IUI vs IVF – What to choose on your journey to parenthood
IUI and IVF are two of the most popular methods of fertility treatment. When choosing between the two, it is important to know what separates them. Read about the two procedures here and learn how IUI differs from IVF and which one to choose.
IUI vs IVF - What is the difference?
In IUI, sperm is placed directly into the uterus, making this method less complex and invasive than IVF, as egg retrieval is a necessary part of the IVF process. The difference in procedure affects treatment costs and success rates. Here is an overview of the differences, while we explain each part further below.
Overview of the differences
| Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) | In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) | |
| Procedure | Sperm is injected into the uterus using a thin plastic syringe around ovulation, reminiscing of natural fertilization. | The ovaries are stimulated with fertility drugs before an egg is retrieved and fertilized in a lab causing an embryo to develop, which is then transferred back into the uterus. |
| Invasiveness | Less invasive, as it only involves a plastic syringe. | More invasive due to the use of fertility drugs, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. |
| Complexity | Less complex than IVF. | More complex than IUI, as it requires more steps: stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. |
| Duration | Takes about 30 minutes. | Between 6-8 weeks. |
| Cost | Less expensive than IVF. Starts at $300. | More expensive than IUI. Starts at $12,000 for a single round of treatment in the US. |
Curious about home insemination?
Starting your journey towards parenthood is a big step, and finding the right approach can feel overwhelming. Whether you are just exploring your options or ready to move forward, we are here to guide you.
Difference in procedure
What is IVF?
IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a procedure that includes the following steps:
- Step 1: A fertility test indicates whether IVF is the right choice.
- Step 2: Ovarian stimulation takes place to improve egg production.
- Step 3: Eggs are retrieved for fertilization.
- Step 4: After fertilization, the embryo develops in a laboratory before being transferred to the woman carrying the pregnancy.
IVF is often used by single women and couples who struggle to conceive because of low fertility or fertility problems, as the egg is fertilized in a lab, removing all obstacles for the sperm.
What is IUI?
IUI (Intrauterine insemination), also called artificial insemination, is a procedure that includes the following steps:
- Step 1: A fertility test indicates whether IUI is the right choice.
- Step 2: Insemination takes place where sperm is inserted directly into a woman's uterus using a thin plastic needle.
IUI is the recommended procedure for single women, lesbian couples, and heterosexual couples without serious fertility issues.
Are IUI and artificial insemination the same?
In some way, yes. Artificial insemination is a broader term describing types of fertility treatment without any medical intervention. ICI and IUI are both types of artificial insemination. Many people start with ICI or IUI treatment, follow the link to read about ICI vs IUI and what separates the procedure from each other.
Artificial insemination kit
You can perform one type of artificial insemination at home. It is only possible to perform ICI at home, as the sperm is placed inside the cervix and not the uterus. If you plan to use this method, you will receive an artificial insemination kit to help you perform the insemination.
Follow the link to see what an artificial insemination kit contains. You can also click on the buttons below to learn more about home insemination.
IUI vs IVF – success rate
Because of the differences in procedures, IVF has a higher success rate than IUI. However, many choose to begin their journey towards parenthood with IUI or ICI, as they find egg retrieval very uncomfortable. In general, the success rates for IUI and IVF depend on several factors such as the age, fertility, and health of the recipient. Here is a table showing the difference in success rate.
| Procedure | Success rate | Source | Explanation |
| IUI (Intrauterine insemination) | IUI ranges from 5% to 18% per cycle. | Data from fertstert.org | The success rate for IUI depends highly on age, as it is one of the most defining factors of women’s fertility. |
| IVF (In vitro fertilization) | IVF from 7% to 41% per cycle. | Data from Society for Reproductive Technology (SART) | The success rate for IVF depends highly on age, as it is one of the most defining factors of women’s fertility. |
Cost of IUI vs cost of IVF
IUI is less expensive than IVF. The total cost of both IUI and IVF depends on the amount of treatment needed. Here is a breakdown of the cost of each treatment:
- Cost of IUI: The cost of IUI can range from $300 to $1,000 per cycle in the US, depending on the clinic and whether additional medications are needed.
- Cost of IVF: IVF is significantly more expensive than IUI, typically costing between $12,000 and $15,000 per cycle in the US, depending on the clinic and whether additional medications are needed.
Cost of using donor sperm
It is possible to receive both IUI and IVF treatment with donor sperm. The treatment costs for IUI and IVF are the same with or without donor sperm. The only thing affecting the price is the cost of donor sperm, which varies based on your choice of donor.
The price of donor sperm starts at $770 for a single MOT5 straw from a Non-ID Release Donor with a Basic Profile. If you need donor sperm for IUI, the price starts at $900. Follow the link to read more about sperm bank prices.
Which is better, IUI or IVF?
The choice between IUI and IVF depends on various factors, including the underlying reason for needing treatment. If you are trying to conceive and do not have any known fertility problems, you should start with artificial insemination. If you have known fertility issues or have tried artificial insemination before without positive results, you should consider IVF. Always consult a fertility doctor before starting treatment, as further tests may be necessary.
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FAQ about IUI vs IVF
Is IVF more expensive than artificial insemination?
Yes, IVF is significantly more expensive than IUI, with costs ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle compared to $300 to $1,000 per IUI cycle.
What are 2 cons of artificial insemination?
Two cons of choosing artificial insemination over IVF are: Lower success rates and longer waits before having a baby.
Which is more successful, IVF or IUI?
IVF is generally more successful than IUI, especially for women over 35 and for those suffering from infertility issues.