Trying to have a baby and seeing one negative test after another hurts. You’re left with questions and stress. Each passing month makes you feel like time is against you. You want answers, not more confusion. You hear about IUI and IVF, but no one tells you which one fits your life. What’s the cost? What’s the process? Most of all, will it work for you? These are the questions that matter when all you want is to hold your baby. Let’s help you make sense of it all.
What is IUI?
IUI is short for intrauterine insemination. It’s a simple process where sperm is placed inside your womb to help with fertilisation. It can help when the sperm can’t reach the egg easily on its own. This might happen if the sperm count is low or the sperm moves slowly.
You may also try IUI if no reason for infertility has been found (Unexplained Infertility). Some women take medicine to help release eggs on time. The doctor then tracks ovulation and picks the right day for the insemination(IUI).
The actual process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require anaesthesia or surgery. You can go home the same day. It’s a good first step for couples looking for help without too much medical treatment. But it may take more than one cycle to succeed. Still, many people feel it’s worth trying before moving on to bigger steps like IVF.
What is IVF?
IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation. This process takes eggs from your ovaries and mixes them with sperm outside your body. If they form an embryo, the doctor puts it back inside your womb. IVF is used when other treatments don’t work or when there are more serious problems. You may need IVF if your fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm quality is poor, or your age lowers your chances.
IVF starts with hormone shots to help grow more eggs. Then, the doctor collects those eggs in a quick medical procedure. After that, sperm is added to the eggs in a lab. If an embryo forms, it is placed inside your body. IVF needs more clinic visits, more planning and more money. But it gives better results for some couples. It’s often the next step when IUI fails or isn’t the right option from the start.
Differentiating Factors between IUI & IVF
IUI and IVF are both used to help with pregnancy. But they are different in how they work and who they suit.
Success Rates
IUI offers lower chances per cycle compared to IVF but better than natural intercourse. IVF gives better success, especially for people over 35 or with known issues.
Time Commitment
IUI is quick and needs fewer steps. IVF takes more time and includes egg collection, lab work and embryo transfer.
Cost
IUI is cheaper and easier to try again. IVF costs more because of injections, procedures and lab help.
Treatment Process
IUI places sperm in your womb with no surgery. IVF takes eggs from the body and mixes them in a lab.
Medication Use
You may need mild drugs with IUI. IVF always involves hormone shots that make your body produce more eggs.
Who It’s For
IUI helps with mild issues and younger age. IVF is better if there are clear problems like blocked tubes or failed IUI.
Risk and Side Effects
IUI has very few side effects. IVF can cause discomfort, mood swings and other effects from hormone treatment.
Emotional Stress
IUI is easier on your body and your mind. IVF can feel heavy with injections, waiting and higher cost.
Multiple Births
Both can lead to twins or more, but IVF gives you more control by choosing how many embryos to transfer.
Control Over Timing
With IVF, you can freeze embryos and time transfer later. IUI depends more on natural ovulation and less planning.
Chances After 35
IUI works less well if you’re over 35. IVF is used more often for older people as it improves their chances.
Need for Surgery
IUI doesn’t need surgery or sedation. IVF includes a small surgery to take out the eggs from your ovaries.
Using Donor Eggs or Sperm
IVF works better for those using donors. IUI can use donor sperm but has lower chances if more help is needed.
Tubal Conditions
IUI needs healthy tubes to work. IVF is better if your tubes are blocked or damaged since it skips them.
Trying Again
IUI is easy to repeat in a new cycle. IVF takes more time between rounds and more cost to try again.
| Factor | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) |
|---|---|---|
|
Success Rate |
Lower (10–20% per cycle) |
Higher (30–60% per cycle, based on age) |
|
Time Required |
Short, few clinic visits |
Long, multiple steps and visits |
|
Cost |
More affordable |
More costly due to lab and medication needs |
|
Procedure |
Simple, non-surgical |
Complex, includes egg collection and embryo transfer |
|
Medication |
Light or none |
Heavy hormone injections |
|
Ideal For |
Unexplained infertility, mild male issues |
Blocked tubes, older age, failed IUI |
|
Risks |
Low |
Moderate, due to medication and procedures |
|
Stress Level |
Lower |
Higher due to physical and emotional demands |
|
Control Over Timing |
Limited |
High, can freeze embryos and plan transfers |
|
Multiple Birth Risk |
Moderate |
Controlled through embryo selection |
|
Use of Donors |
Possible but less effective |
Effective with donor sperm or eggs |
|
Fallopian Tube Health |
Needed to be open |
Not needed |
|
Repeat Cycles |
Easier and cheaper to repeat |
Takes longer and costs more per attempt |
