Biggest question which patients ask is which is better IVF or IUI.
Not being unable to conceive a child is a common problem. Every 1 out of every 15 women face conceiving after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. These couples can go for treatments like IVF, IUI, surrogacy, and other pregnancy-related health treatment. Most people face issues with their fertility rate and can be treated with a good treatment process authorised by a reputed organisation.
Only a reputed authorised doctor has the power to let you undergo any procedure helpful in your pregnancy. But there must be your consent too. There are two procedures IVF or IUI that a doctor can suggest you go for. Which one should you choose? Which would be better for you IVF or IUI?
In the blog, we are going to discuss this in detail. This blog would help you in understanding all the aspects of IVF & IUI.
What is IUI?
IUI refers to artificial insemination. It is a simple process that includes the use of fertility drugs to improve your pregnancy. The two most common medications used in the treatment are Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole.
What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilisation is a combination of surgical and medical procedures to treat your pregnancy issues. This process helps the sperm to fertilise the egg and further put the embryos in your uterus.
For a successful procedure, you will first have to go for screening to check the quality and quantity of your eggs, Semen analysis, uterine test, and infectious diseases. The fertility expert may suggest more tests.
IVF is a long-term procedure that can take months. It works on the first try for some people and some need to go through it thrice or more.
Which treatment process is better, IVF or IUI
Process of IUI:
There are two ways of performing IUI. One is ultrasound monitoring and the other is ovulation predictor tests at home.
For an ultrasound monitoring test, you need to go to an ultrasound centre during your menstrual cycle, especially on days 2-4. The test is for making sure that you don’t have any cysts on your ovaries that can intervene in the ovulation. When your ovulation is near you should prepare for the IUI procedure. The doctor may suggest additional medication for perfect insemination.
Here is how the IUI process will go on:
- Your partner will ejaculate semen in a private room and collect it. If you are using donor sperm then conditions will be different.
- Then the sperm is washed to separate from the other components of semen. This process will take approximately 60 minutes.
- A woman then needs to come to the clinic. Doctors will place a speculum vagina to visualise the cervix.
- The doctors will now insert a washed tube with highly mortal sperm into your uterus
Process of IVF:
Your doctor will look after you with medications to mature your eggs for the fertilization process. These medications prevent premature ovulation. Also, it is for ovarian stimulation and oocyte maturation to prepare the lining of the uterus.
1. Egg retrieval:
Egg retrieval is done 34 or 36 hours prior to your ovulation. This is done under sedation through your vagina. The experts then incubate your married eggs in a nutritive solution.
2. Sperm Retrieval:
The most common method for the retrieval of sperm is through masturbation the very morning of egg retrieval. Experts then separate the sperm from the semen.
If you use donor sperm then conditions will be different.
3. Fertilization:
There are two different methods of fertilization.
The conventional method is mixing the healthy sperm and matured eggs and incubating them overnight. The secondary method is to insert a sperm directly into one of the eggs.
Doctors prefer the second method only when there is an issue with the first method such as low sperm count and low sperm quality.
4. Embryo Transfer:
The embryo transfer will take place after 3-4 days of egg retrieval. The doctors will put a catheter into your vagina through the cervix. They will insert it into your uterus. Then through a syringe, doctors will place one or more embryos in your uterus.
Note:
You may feel breast tenderness, mild bloating, constipation, and small amounts of the bloody fluid.
Which is more risky : IVF or IUI
Risks With IUI:
- IUI has a risk of getting multiple pregnancies at once. There can also be too many eggs ready for fertilisation during the ultrasound procedure, making it cancel your ovulation process.
- If you don’t see positive results even after three cycles of ovulation then your fertility expert will suggest you go for the IVF process.
Risks of IVF:
- IVF increases the chances of multiple births.
- Your baby may have a premature birth. Your Child may weigh less than usual.
- You can have ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In this condition, you may feel pain in your ovaries.
- The use of a needle can cause infections and damage to the blood vessels, bladder, and bowls.
- You can get an Ectopic pregnancy where the fertilised eggs will be planted at. Fallopian tube outside of the uterus.
Which is right for you- IVF or IUI ?
You should go for an IUI treatment process if
- Your partner has a low sperm count and low motility.
- When doctors found no cause for your infertility.
You should not go for an IUI if
- Your fallopian (s) tube is blocked.
- You are in menopause or have diminished your ovarian reserve.
- If your partner’s sperm count or mortality is very low.
- You have severe endometriosis.
You would go for IVF if
- You have blocked fallopian tubes.
- You have endometriosis.
- Unexplained infertility.
- Low sperm count or low mobility.
- Decreased ovarian reserve.
You should not go for IVF if
- You have fibroid tumours.
- Suffering from ovarian dysfunction.
- You have abnormal hormone levels.
- Have Uterine Abnormalities.
An Overall Idea- on IVF or IUI:
Which treatment have more Success rate- IVF or IUI :
Female Patient’s Age | IUI Success Rate | IVF Success Rate |
< 35 Years | 13-15% | 70-80% |
35-37 Years | 10-12% | 60-70% |
38-40 Years | 9% | 50-60% |
40-45 years | 4-9% | 20-40% |
>45 Years | < 4% | < 20% |
Cost Difference between: which is more pocket friendly IVF or IUI :
Treatment | IUI | IVF |
Cost | Rs 7000/-Rs 25000/- | Rs 1,00,000- Rs 3,50,000/- |
Conclusion:
VF or IUI ?
IUI and IVF are two very successful methods of getting pregnant artificially. However, you must know what would be better for you. The choice of procedure will depend on many factors such as money, health, and doctor’s recommendations.
IVF or IUI Choose the procedure that you believe is best for you, and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mothers Worlds ; we will be happy to assist you.