IVF vs. IUI: What's The Difference?

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are used to help couples struggling with fertility or same-sex couples a chance to start a family. These technologies have come a long way, providing different options for these couples. Two of the most popular assisted reproductive treatments are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Key Takeaways

• Assisted reproductive technology therapies (ART) help couples dealing with infertility.
• IUI and IVF are the most popular types of both forms of ARTs
• Both IUI and IVF are performed differently and come with benefits and drawbacks. 
• Various couples try both forms throughout their fertility treatments.

IUI and IVF Compared

Both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are popular fertility treatments done at Ivy Fertility. The two are similar in many ways and the professional healthcare providers at Ivy Fertility offer them as solutions depending on what each patient needs. 

What is an IUI?

Also known as artificial insemination, the IUI  is a fertility treatment that focuses more on the assigned male at birth partner and his sperm. During this treatment, the male partner’s sperm is collected and inserted in the uterus of the assigned female at-birth partner. It is a simple and quick process that can be done in the comfort of your home without any medical intervention.

The IUI is targeted towards:

• A couple or individual that requires a donor’s sperm
• An assigned male at birth who struggles with ejaculation
• An assigned male at birth with low sperm count, low motility, and abnormalities in shape
• An assigned male at birth with testicular cancer
• An assigned female at birth struggling with ovulation problems

How does it work?

The male partner’s sperm is prepared beforehand in a lab and his semen undergoes a sperm wash. During the sperm wash, sperm is concentrated by removing less viable sperm and other unwanted materials. What’s left is viable sperm. 

Concurrently, the female partner receives hormonal therapy to stimulate her ovaries in preparation for ovulation. However, this isn’t a necessary step as some women choose to do it without any hormonal therapy. 

Many couples usually start with an IUI because it is significantly cheaper than IVF. It’s also a popular option to start fertility treatments with because it’s less invasive compared to IVF and is relatively quick. 

Though the process is less costly, studies have shown that couples may need several cycles before the procedure is successful, having a lower success rate of around 10%-15% per cycle. Additionally, the process only works if the female partner has clear fallopian tubes and regularly ovulates. 

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves retrieving healthy eggs from a female’s ovaries and fertilizing them in a controlled environment. The fertilized egg is then monitored, and if healthy, it’s inserted into the uterus. IVF relies on timing as everything must line up to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. 

How does it work?

IVF is a much longer process than IUI. This is because the IUI can be done at home quickly, without any third-party interventions. IVF on the other hand has several steps in each cycle. 

• Cycle regulation: The first step in the IVF cycle is to regulate the cycle using hormonal treatments. This treatment can be as simple as taking birth control medication.
• Ovarian stimulation: When the cycle is regular, the ovary is stimulated using hormonal injections. Ovarian stimulation ensures several mature eggs are released. The more the eggs, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy. 
• Egg retrieval: When the egg follicles have reached the right size, a “trigger shot,” is given to help with the egg retrieval process. This shot contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to fully mature. Once the eggs have developed to maturity, it is retrieved using a thin needle that is guided into the ovaries using an ultrasound. A suction device is used to extract the eggs. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will put the patient under light anesthesia. 
• Fertilization: The egg is then fertilized using a prepared sperm sample and taken to a lab for monitoring. The fertilized eggs or embryos are given a week to mature before they are either implanted in the uterus or frozen for future use. If the process is successful, the embryo will implant in the uterine wall and develop into a pregnancy. 

A 2015 study continues to prove that IVF is more successful than the IUI, showing a 29.5% live birth rate, and the more rounds one did, the higher the chances of success increased. However, several factors can impact the success rates of IVF. 

IVF is a great option for women who have advanced conditions like blocked fallopian tubes and Endometriosis or male partners with challenges with their sperm. Additionally, IVF has been used to prevent single-gene disorders through genetic testing of embryos. It also provides LGBTQ+ couples the opportunity to build a family.  

IVF is for:

• Assigned females at birth donating eggs or planning to be a surrogate
• Couples who have unsuccessfully tried other fertility treatments
• Assigned females at birth with advanced endometriosis
• Assigned females at birth with low egg supply and quality
• Assigned males at birth who have undergone a vasectomy
• Assigned females at birth with blocked fallopian tubes 
• Assigned males at birth with extremely low sperm count or motility

Unfortunately, the cost of IVF can be quite high ranging between $15,000 and $50,000 depending on the clinic and whether a sperm donor is used. This cost can even be out of pocket if insurance doesn’t cover it. The process also takes more time and can come with a physical and emotional load. 

Which Should You Choose?

Both IUI and IVF can result in healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Choosing between the two should therefore be based on personal preference and challenges faced by the individual or couple. Many couples start with the IUI because it is less invasive and affordable and only move to IVF if it doesn’t take. 

Bottom Line

Choosing between IUI and IVF depends on various factors, including your specific fertility issues, age, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Nevertheless, both are great fertility treatment options for couples struggling to conceive.