In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, which can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per round, are often financially out of reach for many prospective parents, particularly since they are rarely covered by health insurance. However, Pozitivf Fertility, a clinic based in San Antonio, Texas, has developed an innovative approach that reduces this cost to as low as $7,900.
Founded in April 2022 by Francisco “Paco” Arredondo, Pozitivf Fertility seeks to offer more affordable fertility options. Arredondo, who previously founded the RMA of Texas and sold it to Aspire Fertility in 2018, has extensive experience in the field, having worked at the clinic that performed the first IVF procedure in Mexico in 1989.
The company, which now employs a team of around 25 people—including physicians, fertility coaches, nurses, and an embryologist—aims to make IVF more accessible without compromising its effectiveness.
Infertility affects approximately 11% of men and women ages 15 to 49 in the United States, according to a 2024 study. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), predominantly IVF, were used by nearly 240,000 individuals in 2021 alone, as reported by the CDC. However, for many, the high costs of IVF and related treatments remain a barrier, with most patients paying out of pocket for these procedures. The cost of IVF medications, in particular, has risen dramatically—by 84% over the past decade, as noted by GoodRx, far outpacing the general inflation rate for medications (37%).
Arredondo’s strategy for reducing costs at Pozitivf involves simplifying the IVF process. By cutting unnecessary tests and medications—such as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy—he is able to decrease both the complexity and expense of treatment. This approach is supported by research, including a 2019 study from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, which found that certain “add-on” treatments like hormones and additional medications lack sufficient evidence to support their routine use.
At Pozitivf, patients are required to undergo an anti-Müllerian hormone test, which provides information about ovarian reserve, and a semen analysis before their first consultation. This approach contrasts with many other clinics, where patients typically meet with a doctor before these tests are completed, leading to additional costs.
“We’ve removed unnecessary procedures and treatments,” said Arredondo. “By streamlining the process and eliminating waste, we can pass these savings directly onto the patient.”
Pozitivf Fertility stands out not only for its affordability but also for its transparency. The clinic makes its pricing public, allowing potential patients to know the full cost upfront and decide if they can commit to treatment financially.
Despite the streamlined approach, Pozitivf’s success rate is impressive. In 2024, the clinic has performed 245 IVF cycles, resulting in 121 ongoing pregnancies—54% of the total cases. For comparison, the CDC reported a 23.5% success rate for ART in 2021, with 97,000 babies born from 413,000 ART cycles. Additionally, approximately 2.3% of all U.S. births are now conceived through ART.
With $20 million in funding raised as of February 2024, Pozitivf plans to expand its reach to other major Texas cities, including Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Arredondo remains deeply moved by the emotional impact of the clinic’s work, recalling how patients regularly express relief and joy upon realizing they can afford IVF treatments that were previously out of reach.
“Our team is driven by the daily stories of patients who never thought they could afford IVF,” said Arredondo. “It’s those moments that fuel our passion and commitment to making fertility care accessible.”
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