatments, has been gaining momentum. This is often due to more affordable treatment costs, less restrictive laws, or higher quality of care in the destination country.

Market Drivers

• Advancements in Technology: Technological innovations have been a primary driver of growth in the IVF industry. Continuous advancements in laboratory techniques, such as embryo culture systems, time-lapse imaging, and genetic screening technologies, have significantly improved success rates and expanded the scope of treatment options for patients. These innovations allow embryologists to select the healthiest embryos for transfer, thereby increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.
• Changing Demographics and Societal Trends: Shifting societal attitudes towards family planning and changing demographics have fueled the demand for IVF services. Factors such as delayed childbearing, increasing prevalence of infertility due to lifestyle factors, and the growing acceptance of alternative family structures, including single-parent and same-sex families, have contributed to the rising demand for fertility treatments. Additionally, the global trend of urbanization and the associated lifestyle changes, such as increased stress and environmental factors, have also impacted fertility rates, leading more individuals and couples to seek assistance from fertility clinics.

Market Challenges

• Accessibility and Affordability: One of the primary challenges facing the IVF industry is the accessibility and affordability of treatment. IVF procedures can be prohibitively expensive for many individuals and couples, especially in countries where fertility treatments are not covered by insurance or public healthcare systems. The high cost of IVF can create inequities in access to treatment, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: The rapid advancements in IVF technology have raised complex ethical and legal dilemmas regarding reproductive autonomy, embryo disposition, and the moral status of embryos. Debates surrounding issues such as the creation and fate of surplus embryos, the use of genetic screening for non-medical purposes, and the regulation of assisted reproductive technologies vary widely across jurisdictions.

Market Trends

• Personalized Medicine and Genetic Screening: A significant trend in the IVF industry is the increasing adoption of personalized medicine approaches, including genetic screening and testing. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows embryologists to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders before transfer, reducing the risk of miscarriage and improving pregnancy outcomes. As technology continues to advance, the scope of genetic screening in IVF may expand to include polygenic risk scores and other predictive tools for optimizing embryo selection.
• Digital Health Solutions and Telemedicine: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital health solutions and telemedicine in the IVF industry. Fertility clinics have increasingly embraced teleconsultations, remote monitoring, and digital platforms for patient education and support. These technological innovations not only enhance convenience and accessibility for patients but also enable fertility clinics to streamline operations and improve efficiency in delivering care.

Fresh non-donor IVF cycles are leading in the IVF market due to higher success rates and the potential for a larger number of viable embryos.

Fresh non-donor IVF cycles are leading in the IVF market primarily due to their higher success rates and the potential for a larger number of viable embryos, making them the preferred choice for many individuals or couples undergoing fertility treatment. The success rates of IVF cycles are largely influenced by the quality of the eggs used, and fresh cycles offer the advantage of utilizing the woman's own eggs. This is particularly significant because the quality of a woman's eggs tends to decline with age, and using younger, healthier eggs can result in higher success rates. In a fresh non-donor IVF cycle, the woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory.

The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days, and the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer back into the woman's uterus. Since these embryos are derived from the woman's own eggs, they are more likely to be of higher quality and have a greater chance of resulting in a successful pregnancy compared to embryos from donor eggs. Furthermore, fresh cycles often yield a larger number of viable embryos compared to frozen cycles. In frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, embryos that are not transferred during the fresh cycle can be cryopreserved for future use. However, the freezing and thawing process can sometimes impact embryo viability, leading to lower success rates compared to fresh cycles.

Additionally, not all embryos survive the freeze-thaw process, further limiting the number of viable embryos available for transfer. The combination of higher success rates and the potential for a larger number of viable embryos makes fresh non-donor IVF cycles the preferred choice for many patients and fertility clinics alike. While the process require more intensive monitoring and coordination compared to FET cycles, the promising outcomes and the opportunity to utilize the woman's own eggs often outweigh these challenges. Ultimately, the desire for biological parenthood and the pursuit of the best possible chance of success drive the popularity of fresh non-donor IVF cycles in the competitive landscape of assisted reproductive technologies.

Conventional IVF is leading in the IVF market due to its versatility in treating a wide range of infertility issues, offering a comprehensive approach to assisted reproduction.

Conventional IVF has established itself as a leading choice in the IVF market owing to its versatility and effectiveness in addressing diverse causes of infertility. Unlike specialized IVF procedures such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), which target specific fertility challenges, conventional IVF provides a comprehensive approach to assisted reproduction. In a conventional IVF cycle, a woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days, and the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer back into the woman's uterus.

This approach allows for the treatment of various causes of infertility, including male factor infertility, tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. The versatility of conventional IVF makes it suitable for a wide range of patients, regardless of the specific fertility issues they may be facing. For example, couples dealing with male factor infertility, where the sperm may have low motility or morphology, can benefit from conventional IVF as it allows for the selection of the healthiest sperm to fertilize the eggs. Similarly, women with tubal factor infertility, caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, can undergo conventional IVF to bypass the fallopian tubes and achieve fertilization in the laboratory.

Additionally, conventional IVF can be used in conjunction with advanced reproductive techniques such as ICSI or PGT if needed, further enhancing its effectiveness in addressing complex fertility challenges. Another factor contributing to the popularity of conventional IVF is its established track record of success. Over several decades, conventional IVF has helped countless couples worldwide achieve their dream of parenthood, providing reassurance to patients and healthcare providers alike. The well-established protocols and procedures associated with conventional IVF contribute to its reliability and efficacy, instilling confidence in both patients and clinicians.

Fertility clinics are leading in the IVF market due to their specialized expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and couples seeking assisted reproductive technologies.

Fertility clinics have emerged as leaders in the IVF market by offering specialized expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a wide array of services designed to address the unique challenges of infertility. These clinics are staffed by highly trained reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, nurses, and support staff who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Their expertise allows them to provide personalized care and tailored treatment plans to each patient, taking into account their medical history, specific fertility issues, and personal preferences.

In addition to their specialized expertise, fertility clinics invest in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to deliver the highest standard of care to their patients. These clinics are equipped with advanced laboratory facilities for procedures such as egg retrieval, embryo culture, and embryo transfer, ensuring the optimal conditions for the success of IVF procedures. Furthermore, fertility clinics often offer a comprehensive range of services beyond IVF, including diagnostic testing, fertility preservation, donor egg/sperm programs, and third-party reproduction options such as surrogacy, catering to the diverse needs of individuals and couples seeking fertility treatment.

The success of fertility clinics in the IVF market is also attributed to their commitment to continuous innovation and research. Clinics regularly update their protocols and techniques based on the latest scientific advancements and clinical evidence, ensuring that patients have access to the most effective and cutting-edge treatment options available. This commitment to innovation, coupled with a patient-centered approach to care, fosters trust and confidence among patients, making fertility clinics the preferred choice for individuals and couples embarking on their fertility journey.

Furthermore, fertility clinics prioritize patient support and education, offering counseling services, support groups, and resources to help patients navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of infertility treatment. The compassionate and empathetic approach of fertility clinic staff helps patients feel supported and empowered throughout their fertility journey, fostering a positive patient experience and enhancing overall satisfaction with the care received.

Europe is leading in the IVF market due to its favorable regulatory environment, which supports accessibility, affordability, and high-quality standards in assisted reproductive technologies.

Europe has established itself as a leader in the IVF market primarily due to its favorable regulatory landscape, which fosters accessibility, affordability, and adherence to high-quality standards in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Unlike some regions where IVF regulations may be restrictive or subject to significant limitations, Europe has developed a regulatory framework that prioritizes patient safety, ethical considerations, and equitable access to fertility treatment. One key aspect of Europe's regulatory environment is its approach to licensing and accreditation of fertility clinics.

Many European countries have robust regulatory bodies or professional organizations overseeing fertility clinics, which set standards for clinical practice, laboratory procedures, and patient care. These standards help ensure that fertility clinics adhere to strict quality control measures, maintain high success rates, and prioritize patient safety throughout the IVF process.

Additionally, accreditation programs provide patients with assurance regarding the credibility and reliability of the clinics they choose for their fertility treatment. Moreover, Europe's regulatory environment promotes accessibility and affordability of IVF treatment by offering various forms of public funding or insurance coverage for infertility services.

In some European countries, such as the Nordic nations and parts of Western Europe, IVF treatment may be partially or fully subsidized by the government or covered by public health insurance schemes. This financial support reduces the financial burden on patients and enhances accessibility to IVF treatment for a broader segment of the population. Furthermore, Europe's commitment to ethical and responsible use of assisted reproductive technologies has contributed to its leadership in the IVF market. Many European countries have enacted legislation or guidelines addressing ethical issues such as gamete donation, embryo research, and surrogacy, providing a framework for responsible practice and ensuring that fertility treatment is conducted in an ethically sound manner.

• June of 2023, the debut of MilliporeSigma's new CellToxTM Assay Platform was announced. The platform consists of a collection of in vitro tests intended to evaluate the safety of substances and medications.
• In June 2023, FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc. expanded its Presagen’s Life Whisperer platform capabilities to help with clinical decision-making in IVF.
• WuXi AppTec announced in May 2023 that it’s in vitro toxicological capabilities have expanded. New assays will be included as part of the expansion and a new service for creating personalized in vitro assays will be introduced.
• In May 2023, Ovation Fertility combined with US Fertility to created fertility platform offering advanced fertility care and IVF services in the U.S.
• In May 2023, Merck KGaA introduced Fertility Counts to address societal, economic, and social challenges associated with low birth rates in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. said in April 2023 that it had acquired CooperSurgical, an IVF supplier of goods and services. Thermo Fisher will be able to increase its market share in the IVF sector thanks to the acquisition.
• In April 2023, Boston IVF signed 3 years supply chain solutions agreement with Cryoport, Inc. to support the reproductive material shipment across the U.S.
• Vitrolife declared in March 2023 that the FDA has approved its Cryotop vitrification device. A novel method for vitrifying embryos - a quick freezing procedure used to maintain their viability - is the Cryotop system.

Years considered in this report:

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in the report:

• IVF market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By cycle:

• Fresh Non-donor IVF Cycle
• Frozen Non-donor IVF Cycle
• Frozen donor IVF Cycle
• Fresh donor IVF Cycle

By Conventional IVF:

• Conventional IVF
• IVF with ICSI (Instracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
• IVF With Donor Eggs
• other

By End user:

• Fertility Clinics
• Hospital & Surgical Centers
• Cryobanks
• Research institute

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. After this, the analysts made primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once the analysts acquired primary data, they started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the IVF industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.