Two of the most common fertility treatments are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you are struggling to have a baby naturally, you may be considering your fertility treatment. Naturally, you probably have some questions about what each of these treatments can do and how they vary.
IVF is a process involving egg stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and transfer. During IVF, a woman’s egg is surgically retrieved from her ovaries; fertilized and developed into embryos in a lab; and then transferred back into the uterus.
IUI injects sperm into a uterus to decrease the sperm’s travel time to the egg. Sperm – whether from a partner or a donor – is prepared and then inserted into the uterus through a soft catheter. Most women don’t feel a thing, and it only takes a few minutes.
Learning the acronyms can be overwhelming so let’s break down IUI and IVF to clarify the difference between these fertility treatments.
IVF Treatment
IVF is a process that consists of five steps including:
1. Pre cycle diagnostic testing
2. Stimulation of the ovaries to produce several eggs during one cycle
3. Retrieval of the eggs from each ovary
4. Fertilization of the eggs in the laboratory via conventional fertilization or ICSI, and then
5. Transfer of the resulting embryos into the uterus
IUI Treatments
IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation; decreasing the journey for the sperm to the egg. During ovulation, the woman produces one egg that is picked up by the end of the fallopian tube where it waits to meet the sperm. An IUI deposits higher concentrations of good quality sperm close to where the egg is waiting which increases the chances that the egg and sperm will unite.
Pros and Cons of IUI
IUIs are often less time consuming and are typically less expensive than IVF. During the IUI procedure, the male partner’s sperm is directly inserted into the uterus. The process coincides with the female partner.
IUI is typically recommended for the women under age 35 as women in this age range have a higher success rate than over the age of 35 demographics. Women at the age of 40 or over have the lowest success rate with IUI, with just about a 5% chance.
It’s also important to note that because IUI may be combined with the use of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries, the risk of multiple births is greater.
Often, women option for two to three rounds of IUI before attempting in vitro fertilization if the IUIs are unsuccessful.
Success Rates of IUI and IVF
While an IVF cycle is more expensive than the IUI cycle, it may be worthwhile for some patients, as IVF has a significantly higher success rate.
Chances of success for any patient will depend upon their particular diagnosis, along with their individual medical history and age.
IVF has a much faster time to pregnancy due to its higher success rate per cycle. For those under 35, success rates are generally around 50% per treatment.
IUIs generally have a success rate of around 5-20% per cycle. If an IUI is to be successful it most often happens in the first three or four treatment cycles.
Chances of Multiples With IUI and IVF
While many people think of multiples, such as twins, triplets, and more, being the result of IVF. When a single egg is transformed, the chances of multiples are quite low. The highest chances of multiples actually comes from a medicated IUI cycle, because doctors have less control over how many eggs are released and fertilized.
Safety measures of IUI and IVF
Both procedures are safe, and the risks are minimal. Proper monitoring, medication choice and dosage, and general care greatly reduce the risks and side effects.
Working with Cryo Courier
If you’re about to undergo treatment and you’re planning on moving from clinic to clinic or obtaining a specimen from a cryobank, consider reaching out to Cryo Courier.
We’ve been helping people receive their fertility specimens on time and safely, for years. We’ve got your back, and we’ll do everything we can to make your egg, sperm, or embryo transport as smoothly as possible. Contact us to find out more.
Disclaimer: Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended nor implied as medical advice, or as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.