Introduction to IUI and IVF: Understanding Fertility Treatments
available for them. These days, there are two kinds of treatments that they can opt for. Treatments such as IUI and IVF. Now it has to be understood the factors with pros and cons of such treatments. In a nutshell, it can be said that during IUI treatment, sperm is directly injected into the uterus. Whereas, in IVF, it is a multiple-step-orientated reproductive process that involves egg stimulation, lab fertilisation, retrieval, and transfer. The fertility specialist is the only one who can let the patient know whether the patient needs IUI or IVF.
What is IUI? A Step-by-Step Guide
During intrauterine insemination, the sperm is inserted in a beeline into the uterus, which diminishes the distance sperm has to travel and provides a better opportunity of reaching the eggs. For the IUI, the semen sample gets washed to segregate sperm from the seminal fluid, and right then the entire sperm sample is thoroughly injected into the uterus. This crucially optimises the sperm count in the uterus over conventional intercourse.
The simple procedure is conducted right after the day of an ovulation surge. It typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the procedures. The specialist, who is conducting the treatment on a certain patient, is the only one to prescribe any medication if needed.
Sometimes the IUI process is combined with ovulation induction, from the point a patient’s medication can be applied to stimulate the development and release of eggs.
Knowing the factors behind the IUI, why is it done?
Donor’s sperm: Such sperm for the treatment donated by someone who is unknown to the patient. This is an option if anyone is single, and if the partner doesn’t have fertile sperm, she could opt for this.
Inexplicable infertility: The potential problem can occur while tissue that’s like the proper lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This process is called endometriosis. Frequently, the first treatment that proceeds towards the cause of infertility is to apply medications to obtain a healthy egg along with IUI.
Allergic semen: This is one of the rare things where an allergy to protein in the semen becomes a cause of reactions. Releasing the sperm into the vagina after the intercourse creates a burning sensation. IUI has a good solution; it allows a female to become pregnant and can prevent the painful symptoms of the allergy.
What is IVF? An In-Depth Overview
The full form of IVF is in vitro fertilisation, which is a method of assisting reproductive technology (ART). IVF is one of the more complex processes so far. It involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with the sperm in a specific laboratory. Some days after fertilisation, the fertilised egg, which is currently called an embryo, is placed into the uterus. The pregnancy signs occur while this embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.
Why IVF
Due to multiple reasons, people are choosing IVF. Infertility or the partner’s health adversity are two of the main causes. Besides those who are at their advanced ages, they have also started taking IVF help to get pregnant. This VF is of utmost helpful if the partner has:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Lower sperm count with other impairments
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Problems with the uterus
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic disorder
Duration
Typically, IVF treatment takes 4 to 6 weeks, including the time before egg retrieval, if any person takes fertility medications until tested pregnant, etc.
IVF using couples
Around 5% of couples use the IVF method. It’s one of the most effective assisted reproductive technologies so far
Steps of IVF treatment : The IVF has multiple steps. Such as
Birth control pills or estrogen: Before starting the treatment, the patient’s healthcare expert prescribes the birth control pills or the estrogen. This process is used to prevent the development of the ovarian cysts and control the time span. This would allow maximising the number of mature eggs.
Ovarian stimulation: During each and every natural cycle of a healthy person in terms of reproductive age, a bundle of eggs begins to mature every month. The remaining immature existing eggs disintegrate in that group.
Other part of stimulation:
Monitoring: The responses of the ovaries to the medicines have to be monitored by the ultrasound process and the blood hormone level testing. Mostly the simulations survive between 8 and 14 days.
Trigger shot: The moment female eggs are ready to get the final maturation trigger shot is given, which is basically to finalise the maturation of the eggs. The patient would be instructed to administer the trigger shot right at 36 hours before the scheduled egg retrieval time.
Other things are there in IVF, such as:
- Fertilisation
- Embryo development
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy
How IUI and IVF Differ: Key Points Explained
IUI
The key dissimilarity between IUI and IVF
IUI is fertilisation transpired internally, so the sperm is injected by a direct route into the woman’s uterus. Hence the fertilisation gets success.
IVF
Whereas the IVF lies externally. The sperm and the egg are combined for fertilisation; afterwards, the successfully fertilised eggs would be implanted in the woman’s uterus. Typically, the fertilised eggs would implant in the lining of the uterus as a result of pregnancy and delivery.
IUI
IUI has success rates, but it has multiple hindrances in terms of pregnancy and fertility.
IVF
This treatment has better success rates. Artificial insemination, which is considered less expensive.
Who Should Consider IUI vs. IVF? Factors to Evaluate
IUI-suitable patient: Couples who have been suffering from prolonged infertility should opt for such treatments. This treatment could assist in coping with the issue.
Mild infertility: The low sperm count partner’s sperm motility or any of the other abnormalities IUI can help to boost the fertility.
Cervical factor: In some cases, the cervix produces hot mucuses; hence, it is difficult to reach the uterus. Thus, IUI makes the route bypassed and the cervix and places the sperm straight to the route to the uterus, increasing the chance of conceiving.
IVF-suitable patient
All those couples who are in search of an option for their fertility owing to their baby desire.
Ovulation disorder patients: The IVF treatment can be of good help to treat individuals who have been suffering from irregular or absent ovulation.
Genetic disorder patients: This formula can be applied to genetic disorders and diseases in terms of infertility. By allowing the selection of healthy embryos for the implantation.
Single individuals: The IVF treatment enables the individuals to get their prominent desires for the parental life by having donors eggs or sperm.
Success Rates: IUI vs. IVF—Which is More Effective?
The moment we compare the success rates of these two fertility processes, such as IUI and IVF, we have to consider multiple factors, such as underlying fertility issues, age, and the number of treatment cycles. On average, IVF has a higher rate of success; moreover, IVF is useful to those who have been suffering complicated infertility issues. However, IUI also has a good rate of success. Some options, such as same-sex couples without any underlying issues or minor issues, But it can handle less complicated cases.
| Female Patient Age | IUI Success Rate | IVF Success Rate |
| Under 35 | 13% | 54% |
| 35-37 | 10% | 40% |
| 38-40 | 7% | 26% |
| Over 40 | 4% | 8% |
Data: SART data and Belloc et al., 2008.
Risks and Side Effects of IUI and IVF
The possible side effects depend upon the treating patients. The health factors and the medical histories also impact the treatment. According to the clinical studies, the most common side effects are hot flashes, which are experienced by about 10% of patients. Bloating, nausea, weight loss or sudden gain, blurred vision.
Chances of acute OHSS
- Clomid less than 1%
- Letrozole 0%
- Follistim/Gonal-F with hGC trigger medication 1 to 2%
- Follistim/Gonal-F with Lupron trigger medication less than 1%
Cost Comparison: IUI vs. IVF Expenses
| IUI | Cost |
| All medication care | $1,000 |
| Oral doses | $100 |
| Injectable treating medications | $2000 |
| IVF | Cost |
| All medication care | $12,000-$20,000 on an average |
| Injectable medications | $ 2,000-$6,000 |
Real Patient Experiences: Choosing Between IUI and IVF
There are ample successful parents who have benefitted from such treatments. Such treatment has brought smiles on a thousand faces, which are commendable indeed.
Conclusion
It is now obvious that attaining parenthood is a priceless gift. Those who are still suffering and thinking of having such treatments are advised to visit Ovum fertility to have hands-on experience of such astonishing treatments. The more you delay, the more you deprive yourself.
FAQs
1: Is IVF better than IUI?
In short, it cannot be said which one is better. But according to the data and medical experts’ analysis, IVF has a better success rate than IUI.
2. Can genetic other disorders impact fertility?
It depends upon the genetic disorder orientation. What the disorder is all about, and if there is any sort of connection between fertility, then there is a possibility of carrying such into the present generation.
3. Which one is costly?
Certainly, IVF treatment is costly.
4. Can menstrual irregularities lead to infertility?
There is a close connection between irregular menstruation and infertility. If anyone has such an issue, it is advised to visit the nearest gynaecologist or fertility expert.
5. Can post-fertility treatment bring mental health problems?
There is a less chance of getting mental health issues after such treatments. But if anyone has a history of such, then it is certainly advised to visit a mental health expert.