rahaelmathew10 Health, TTC

How To Choose – IUI or IVF ?

BY NEELAM CHAUDHARY

IUI and IVF are two most commonly used fertility treatment methods. Women always have
some doubts related to these methods. This is because they are both similar and used to treat infertility. Both the methods are used as a substitute to natural conceiving.

If you have just started your Trying To Get Pregnant (TTC) journey, this article is just for you ! You must be already wondering which is better and right. So here is the information you need to make the best choice:

IUI – Intrauterine Insemination

IVF- In Vitro Fertilization

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Let’s first understand where you are at. If you are currently seeing a fertility expert, she or he may have mentioned the IUI process. This process is the most non invasive TTC assisting process. The IUI is opted for when you have gone through assisted fertility and still have no process. Assistant fertility is when you are induced with follicle stimulators to mature your eggs along with timed intercourse.

Credit : VeryWell Family

If you are at the stage of choosing IUI here are some things you must know :

Under this method, a partner’s sperm or donors’ sperm is inserted in the uterus at the time of
ovulation, so that the egg is fertilised for pregnancy. But there are only 20% chances for that. When we say inserted, we mean this in a non invasive way. You will not be admitted and it only takes a few minutes. Once you are done, the doctor may ask you lie down for a few minutes and then you are good to go. And yes, you can move about and go about following a low intensive exercise routine as well. However, it is assumed that chances of success are higher if you behave like you are pregnant during the two week wait.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In this method, fertility drugs are used to gently stimulate your ovaries, so that it
produces best quality eggs. Then these eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory with
your partner’s or donors’ sperm. After fertilization, the quality mature eggs are selected to
transfer into your uterus to grow for pregnancy. This takes place after the eggs have shown fertilization and maturity.

Credit : Ziva Fertility

This method is way more expensive and does require hospitalization. In some cases like blocked fallopian tubes or 3 failed IUI’s, the IVF is considered the only best option.

Seems similar, what’s the difference you may ask ?

  • IUI is helpful for women to develop one or two eggs only. Whereas, with an IVF a woman will develop around 10-15 mature eggs. This however, does not mean all of them will be fertilized. Only mature eggs will finally make it back for insemination.
  • In most cases IVF is successful for women who are aged 35-45 years of age instead of IUI. There are more factors that help you mitigate this age factor, so do consult with your gynaecologist.
  • IVF generally has the success rate of 50 per cent, and IUI’s are generally around 10-20 per cent. This is mainly due to the fact that in IUI, the fertilization happens inside the women rather than controlled in a lab.
  • Both the methods are safe, and NO your child is not a ‘test tube baby’. The fertilized egg will be inside you and you will be carrying your baby just like any normal pregnancy.

While we sure can go on and on about benefits, what works best for your specific situation is the call of your doctor. Our advice is take it slow, reduce stress and follow your fertility doctor’s advice.

GOOD LUCK !