| Steps |
IUI |
IVF |
| 1. Initial Consultation |
Medical history review, fertility assessment, basic tests |
Detailed fertility evaluation, hormone tests, ultrasounds, semen analysis |
| 2. Ovulation Tracking /Stimulation |
Natural cycle or mild ovulation-induction medication |
Ovarian stimulation using fertility injections to produce multiple eggs |
| 3. Monitoring |
Limited monitoring with ultrasound to track ovulation |
Frequent ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle growth |
| 4. Sperm Collection & Preparation |
Semen sample collected and washed to select healthy sperm |
Semen sample is collected and prepared in the laboratory |
| 5. Egg Retrieval |
Not required |
Eggs are retrieved from ovaries through surgery |
| 6. Fertilisation |
Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a catheter |
Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to allow fertilisation |
| 7. Embryo Development |
Fertilisation occurs naturally inside the body |
Fertilised eggs are cultured in the lab for 3–5 days |
| 8. Embryo Transfer |
Not applicable |
One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus |
| 9. Pregnancy Test |
Blood test after around two weeks |
Blood test after around two weeks |
Reasons to Opt for IUI or IVF
Couples or individuals who have difficulties conceiving may opt for IUI or IVF, depending on multiple factors:
Your healthcare advisor may suggest IUI in the following cases.
- Endometriosis: When fertility issues are caused by conditions like endometriosis, IUI may be the first treatment approach.
- Poor Sperm Quality: When couples have difficulty getting pregnant due to the quality of sperm, IUI can help filter healthy sperm and boost the chances of conception.
- Cervical Issues: Problems with the cervix may prevent sperm from coming in contact with the egg in the fallopian tube.
- Semen Allergy: In rare cases, women may have a semen allergy where they may be allergic to proteins in the semen. While it doesn’t necessarily cause infertility, it can make it difficult to get pregnant.
IVF treatment may be recommended in the following cases:
- Unusual Ovulation: Eggs are released during ovulation for the potential purpose of fertilisation. If ovulation doesn’t happen normally, ART procedures like IVF may be recommended.
- Fallopian Tube Issues: For manifold reasons, fallopian tubes may be damaged which may impede the egg’s fallopian tube-to-uterus transfer. IVF allows the egg to be directly extracted for fertilisation.
- Endometriosis: Due to Endometriosis, the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, making it difficult to get pregnant. Your healthcare advisor may recommend IVF in such cases.
- Presence of Fibroids: Fibroids in the uterus can, although not always cancerous, prevent the fertilised egg from properly attaching to the uterus lining.
- Genetic Disorder Risk: Your doctor may recommend IVF and preimplantation genetic testing if you and your partner are at risk of passing on genetic disorder(s).
- Pregnancy After Sterilisation: If you want to conceive after your tubal ligation surgery (cutting/blocking of fallopian tubes), your healthcare team may recommend IVF.
IUI vs IVF Success Rates
Success in fertility treatments can be influenced by a myriad of factors, including age, underlying health conditions, and the cause of infertility. While IVF success rates are overall high, IUI can be equally effective in specific circumstances.
In a study, 300 infertile women were evenly distributed into IVF and IUI groups, with the overall pregnancy rate of 39.7% (119 pregnancies). IVF yielded a higher pregnancy rate (69) compared to IUI (50). Additionally, a higher success rate was noted in women aged under 30.
IVF vs IUI: Which Costs More?
The prices of IVF and IUI treatments largely depend on their complexity.
IVF is a complex process where both the egg and sperm are retrieved from the human body, and fertilisation takes place outside the uterus in a laboratory.
IUI treatment, on the other hand, is a simple and less invasive procedure with fewer medical interventions. It does not require advanced lab work like IVF procedures. The prepared sperm is directly placed into the uterus, close to the fallopian tube, using a catheter.
However, it’s crucial to consider factors like the number of cycles, additional treatments and location when evaluating and comparing costs. Your healthcare provider will discuss the appropriate course of action and the associated costs during consultations.
What are the Possible Side Effects and Risks of IVF and IUI?
IVF and IUI carry varying levels of risks.
-
Risks Associated with IUI
-
-
- Infection: IUI may cause a slight chance of infection after the procedure.
- Vaginal Bleeding: The catheter may cause a small amount of vaginal bleeding when it is being placed through the vagina. This can lead to spotting.
- OHS: Ovarian hyperstimulation (OHS) is a condition where the ovaries may over-respond to medications and become enlarged.
- Multiple Pregnancy: Any fertility drugs injected during IUI may increase your chances of IVF.
-
Risks Associated with IVF
-
- Egg Retrieval Complication: The needle used during ultrasound to harvest eggs from the ovarian sacs can cause bleeding and subsequent infections.
- OHS: OHS is also prevalent in IVF. This can be caused by fertility injections used to trigger ovulation. Symptoms may include bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In this condition, the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus where the embryo cannot survive. Ectopic pregnancies are terminated immediately upon detection as they can be life-threatening to the mother.
- Birth Defects: IVF entails a certain risk of a baby being born with health conditions. Cardiovascular issues are some of the most common defects found in babies conceived through IVF.
- Stress: IVF can impact both the body and mind. Time involved awaiting a successful pregnancy, marital impact, treatment side-effects and money are only some of the stressors.
- Miscarriage: Miscarriages are often linked to the mother’s age. The higher the age, the higher the chances of miscarriage.
- Premature Delivery: IVF may also cause the baby to be born early, often with low weight.
To understand how to improve chances of IVF success, click here.
IVF vs IUI: Which Treatment is Suitable for You?
The most effective treatment for you will depend on a multitude of medical factors. These include:
| Factor to Consider |
IUI |
IVF |
| Age |
More suitable for younger individuals with good ovarian reserve |
Often recommended with increasing age |
| Cause of Infertility |
Unexplained infertility, mild male factor, ovulation issues |
Blocked tubes, severe male factor, endometriosis, complex infertility |
| Duration of Infertility |
Shorter duration of infertility |
Long-standing infertility |
| Fallopian Tube Count |
At least one tube must be open |
Tubes are bypassed |
| Previous Treatment History |
No or few prior fertility treatments |
Failed IUI cycles or other treatments |
| Success Rate |
Lower success rate |
Higher success rate |
| Cost Considerations |
More affordable |
Higher cost |
| Level of Complexity |
Minimal and less invasive |
Advanced and more invasive |
| Time to Conception |
May require multiple cycles |
Faster results per cycle |
| Use of Donor Options |
Suitable for donor sperm |
Suitable for donor eggs, sperm or embryos |
Conclusion
Both IUI and IVF are effective fertility treatments, but the right choice depends on age, medical condition, infertility cause and personal preferences. You must consult a fertility specialist who can help determine the most suitable option. This ensures a personalised approach that improves the chances of a successful pregnancy.
FAQs
What is the main difference between IUI and IVF?
In IUI, fertilisation occurs inside the body after sperm is placed in the uterus. In IVF, fertilisation happens in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Which is better: IVF or IUI?
Note that neither treatment is universally better. IUI suits mild fertility issues, while IVF may be more effective for complex or long-standing infertility.
Is IVF more successful than IUI?
IVF generally has higher success rates per cycle compared to IUI.
Is IUI cheaper than IVF?
IUI tends to be more affordable as it involves fewer procedures and medications.
When should couples move from IUI to IVF?
Couples may consider IVF after multiple failed IUI cycles, increasing age or when a specific medical condition requires advanced treatment.
How is IUI different from ICSI?
IUI places prepared sperm into the uterus for natural fertilisation, while Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg during IVF. |