When couples face trouble conceiving, they often turn to fertility treatments. Two standard assisted reproductive procedures are IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In-vitro Fertilization). Each of these treatment paths is unique because it is designed to meet different needs and situations. Choosing between them can feel confusing, but understanding how they work and who they help makes the decision clearer.
In this article, we shall explore the difference between IUIand IVF, which in turn will help you figure out which one would be most suitable for your needs.
In-vitro Fertilization is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which sperm and egg are fertilised in a laboratory. It is an intricate process that involves extracting mature and viable eggs from the ovaries and combining them with sperm in order to create one or more healthy embryos. Once the embryos have developed to an appropriate size, the most suitable ones are selected and transferred into the uterus. A successful pregnancy is confirmed when the embryo is able to attach or implant itself into the uterine lining.
IVF is usually recommended by fertility experts when one or both partners have been diagnosed with certain health issues, or even when the underlying cause behind fertility issues cannot be identified.
● Endometriosis, a condition in which there is abnormal growth of the uterine lining.
● Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
● Uterine fibroids.
● Ovarian disorders like PCOS.
● Abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
● Low sperm count
● Low sperm motility or poor sperm quality.
● Erectile dysfunction.
IVF is also recommended when there is a risk of genetic disorders being passed on to the baby, or when surrogacy is being considered.
The entire IVF process can take several weeks and typically involves multiple steps.
The first step of the IVF process is ovarian stimulation. During this stage, fertility medicines are prescribed to help the ovaries develop multiple follicles that contain immature eggs. Once these eggs are fully mature, a trigger shot will be given to prepare the eggs for retrieval. These eggs are then collected carefully from the ovaries through a minor procedure.
Next, the eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory. Nowadays, instead of the traditional method where eggs and sperm are simply mixed in a dish containing a special solution, procedures like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) are performed to ensure a greater chance of successful fertilisation.
Embryos begin to form if fertilisation is successful. Doctors will watch these embryos closely to see which ones are healthy and growing well.
One or more embryos are selected and transferred into the woman's uterus after a few days. Pregnancy is confirmed when an embryo manages to attach itself successfully to the uterine wall.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of fertility treatment whereby the sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus.
In normal circumstances, the sperm will have to travel from the vagina through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes. However, it's a known fact that only a small number make it that far. During the IUI procedure, sperm are collected and "washed" so that only the healthiest remain. The selected sperm is then placed in the uterus, closer to the fallopian tubes, to make it easier for it to reach the egg and fertilise it.
IUI is often the first option before more advanced treatments like IVF. It can be done with a partner’s sperm or donor sperm, and sometimes fertility medicines are used to release eggs at the right time.
Similar to IVF, IUI treatment is recommended for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive through normal methods due to one or several health issues.
● They have abnormal cervical mucus that hinders the transport of sperm to the fallopian tube.
● They experience an allergic reaction to their partner’s semen that causes burning, swelling or redness in their vaginal region.
● They suffer from sperm impairments, such as low count or motility.
● They experience issues like erectile dysfunction.
IUI is also recommended when there are inexplicable fertility issues or if conception is done via surrogacy.
The entire IUI process usually takes around four weeks (around 28 days). It takes almost the same time as a regular menstrual cycle.
Initially, consultations with fertility experts will be required to determine if the woman is ovulating normally. If there are issues with ovulation, then hormone medications will be prescribed to induce ovulation. Ovulation will be confirmed via luteinizing hormone (LH) detection tests and ultrasound scans. Once ovulation has been confirmed, the IUI procedure will be scheduled within 24 to 36 hours.
The male partner will be asked to provide a fresh semen sample on the day the IUI has been scheduled. This sample will undergo a process called “sperm washing”, which allows the selection of strong and viable sperm.
The washed sperm will then be inserted into the uterus using a thin tube called a catheter. Fertilisation will occur when the sperm and egg meet. Pregnancy is usually confirmed two weeks after the IUI procedure by using a pregnancy detection kit.
IUI vs IVF is the first choice most couples encounter when they start their fertility treatment. To make the choice, here are a few factors that need to be considered:
The first factor to explore is the rate of success for each procedure, keeping in mind that this will vary from case to case. The success rate of IUI vs IVF depends on aspects like the age of the couple, their medical history and the primary cause behind their fertility issues. IUI is believed to have a lower success rate than IVF.
IUI is less invasive than IVF. It basically involves placing the specially prepared sperm into the uterus and often does not even require anaesthesia.
However, IVF is definitely a more complex procedure that involves minor surgery to retrieve and implant the eggs. Thus, IVF will be more invasive and physically demanding than IUI.
Many often ask about IUI vs IVF for PCOS, endometriosis, and other similar reproductive health issues. IUI is typically the initial choice for PCOS, while IVF may be suggested if multiple attempts fail. IUI may be effective in mild cases of endometriosis, but IVF is usually advised for moderate to severe cases. IVF is recommended when the fallopian tubes are blocked. For unexplained infertility, couples often start with IUI and move to IVF if needed.
The overall health of the couple also influences whether they choose IUI or IVF. People with specific medical disorders, such as uncontrolled diabetes or hormonal abnormalities, may benefit more from IVF, whereas healthier people with no severe concerns may begin with IUI.
Age is a major consideration when deciding between IUI and IVF. Younger women tend to have better success with IUI since their eggs are often healthier. However, when one grows older, particularly beyond 35, IVF is frequently suggested because it has greater success rates than IUI.
IVF is usually much more expensive than IUI, since there are quite a few complex and invasive procedures involved.
If IUI has been tried several times before without any success, then the next option would usually be to proceed with IVF.
Both IVF and IUI could cause complications and side effects. For instance, medicated IUI may cause weight gain, bloating, nausea, breast tenderness, etc. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may be yet another side effect of using hormone medications to induce ovulation. Additionally, IVF treatment could result in the birth of twins/triplets.
Careful evaluation of health risks must be made before opting for either IUI or IVF.
Both IVF and IUI have helped countless individuals across the world realise their dream of becoming parents. The choice between these two treatment paths needs to be made carefully with the help of experienced fertility experts.
IUI is a less invasive method that uses specially treated sperm, which are placed in the uterus so that they can attempt to fertilise the egg in the fallopian tube. IVF involves fertilising the egg and sperm in a laboratory and then transferring the resultant embryo to the uterus.
A fertility expert will be able to guide you after evaluating all aspects, such as the underlying cause of fertility issues, age, overall health, and other relevant factors.
Before turning to IVF, three to six IUI attempts are often made.
Both IUI and IVF can help with male fertility issues.
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