Both IUI and IVF are advanced fertility treatments recommended to couples under different circumstances. Usually, when a couple fails to conceive naturally, this ART-based method is recommended to them by fertility experts.
Before we dive deep into IUI vs IVF, let’s first understand what they are.
Intra-Uterine Insemination Treatment: IUI
Intrauterine Insemination is an ART-based( Artificial Reproduction Technology) artificial method of insemination in which washed and concentrated sperms are directly placed in the uterus around ovulation. The female partner’s ovulation cycle is coordinated with the procedure. She is put on ovulation medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole (aromatase inhibitor) to produce one or two eggs for fertilization to ensure higher chances of success of the procedure.
In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is also an ART-based fertility treatment, which has helped couples struggling with infertility have their babies. It is a complex process and each step significantly contributes to the success of the process and it resolves a wide range of fertility issues.
IUI vs IVF
Though both come under assistive reproductive technology, they are different in some aspects. Their differences could be critically examined under the following headers-
1. When are they suggested?
Dr. Partha Das suggests IUI infertility treatment when the male partner’s sperm cannot reach up to the egg to fertilize it successfully. However, there are other reasons why IUI treatment may be recommended.
Whereas
Dr. Partha Das suggests IVF to couples who may have the following complications:
2. How are they performed?
IUI involves artificial insemination which is well prepared beforehand. The process can be broken down into the following steps:
Whereas
The steps involved in the IVF process are:
STEP 1: Egg Retrieval: The female partner is put on ovulation stimulation medications, and when she produces mature eggs, the eggs are retrieved surgically by an IVF expert under ultrasound guide under Anesthesia.
STEP 2: Fertilization: On the same day of egg retrieval, a fresh sperm sample is obtained, and both, i.e., mature eggs and sperms, are mixed together in a petri dish and left in the lab for fertilization in conventional scenario. Otherwise ICSI technique is done wherein one Sperm is injected inside one egg. The fertilized egg or eggs are incubated until the embryo or embryos mature.
STEP 3: Implantation: The day 5 embryo called blastocyst is transferred into the uterus. After two weeks, a pregnancy test is taken to confirm the results.
3. Basis of Invasiveness
Both IUI and IVF are invasive, but IVF is more invasive than IUI because, in IUI, only the sperms are injected into the uterus. In contrast, the IVF process requires the retrieval of eggs and transfer of embryos. The implantation process can be discomforting, invasive, and involve some bleeding as compared to little or negligible discomfort caused during insemination in IUI.
The process of implanting blastocysts is very crucial and requires tremendous experience and utmost concentration while implanting.
4. Number of pregnancy
IUI may cause multiple pregnancies because the process involves multiple egg maturation and sperm insemination, leading to multiple fertilization.
Whereas
IVF is a controlled process, and a couple can consciously choose to implant one embryo at a time thus reducing multiple pregnancies.
5. Cost of Treatment
IUI is comparatively less complicated than IVF, therefore, IUI is a comparatively more affordable process. So, Dr. Partha Das usually recommends IUI treatment first and then IVF if the couple does not respond to IUI treatment.
Whether IUI or IVF, each process requires tremendous experience, and we understand how keen you are to conceive. Consult Dr. Partha Das, one of the best and highly experienced fertility doctors in Dubai. He has dealt with some most complex, gynecological, and fertility issues and helped couples have babies.