Fertility treatments have become a blessing in disguise for couples struggling with fertility issues. Over the years, there have been great advancements in the field, giving individuals the hope they need. However, with a wide range of options, couples often face difficulties in choosing the right treatment option. Two of the most common fertility treatments include Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
While IUI is said to have a success rate of about 10-20% during a single cycle, IVF reportedly has a success rate of about 65-72%. The numbers may be favourable for IVF treatments, but at the end of the day, it is crucial that people choose what is most suitable for their age and health status. In this article, we not only discuss the difference between IUI and IVF but also delve into the key aspects of the fertility treatments, which can help you decide what might work best for you.
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What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
IUI is a fertility treatment that involves injecting sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilisation.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vikas Yadav, Senior Consultant - Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and IVF Specialist at Sharda Hospital, explains, "The IUI procedure involves the direct insertion of processed sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This method is relatively simple and less invasive, consisting of several steps including medication to stimulate egg growth, monitoring through ultrasound and blood tests, inducing ovulation with a trigger shot, and the actual insemination process itself, which is quick and typically painless."
What Is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
In contrast to IUI, IVF is a more complex procedure that includes multiple stages, says Dr Yadav.
“The process begins with stimulation of the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, followed by egg retrieval. The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory setting for fertilisation.”
How Is IUI Different From IVF?
IUI and IVF are completely different procedures, where one (IUI) involves injecting sperm directly into the uterus, followed by medications to stimulate egg growth and certain tests, and the other (IVF) involves several stages.
In terms of success rate, Dr Yadav notes that success rates for IUI generally range from 5% to over 20% per cycle, whereas IVF typically offers higher success rates, especially after multiple cycles.
He highlights that women under 40 have over 50% chance of achieving pregnancy after six cycles of IVF, with this rate increasing to over 75% after twelve cycles.
As far as cost is concerned, IUI treatment in India typically ranges from INR 6,000 to INR 30,000 per cycle, and on the other hand, in stark contrast, the cost of IVF treatment in India is considerably higher, averaging between INR 90,000 and INR 250,000 per cycle.
When Is IUI Best Suited For You?
"IUI is frequently used as a first-line treatment for couples without identifiable fertility issues, making it suitable for unexplained infertility," says Dr Yadav, adding that it is a common choice for single women or same-sex couples who need donor sperm to conceive."
Those with less severe cases of infertility can also opt for IUI. This includes unexplained infertility and mild male factor infertility.
Also Read: Intrauterine Insemination: Expert Explains The Relevance Of IUI In The World Of IVF
When Is IVF Best Suited For You?![]()
IVF is often necessary for women with blocked or severely damaged fallopian tubes, as this condition prevents sperm and eggs from meeting naturally.
According to Dr Yadav, women over 35, particularly those with decreased ovarian reserve, may benefit more from the controlled environment and higher success rates associated with IVF compared to IUI.
Additionally, IVF is better suited for more complicated cases, such as those requiring advanced reproductive technologies, severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and significant male infertility.
Assessing The Risks And Potential Side Effects
Both IUI and IVF carry certain amounts of risks and side effects.
“One of the primary risks associated with IUI, especially when used in conjunction with fertility medications, is the chance of multiple pregnancies. The use of drugs can lead to the release of multiple eggs, increasing the likelihood of twins or higher-order multiples,” warns Dr Yadav.
He adds, “There is a slight risk of infection following the IUI procedure, which is related to the way the sperm is introduced into the uterus using a catheter. Although serious infections are rare, they can occur either from bacteria introduced during the procedure or through the semen sample itself.”
When it comes to IVF, mild cases may include bloating, mild abdominal pain, and nausea, whereas severe cases can lead to rapid weight gain, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, and blood clots.
Some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of birth defects and developmental issues in children conceived through IVF, though the absolute risk remains low.
In fact, a 2023 study published in the Journal of IVF-Worldwide found that children conceived through traditional IVF are more likely to have birth defects than those conceived naturally.
Researchers analysed data from 15 studies and found that IVF children had a higher risk of both major and minor birth defects.
Bottomline
Both IUI and IVF have their own set of benefits and risks. While the success rates are much higher in IVF compared to IUI, at the end of the day, individual health status and age play a crucial role in deciding between IUI and IVF.
Dr Yadav says, “Women under 35 generally have higher success rates with IUI, making it a reasonable first step. However, as age increases, particularly for women over 40, the probability of success with IUI decreases, leading many healthcare providers to suggest skipping directly to IVF to save time and resources.”
He concludes by emphasising the need to consider individual health factors, as conditions like endometriosis or significant hormonal imbalances may necessitate a more intensive IVF approach.