IVF Vs IUI– What Is Process, Cost And Success Rates

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes hormone and ovulation drugs, often paired with minor operations with the sole aim of achieving pregnancy in childless couples. There are two main and famous ART techniques – IVF and IUI.  Either one or both can be used based on the specific situation of the intended parents. While IVF is a little expensive and invasive than IUI, the success rates of IVF are much more than IUI. In this article, we will cover the “IVF Vs IUI” process and what is best for you.

What is IUI?

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. A procedure that involves placing sperm directly in the uterus, is also known as “artificial insemination.” This method increases the probability of pregnancy with a higher concentration of healthy sperms

In combination with fertility medications, like Clomid, the IUI procedure is often performed to stimulate the body to grow multiple eggs. Your fertility specialist will monitor the health care professional carefully after taking the drug with blood tests and ultrasounds so that the insemination will coincide with ovulation.

IUI procedure

The procedure is very simple, although can make you nervous. The sperm sample is thawed and prepared. Unable to make a semen sample at the clinic, your partner can also use a sterile homemade sample kit. Please remember that the sample must be obtained within one hour for this process and held at body temperature until it arrives at the lab. Your physician will use a special “washing” procedure to remove impurities and only leave what is required in the conception process.

The female partner lies on a gynecological table for the test itself, like the one you used in your annual review. Your cervix will be positioned with a catheter – a thin, slim tube. There can be slight tightness that matches what you might experience during a pap smear. The specially washed semen is then transferred through the catheter to the uterus. Then the doctor will remove the catheter and call it to finish.

What is IVF?

IVF stands for In vitro fertilization. It’s one of the more commonly known types of ART technology. The IVF works by combining medicines with minimally invasive surgery to help sperm fertilize an egg and to assist with the fertilized egg in your uterus.

IVF Procedure

The first step of IVF is to take fertility drugs for several days to stimulate more than one eggs in the ovaries. You may receive regular ultrasounds or blood tests to assess your hormone levels and monitor the development of your eggs.

Your doctor extracts eggs from your body also known as egg pick up or egg retrieval when your ovary has produced enough mature eggs. Egg recovery is a minor operation done in the fertility clinic with mild anesthesia.

The doctor puts a thin, hollow tube through your vagina, the ovary, and the follicles that hold your eggs using an ultrasound to look inside your organ. A suction device that pulls eggs out of each follicle gently is attached to the needle.

In a petri dish, the eggs are combined with the partner’s or donor’s sperm cells to initiate the natural fertilization process under a controlled environment.  Sometimes special technique ICSI (Intracellular Sperm Injection) is used, where single sperm is injected into the single eggs to facilitate the fertilization more efficiently.

About 3-5 days after an egg is recovered, one or more embryos are implanted in your uterus. The doctor pushes a thin tube into your cervix and places the embryo in your uterus directly via the tube. It is a minor process done without anesthesia and can take 20 mins. After few hours of rest, the intended mother can go home.  She needs to take her medications and follow the instruction given by the fertility specialist.

Pregnancy occurs where one of the embryos binds to the uterine lining. Transfer of embryo is done at the doctor’s fertility clinic.

When to go for IUI and IVF?

IUI

Patients may opt for IUI in one of the following conditions –

• Ejaculation dysfunction.
• Unexplained infertility.
• Problems related to cervical mucus.
• Cervical scar tissue from previous procedures can prevent the sperm from entering the uterus.

IVF

• low sperm count
• Problems in the fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Problems with the ovulation

Duration of IVF and IUI treatments

IUI -IUI is a simple treatment and can be done in a one-day visit to the doctor. It may take up to 15 to 60 minutes.

IVF -The IVF cycle is complete for 2-3 weeks. The hormonal treatment and the growth time needed for the embryo are responsible for this time period. However, one or more visits to the clinic may be required for the procedure.

Cost of the procedure

IUI -IUI is less expensive as compared to the IVF procedure. In the US it costs about $1150

IVF- IVF cost is higher than IUI, or we can say it is expensive as compared to the IUI procedure. In the US it costs about $12000.

Success rates of IUI and IVF

IUI

The success factor of IUI depends on the number of cycles you are willing to go to.

• If you are willing to go just one IUI cycle, the rate of pregnancy is just 20%.
• If you are willing to undergo 3 to 5 IUI cycle, the rate of pregnancy can be 80%
• The incidence of IUI pregnancy is equivalent or slightly less than fertile pairs who get pregnant by themselves.
• In women over 40 and in women who are not pregnant after 3 cycles of IUI, the success rate for the IUI tends to decrease.

IVF

IVF success rates rely on a variety of factors, including age and fertility of female partners, the quality of sperms, and what is the reason for infertility. The CDC compiles national statistics for all ART procedures carried out in the USA.

Conclusion for IVF Vs IUI

Therefore, you should consult with your doctor based on your situation the doctor will able to guide you better on the success rate of both procedures.

Talk to your OB-GYN or fertility specialist if you have had problems conceiving or have questions about your fertility options. Your doctor will help you find the best course for pregnancy.

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