IUI Vs. IVF: Find the biggest difference between IUI and IVF

ivf vs iui

Overview

Infertility is one of the most common health issues today, affecting men and women. Apart from age (the unavoidable cause of infertility), most people live with infertility during their reproductive period. The cause of infertility may vary from one person to another, and depending on the same, its cure.

An estimate based on a global survey suggests that more than 186 million individuals are living with infertility globally. 

Well, with the advancement of science and technology, there are not one but multiple procedures for Infertility Treatment in IndiaThe experts recommend a precise process based on infertility issues that restricts conceiving.

Continue with a good read to acknowledge the top infertility treatment, IVF & IUI. The clarification also helps to understand the Difference Between IVF and IUI along with their appropriate usage based on the patient’s condition. 

IUI Vs. IVF: Which is Right For You?

Couples struggling with pregnancy already have a lot of stress, mental pressure, and confusion. Now, after approaching the experts for infertility treatment, if you get to hear multiple names about Infertility Treatment procedures, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), or others can further create chaos. 

So, here the blog defines the use of the two most valuable procedures, IUI & IVF, and their implementation for infertility treatment.

Comparison of IUI Vs. IVF

IUI or Intrauterine Insemination is an artificial insemination process for infertility treatment in which the sperm is directly injected into the eggs during ovulation for fertilization.

While;

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is the process to treat infertility in which eggs and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory. Then elective embryos are transplanted into the womb.

IVF and IUI are both effective ways of infertility treatment. However, their use case varies based on the couple’s conditions and the cause of infertility. A further read of the blog can better state IUI and IVF Differences.

IUI is Minimally Invasive:

 IUI is one of the first options doctors recommend for infertility treatment. It involves placing the washed sperm directly in the woman’s uterus during ovulation or, say, fertile window. IUI is possible to conduct more naturally and with minimal invasion. 

IUI is usually helpful for:

  • Blocked Fallopian Tubes
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Lower Sperm Motility, and
  • Other Causes of Infertility.

On the contrary, the doctors consider In Vitro Fertilisation or IVF when IUI does not offer desired results. It is one of the treatment plans helpful for unexplained infertility. IVF finds its use for:

  • To stop the transfer of genetic disorders
  • More complex male or female infertility
  • Lower ovarian reserve
  • Higher age
  • Multiple Miscarriages and more

IVF is a solution to infertility in almost all conditions. However, it is more invasive and less natural compared to IUI.

IUI Cost is Lower: 

IUI Vs. IVF Price has a significant difference. Compared to IVF, IUI is low-cost infertility treatment. 

IUI is artificial sperm insemination which may or may not require the regular consumption of medications. The experts recommend a minimum of three IUI cycles before shifting to IVF.

On the other hand, IVF is a multiple-step process involving egg retrieval, sperm collection, artificial fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation. 

It is primarily an 8 to 12 days process and thus enhances treatment costs. The overall price of IVF treatment depends on the number of IVF cycles. 

In IUI, Fertilization In The Womb Itself: 

In the IVF process, fertilization occurs in the laboratory under complete assistance, while in IUI, fertilization and embryo form inside the uterus itself. 

Unlike IVF, there is no elective embryo transfer in the IUI process. The embryo is transplanted into the uterus lining after the desired growth during IVF. The doctors might opt for multiple embryo placement or freeze the embryos for future IVF cycles, which is not the case in an IUI process.

IVF Has a Higher Success Rate Than IUI: 

One of the most important differences to consider between the two infertility treatments is IUI and IVF Success Ratesprecisely above 35 years. 

For women between 38 to 40 years, the IUI success rate is 7%, while the IVF success rate is approximately 26%. Also, for those above 40, IVF has a higher success rate than IUI. IVF has an approximately 8% success rate, which is double compared to IUI’s 4% success rate for women above 40 years. 

In short, for any age group, IVF is more successful than IUI. So, if you pay more, you can expect better results too.

IVF Beats Infertility In Multiple Ways Compared to IUI: 

IUI primarily beats infertility only in two common ways, as detailed below.

  • By improving the egg and ovulation quality
  • Increase the number of sperm that contact the ovaries. Nearly 1000x high-quality sperm reach the egg improving the chances of pregnancy.

While

IVF beats infertility in almost all the possible ways described as under.

  • Enhancing the ovulation rate 
  • Solving the infertility problem due to tubal issues
  • With ICSI IVF, it’s possible to inject a healthy sperm directly into the egg; even a single high-quality sperm can fertilize ovaries
  • Medicines, along with IVF, can easily increase the uterine receptivity
  • IVF injections and medications can help stimulate several eggs even before the cycle completion
  • Through reproductive immunology and genetic testing, IVF help reduce the chances of miscarriage
  • Elective IVF improves the success rate of pregnancies, sex selection and even increases the chances of multiple pregnancies

In short, a comparison of IVF and IUI reveals that IVF helps to overcome infertility in extreme conditions.

Final Words

IUI and IVF both are safe procedures to treat infertility and have reasonable success rates. However, the doctors will prefer IUI only when the couple fulfills the IUI requirements like working ovaries, viable eggs, 5-10 high-quality sperms, and regular fallopian tubes.

If you have the desired results in diagnosis, the doctors will initiate with IUI or else will recommend undergoing IVF. Also, if IUI does not give positive pregnancy results in the first three cycles, they will prefer IVF to treat infertility.

Crysta IVF is one of the Top IVF Centre in India, offering the most-customized treatment plan. If you are facing any issues in conception, book your free consultation under Crysta’s fertility specialists having over two decades of experience.

Stay Tuned For More Updates. We Are Trying Our Best to Answer Queries & Confusions of Couples Struggling with Pregnancy.