IVF vs. IUI: What's the difference?

Key Takeaways

• Assisted reproductive technology therapies (ART) help couples dealing with infertility
• IUI and IVF are the most popular types of both forms of ARTs
• Both IUI and IVF are performed differently and come with benefits and drawbacks. 
• Various couples try both forms throughout their fertility treatments.

IUI and IVF Compared

IUI and IVF are fertility treatments that involve preparation and can be done at The IUI procedure can be done at Ivy Fertility in the country. The two differ in cost and simplicity and are prescribed based on what challenges the individual or the couple is facing. In most cases, the IUI is usually the first line of treatment as it’s less invasive, while the IVF is often recommended for couples with more severe fertility issues or who have not had success with other treatments like the IUI. Let's take a deeper look at both. 

What is an IUI?

Intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that focuses more on the partner assigned male at birth. Here, the male partner offers a sperm sample that’s then inserted in the uterus of the partner assigned female at birth. The IUI is simple and quick and can be done in the comfort of your home, without any medical intervention.

In an IUI, the sperm is prepared beforehand in a lab. The seminal fluid undergoes a sperm wash, where the less viable sperm and other materials are removed to concentrate on the viable sperm. In the meantime, the female receives hormonal therapy to stimulate her ovaries in preparation for ovulation. However, this isn’t a necessary step as some women choose to do it without any hormonal therapy. 

Many couples usually start with an IUI because it is significantly cheaper than IVF. Though the process is less costly, studies have shown that couples may need several cycles before the procedure is successful. 

When is the IUI a better option?

The IUI targets:

• An assigned male at birth low sperm count, low motility, and abnormalities in shape
• An assigned male at birth who struggles with ejaculation
• An assigned male at birth with testicular cancer
• An assigned female at birth struggling with ovulation problems
• A pregnancy that requires a donor’s sperm

IUI Pros

• It’s less invasive compared to IVF
• It costs less when compared to IVF
• It’s relatively quick

IUI Cons

• You must have clear fallopian tubes
• You must be ovulating
• Has a lower success rate of around 10%-15% per cycle

What is IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that’s focused on the assigned female at birth. The procedure involves retrieving healthy eggs from a female’s ovaries and fertilizing them in a controlled environment. The fertilized egg is then monitored, and if it’s healthy it’s inserted into the uterus. 

Similar to the IUI, IVF is all about timing and the egg retrieval process must line up to increase the chances of success. 

The IVF process explained

The first step in the IVF cycle is hormonal treatments to regulate the cycle. When the cycle is regular, the ovary is stimulated using injections with hormones to ensure several eggs are released. The more the eggs, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy. 

When the egg follicles have reached the right size, a “trigger shot,” is given within the egg retrieval phase. This shot contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to fully mature. Once the egg has developed to maturity, it is retrieved using a thin needle. The needle is guided into the ovaries using an ultrasound. A suction device is used to extract the eggs. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will put the patient under light anesthesia. 

Next, the egg is fertilized using a prepared sperm sample. The fertilized eggs or embryos are given a week to mature before they are either implanted in the uterus. If the process is successful, the embryo will implant in the uterine wall and develop into a pregnancy. Any extra embryos can be frozen for future use.  

IVF is more successful than the IUI and according to a 2015 study, has a 29.5% live birth rate and the more rounds you do the higher the chances.

When is IVF a better option?

Several factors can impact the success rates of IVF. Nevertheless, IVF is for those who:

• Have unsuccessfully tried other fertility treatments
• Assigned females at birth with blocked fallopian tubes 
• Assigned females at birth with advanced endometriosis
• Assigned females at birth with low egg supply and quality
• Assigned males at birth with extremely low sperm count or motility
• Assigned males at birth who have undergone a vasectomy
• Assigned females at birth donating eggs or planning to be a surrogate

IVF Pros

• Works well with more advanced conditions like blocked fallopian tubes and Endometriosis
• Can work even if the male partner has challenges with their sperm as a donor can be used
• Prevents single-gene disorders through genetic testing of embryos
• Has increased chances of a successful pregnancy
• Extra embryos can be frozen for future use
• Provides family-building options for the LGBTQ community 

IVF Cons

• The cost can be astronomical when insurance doesn’t cover it 
• It takes more time
• It’s more invasive
• It can come with a physical and emotional load
• Increased chances of multiple pregnancies

Which Should You Choose?

Looking for the right fertility treatment can be overwhelming for many couples. Some couples start with the IUI because it is less invasive and affordable, costing at most $4,000 dollars. When the IUI doesn’t take, IVF becomes the next step. 

Bottom Line

The IUI and IVF are great fertility treatments options for couples struggling to conceive. The IUI can be a good option for couples struggling with ovulatory issues or unexplained infertility but less successful in cases where low sperm or egg quality causes infertility. The IVF works best where a blocked fallopian tube or endometriosis is affecting fertility and has a higher chance of success. If in doubt or unclear about which option to use, consult your fertility doctor.