IVF vs. IUI

Key Takeaways

• In vitro fertilization ( IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) can both be effective and safe options for couples and individuals facing infertility, but they differ in how they help achieve parenthood.  
• IUI is often a first-line therapy for those seeking to get pregnant. It's generally less expensive than IVF, and it works by amplifying your body's natural process – however, IUI success rates are considerably lower than IVF.  
• IVF involves retrieving your eggs and fertilizing them in a laboratory setting with sperm from your partner or a donor.  The resulting embryos are carefully nurtured in a specialized lab until they are ready to be transferred back into your uterus.
• A personalized evaluation with a board-certified fertility expert is the best way to explore your options and figure out the right path to parenthood for you.

IVF vs. IUI: Breaking it Down

With more couples in the U.S. turning to fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies, one of the most common questions patients ask their fertility specialist is: what is the difference between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)?  Both can be effective options for families facing infertility.  Let’s break down these two common infertility treatments below.

What is IUI?

IUI is often a great starting point for those seeking to get pregnant. It's usually less expensive than IVF, and it works by amplifying your body's natural process.  

Think of it like your natural cycle is given a boost: We use medication to help you produce a healthy egg in a process called Ovulation Induction (OI). With precise timing, we then carefully place specially prepared sperm directly into your uterus using a small catheter. This gives the sperm a helping hand, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time to meet the egg.  IUI is a quick and relatively painless procedure performed in the office, although some temporary cramping may occur. 

While IUI can be an effective option, it's important to remember that it doesn't change the fundamental process of conception. Furthermore, for many individuals it may take multiple IUI attempts to achieve pregnancy, which can make the total cost about half of what IVF costs.According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, IVF typically costs significantly more than IUI but also results in much higher success rates. 

While the success rates of IUI may be approximately 10% per cycle for the first 2 to 3 cycles, IVF rates often exceed 70% per retrieval and 50% per embryo transfer in women under the age of 35. Dr. Paul Brezina at Fertility Associates of Memphis likes to explain to his patients that IUI is a great “low tech” option for many couples. However, IUI is really just augmenting the natural cycle – and for many patients, this natural cycle has not had a fantastic track record in trying to conceive, he says. IVF, on the other hand, helps change the game of how the mechanics of pregnancy work.

What is IVF?

IVF offers greater control over the fertility journey.  It involves retrieving your eggs and fertilizing them in a laboratory with your partner's sperm or donor sperm.  The resulting embryos are carefully nurtured in our lab until they are ready to be transferred back into your uterus or cryopreserved. 

IVF is a more complex and demanding process, but for many couples, it's the path to a healthy pregnancy. With IVF,  we’re able to avoid many processes that may be suboptimal with either natural conception or IUI. For example, the egg and sperm don’t meet naturally since the sperm can be injected directly into the egg, and the fallopian tubes aren’t needed because they’re bypassed. This makes IVF quite different from IUI and successful in instances where IUI would fail.

IVF therefore offers a higher success rate than IUI, as it bypasses some of the obstacles that may prevent natural conception. Even in cases of unexplained infertility, research shows that patients trying IVF as their first option had better pregnancy rates. This IVF prediction tool from SART can help you better understand the factors involved in determining your odds of having a baby through an IVF cycle. Depending on your unique needs, your doctor may recommend adding additional procedures to your IVF treatment plan, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) or Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). 

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right fertility treatment is a highly personal decision. It’s important to work closely with your fertility care team to determine the best path based on your individual needs and preferences.  

Situations where IUI might be recommended: 

• Difficulty ovulating despite ovulation-inducing medication
• Minor sperm abnormalities
• Ejaculation difficulties
• Frozen sperm
• Donor sperm

Situations where IVF might be recommended: 

• Failed IUI attempts (typically after three failed IUI cycles)
• Fallopian tube damage
• Permanent birth control (like vasectomy or tubal ligation)
• Extremely low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape
• Severe endometriosis
• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Low egg quantity and quality
• Need for an egg donor or IVF surrogate

When to Consult a Fertility Expert

We understand that starting a family is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success (or 6 months if you’re over age 35), it’s time for a comprehensive evaluation with a fertility expert.  It's important to remember that each person's fertility journey is unique, and your fertility care should be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Ready to Start Your Journey? 

Contact Fertility Associates of Memphis today to schedule a consultation and discuss your family building options. Our team of experts is here to guide you with personalized care and compassion. 

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a fertility specialist for personalized recommendations.