IUI or IVF? Which Fertility Treatment is Best?

IUI or IVF? Which Fertility Treatment is Best for you?

When couples plan their parenthood journey, some may not be able to conceive naturally and would prefer to undergo fertility treatments. There is a wide array of fertility treatments including IUI, IVF, ICSI, IVM, etc. depending on various factors like the cause of infertility, BMI, age and health status of couples, etc. However, many couples are not sure if they have to go for IUI or IVF. Let us take a look at IVF and IUI and also the difference between IUI and IVF that will help you make a better decision regarding your reproductive journey.

How is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) done?

In IUI, purified and concentrated sperm is placed in the uterus around the ovulation time. Healthy sperm is then available for the egg to be fertilized. The meeting of the egg and sperm occurs in the fallopian tubes in their natural environment. IUI can be done in a natural cycle or in a stimulated cycle where a few tablets are given to boost egg growth. IUI involves about 4-6 scans and is simple.


Who needs IUI?
·Women with cervical mucus issues
·Low sperm count
·Unexplained infertility
·Mild male factor
·Irregular or absent ovulation


How is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) done?

In IVF, a woman is given injections to stimulate the production of multiple eggs followed by monitoring through daily scans. When the eggs reach the required stage, an HCG trigger is given and egg collection is done. The procedure is done painlessly by giving anesthesia. Under the guidance of ultrasound, a fine needle is introduced into the ovary and eggs are aspirated using a vacuum. Eggs are then fertilized by sperm outside the body in the lab. The embryo formed by fertilization is then transferred into the uterus in a procedure called embryo transfer. Since the fertilization and the growth of the embryo happens outside the body in a laboratory dish, this process is referred to as In vitro fertilization.


Who needs IVF?

·Ovulation issues
·Endometriosis
·Blockage in the fallopian tube
·Male infertility
·Couples with genetic disorders
·Advanced maternal age



What is the difference between IUI and IVF:

1. The main difference between IUI and IVF is that fertilization of the egg is within the body in IUI and outside the body, in vitro in IVF.

2. Patent / open tubes are needed for IUI whereas in IVF, even if the fallopian tubes are blocked, we can get successful results.

3. Sperm counts should be above a certain level (10 million) and at least have 50% motility for IUI to be successful, whereas in IVF, even if sperm numbers are low, it will still work.


When the egg count is very low, we prefer IVF, as the success rates are higher and it is a more advanced treatment. If 3-4 IUI cycles are unsuccessful, we use IVF as the next level of treatment.



IUI vs IVF success rates:

· In IUI, the success rate is about 15-20% per cycle and the cumulative success rate after 3-4 IUI cycles is 50%.
· Overall, the success rate of IVF is 50-60% higher compared to 15% in IUI per cycle.



At BirthRight Fertility, we understand lifestyle, medication, a balanced diet,quitting smoking and alcohol, having a correct BMI, adequate sleep, and exercise are important to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby as well.

Happy Parenthood!