IUI vs. IVF: Understanding the Difference Before You Decide

When conception doesn’t happen naturally, fertility treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) often come up in conversations with your doctor.
Both are proven medical approaches — but they differ in how they work, the time they take, and the costs involved.

Note: This article is for awareness only. Every fertility journey is unique. Decisions about IUI or IVF should always be made with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist, based on your individual medical profile.

What Is IUI and How Does It Work?

In IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), healthy sperm from the partner or a donor is processed and placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
This short, non-surgical procedure increases the chances of the sperm reaching the egg naturally.

It’s often recommended for:

• Unexplained infertility
• Mild male factor infertility
• Cervical issues or irregular ovulation

IUI is simple, quick (10–15 minutes), and usually painless — often the first step before more advanced treatments.

What Is IVF and How Does It Work?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) involves fertilizing the egg and sperm outside the body in a lab, then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
• Eggs are retrieved under mild anesthesia.
• The eggs are fertilized in the lab using the partner’s or donor’s sperm.
• The best-quality embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus.

Because IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes, it’s often suggested for women with blocked tubes, low ovarian reserve, or after multiple failed IUIs.

How Long Does Each Process Take?

• IUI: Around 1–2 weeks per cycle (including ovulation monitoring and insemination).
• IVF: Roughly 3–6 weeks per cycle (from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer).

When Does a Doctor Recommend IUI or IVF?

IUI may be recommended when:

• The woman is under 35 and has open fallopian tubes.
• The male partner has a mild sperm count or motility issue.

The couple wants a less invasive, lower-cost option first.

IVF may be recommended when:

• Fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.
• Male factor infertility is moderate to severe.
• IUI attempts (3–4 cycles) have failed.
• Age or ovarian reserve makes natural conception less likely.

Your OB-GYN will guide the best starting point based on tests and overall reproductive health.

Success Rate per Cycle

Success depends on age, diagnosis, and clinic quality, but average rates are:

• IUI: Around 15–20% per cycle (for women under 35)
• IVF: Around 40–50% per cycle (for women under 35)

IVF’s success rates are higher because fertilization happens under controlled lab conditions.

How Painful Are the Procedures?

• IUI: Usually causes only mild cramping — similar to a pap smear.
• IVF: Involves hormone injections (which can cause bloating) and a short egg retrieval procedure under anaesthesia, so there’s minimal pain.

Most women find both manageable with medical supervision and emotional support.

Cost in India

Fertility costs vary by clinic, medication, and city:

Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages or discounts, especially for IVF.

Which Is More Common?

IUI is usually more common as the first-line treatment for mild infertility — it’s affordable, accessible, and less invasive.
IVF is chosen when IUI fails or when medical conditions (like blocked tubes or advanced maternal age) make it the more effective choice.

How to Decide

A good rule of thumb:

• Start with IUI if you’re younger and have mild fertility issues.
• Move to IVF if IUI doesn’t work or if medical reasons make it necessary from the start.

Remember, only your OB-GYN or fertility specialist can assess which option gives you the best chance based on your medical history, test results, and age.

In Summary

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is simpler, more affordable, and often the first step.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is more advanced, costlier, but with higher success rates.
• Both have brought hope and joy to countless couples — and the right choice depends entirely on your body and your doctor’s guidance.

Every journey to parenthood is different, and there’s no single “right” way — only the one that works best for you.