Reproductive Health and Wellness Center

Deciding Between IUI and IVF: Choosing the Right Path to Parenthood

Deciding Between IUI and IVF: Choosing the Right Path to Parenthood

Seeking fertility treatment is a big decision. There are so many treatment terms and abbreviations and it’s easy to get confused. This is especially the case when it comes to deciding between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

At Reproductive Health & Wellness Center (RHWC), we know it’s all a lot of information to take in, and we’ve put together a guide to help you decide which treatment is best for you. 

Learn About IUI and IVF

The first step in choosing the right path to parenthood is learning the difference between IUI and IVF. 

IUI is a minimally-invasive procedure in which sperm are placed directly into the uterus via a catheter. The procedure takes just a few minutes, doesn’t require anesthesia, and is timed with ovulation to give you your best chance of conceiving. Prior to the procedure, you may still need to stimulate your body to mature and ovulate multiple eggs. 

The IVF process requires greater intervention. First, you take medications to stimulate egg production, and then undergo egg retrieval. Eggs and sperm are then mixed together in a lab, and embryos are produced. Finally, one or more embryos are transferred into your uterus. While IVF is currently the most effective fertility treatment available, you may require several rounds of treatment before becoming pregnant. There’s also a chance you may not become pregnant with IVF.

Who Should Consider IUI?

Because IUI is minimally invasive, it’s often the first-line treatment for couples. It’s typically a good first choice for anyone under age 35 who’s been attempting to conceive for at least a year, or anyone over 35 who’s been trying to conceive for at least six months. 

IUI can be helpful for a variety of fertility concerns, including:

  • Ovulation problems
  • Endometriosis
  • Low sperm count
  • Problems with sperm motility
  • Ejaculation issues
  • Cervical scarring
  • Conditions affecting the cervical mucus

As part of IUI treatment, sperm are washed and sorted by quality, with the “best” then chosen for the procedure. Because the sperm are placed directly into the uterus, you have a better chance of conceiving. 

IUI is also helpful for LGBTQ+ individuals who wish to conceive and for single women who’d like to conceive using donor sperm.

IUI is not for everyone, specifically If you have certain conditions, like damaged fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections.

Who Should Consider IVF?

IVF is five times more effective than IUI, but it is more invasive and a significant commitment. However, if you’ve already tried and failed IUI or other first-line treatments, or if you’re not a good candidate for IUI, your doctor will likely recommend  IVF. 

IVF requires medication, injections and coming into the clinic every few days for monitoring. When it’s time to retrieve your eggs, you’ll need to come back for your retrieval, which only takes about 15 minutes and is done under sedation. Once the embryos are mature, one or more will be placed into your uterus. 

Are There Any Treatment Risks?

IUI and IVF are both very safe procedures, but like all medical procedures, there are potential risks. IUI, for example, may increase the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy, particularly if you’ve taken follicle-stimulating fertility medication. 

With IVF, you may experience uncomfortable side effects like bloating, abdominal pain, or headaches. Very rarely, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may also occur. Your doctor and entire fertility team will monitor you closely and treat you right away if you do develop OHSS.

How Do I Decide Between IUI and IVF?

It’s always best to decide the best course of treatment in partnership with your doctor. The first step at RHWC is a thorough consultation, along with tests to help find the root cause of your infertility. Dr. Rosencrantz will use this information to create a personalized treatment plan.

If you’re a candidate for IUI, you may wish to try this faster and less-invasive procedure before moving on to IVF, and it may be all you need to conceive. But if you have conditions that rule out IUI, or if you’ve already tried and failed, IVF is the next logical choice. IVF is also recommended if you wish to have your embryos genetically tested. 

Finances and insurance coverage may also play a part in your decision-making. Because IUI is less invasive, it’s also significantly less expensive than IVF. If your insurance covers fertility treatments, you may be required to try and fail IUI several times before IVF is covered. Be sure to check out fertility coverage with your insurance company, and also learn about other fertility financing options

Contact RHWC’s fertility team today to learn more about fertility treatment options or begin treatment.

Reproductive Health and Wellness

At Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, we are experts at treating fertility issues. We provide the latest in cutting-edge embryo science by using the latest technologies, and we create innovative fertility plans tailored specifically to each individual. But we’re so much more.

Reproductive Health and Wellness

At Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, we are experts at treating fertility issues. We provide the latest in cutting-edge embryo science by using the latest technologies, and we create innovative fertility plans tailored specifically to each individual. But we’re so much more.

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