What is the difference between IUI and IVF?

If you are considering fertility treatment, there are various methods available to help those who have been struggling to conceive. You are probably more familiar with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) than intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, understanding the differences between these two methods is essential for determining which treatment might enhance your chances of conceiving.

Understanding IVF

IVF can help individuals who have been having difficulty conceiving. The process begins with hormonal injections to stimulate egg growth. Once the eggs have matured, they are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs develop into embryos and are cultured for five to six days until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point, the healthiest embryo is transferred into the womb. Additionally, any viable embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.

It's also important to understand that with IVF, you can use a combination of your own eggs and your partner’s sperm or opt for donor eggs or sperm.

Who is IVF suitable for?

IVF treatment may be a suitable option for:

• Couples who have been unable to conceive due to fertility issues, including blockage of the fallopian tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.  

• Couples experiencing unexplained fertility

• Same sex female couples

• Single women wishing to pursue solo parenthood using donor sperm

• Older women whose ovarian reserve (number of eggs) has declined with age, making natural conception more difficult  

• Individuals who have tried other types of fertility treatment without success.  
  
  

Understanding IUI

IUI is generally a better option for individuals with less severe fertility challenges. It is a simple procedure in which healthy sperm are injected into the female’s uterus during ovulation, where they can meet and fertilise the egg naturally.

How does IUI work?

IUI can be carried out during either a natural or stimulated cycle. In a stimulated cycle, the patient will be prescribed fertility medication to increase egg production and will be closely monitored through ultrasound scans to ensure the patient’s ovarian follicles - small sacs of fluid containing eggs - are developing properly.

Just before the insemination, the patient will receive a hormonal injection to help the eggs mature and be released, so they can travel down the fallopian tube to meet the sperm for fertilisation. On the day of the insemination, the male partner will produce a fresh semen sample, from which the highest quality sperm will be selected and injected into the patient’s uterus using a thin tube. If the patient is using a donor sperm, this will be thawed, washed and then inserted into the womb.

Key differences between IUI and IVF

When choosing between IVF and IUI, it’s important to understand the key differences that can help you decide which option might be best for you:

• IUI is generally less expensive than IVF

• IUI is a less invasive procedure compared to IVF, as it doesn’t require egg collection and involves fewer medications

• IUI has lower success rates than IVF, so more cycles may be necessary

• If you have severe fertility issues, IUI is less likely to be effective than IVF.

• You may be more likely to have twins or triplets through IUI than IVF
  
  
  

How to choose between IUI and IVF

When choosing the right treatment for you, several factors need to be considered, including your fertility health, personal needs and financial situation. The best way to determine the appropriate treatment for you, is by discussing your options with your GP or fertility clinic.

At TFP Fertility, we will talk to you in detail about the best options available during your consultation. We will take into consideration your fertility issues and explain the benefits of IVF and IUI to determine what works for you.