What Is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?

Many things are left up to chance when you are trying for a baby. In fact, many variables can contribute to infertility, and sometimes, it can be difficult to conceive without some intervention. 

At University Reproductive Associates, with locations in New Jersey and New York, our team of reproductive specialists can help. Depending on your and your partner’s fertility, you may have the option to choose between intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Let’s break down the differences.

Identifying causes of infertility

Infertility is defined as the failure to get pregnant after a year of unprotected sex. It has many causes, and it’s rarely limited to a single factor. Both parents can have characteristics that lower their fertility, including: 

• Slow-moving sperm 
• Ovulation disorders
• Low sperm count 
• Thickened cervical mucus
• Uterine or tubal abnormalities
• Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs)
• Hormone imbalance
• Sexual dysfunction 
• Endometriosis

It’s important to remember that no one is at fault for infertility. A third of cases involve the mother, a third involve the father, and the rest are caused by either problems with both partners’ fertility or by unknown factors. 

Once our specialists at University Reproductive Associates have identified the cause of your infertility, we can suggest treatments to help you achieve pregnancy. 

IUI vs. IVF: What's the difference?

The primary difference between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) is how and where the sperm fertilizes the egg. 

Sometimes, the sperm just cannot move quickly enough, or they become stuck in cervical mucus, failing to fertilize the egg in time. Intrauterine insemination skips this step and inseminates the egg directly. This method is preferable in cases where the fallopian tubes are open, and the eggs are healthy. 

During IUI, a specialist injects sperm directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating, so there is a high chance they will inseminate your egg. In some cases, medication is used to induce ovulation. However, you can also choose to track your cycle and test for ovulation so injection can be done at the best time.  

If your eggs are having trouble releasing, you don’t ovulate regularly, or if IUI has failed, you may need IVF. During in vitro fertilization, eggs are fertilized outside the womb to create embryos. 

The embryo is carefully transferred to the uterus to develop naturally. Embryos can also be frozen for a later date, securing your future fertility when you’re ready. This is a common choice for women over 35 or facing medical conditions or treatments that can negatively impact fertility.  

Which is better for you

The choice between IUI and IVF is a personal one, and it often depends on the cause of your infertility. 

As long as your fallopian tubes release healthy eggs, you should be a candidate for intrauterine insemination. During IUI, you can use your partner’s sperm or select a donor. 

If insemination cannot take place naturally within the uterus, in-vitro fertilization provides a solution. This makes IVF an excellent option for people who cannot benefit from IUI due to blocked fallopian tubes. 

It also makes it possible to use donor eggs and fresh or frozen embryos. In cases involving infertility, it is often the most effective way to achieve pregnancy and sometimes the only viable option. 

At University Reproductive Associates, we help people overcome infertility. This includes ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, and other treatments to improve and preserve your fertility. We also perform genetic testing on embryos to lower the risk of miscarriage, giving you the greatest possible chances of success. 

To learn more about fertility treatment and discuss your case with a specialist, call the URA location closest to you or request an appointment online.