What’s the Difference Between IUI and IVF?

In intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm is introduced directly into the uterus using a speculum, a device used to gently open the vagina and cervix. This allows the sperm to be deposited directly into the uterine cavity, increasing the chances of fertilization.

On the other hand, in in-vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs are surgically retrieved from the ovaries using a needle that is guided through the back of the vagina under ultrasound guidance. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting, and the resulting embryos are cultured for several days before one or more are transferred into the uterus.

Here are some key differences between IUI and IVF:

1. Procedure: In IUI, sperm is collected, processed, and inserted directly into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter, typically during her natural menstrual cycle or with the use of fertility medications to stimulate ovulation. In IVF, the woman’s ovaries are stimulated with fertility medications to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved surgically from the ovaries. The eggs are fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are cultured for several days before one or more are transferred into the woman’s uterus.
2. Fertilisation: In IUI, fertilisation occurs naturally as the sperm has to travel through the fallopian tubes to fertilise the egg, just like in natural conception. In IVF, fertilisation occurs outside the woman’s body in the laboratory, either through traditional IVF, where the sperm is added to the eggs in a culture dish, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
3. Suitable for: IUI is generally recommended for couples with mild fertility issues, such as unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical factor infertility. It may also be used in combination with fertility medications to increase the chances of pregnancy. IVF is generally recommended for couples with more complex fertility issues, such as severe male factor infertility, tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, or other conditions that may prevent natural conception.
4. Invasiveness: IUI is considered less invasive compared to IVF, as it does not involve extensive ovarian stimulation or egg retrieval procedures. In IVF, ovarian stimulation is used to produce multiple eggs, and the eggs are retrieved surgically from the ovaries, which is a more invasive procedure. However, both IUI and IVF are considered relatively safe and are performed on an outpatient basis.
5. Cost: IUI is typically less expensive than IVF, although costs can vary depending on factors such as location and specific treatment protocols. IVF involves multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer, as well as laboratory costs, which can make it more expensive compared to IUI.
6. Success rates: IVF generally has higher success rates compared to IUI, especially in cases of more complex fertility issues. The success rates of both IUI and IVF can vary depending on factors such as the woman’s age, the underlying cause of infertility, and the quality of the sperm and eggs used.

It’s important to note that the most suitable fertility treatment for a couple depends on their specific diagnosis, medical history, and individual circumstances. Consulting with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist is crucial to determining the best course of treatment for achieving pregnancy.