IUI Vs. IVF: Which One is the Better Choice?

According to reports, the fertility rate in Canada has hit its lowest level. If getting pregnant is stopping you from building a happy family, there are two common options, i.e., IUI and IVF. Many people are more familiar with IVF as compared to IUI.

It is essential to know the distinctions between IUI vs. IVF to know which one is a suitable treatment.

If you want clarity on the IUI success rate or the fundamental differences between the two, all your questions will be answered here by our fertility lawyer in Ontario.

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What Is IUI Vs. IVF?

To draw a comparison between IVF vs. IUI, let’s take a look at the basics of these treatment routes.

During IVF (in vitro fertilization), mature eggs are removed from ovaries and fertilized in a lab by sperm. Subsequently, an embryo is created by implanting one or more fertilized eggs into the uterus.

IVF cycles typically last two to three weeks. Sometimes, these processes are divided into separate steps, which can make them take longer.

One of the most famous solutions for treating infertility involving the handling of eggs, embryos, and sperm is in vitro fertilization.

IVF gives a couple the opportunity to use their own sperm and eggs for childbirth. Couples can also involve sperm, eggs, or embryos from an unidentified or recognized donor.

In certain situations, a gestational carrier or someone with an embryo implanted in their uterus may be employed.

IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is put directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation, minimizing the journey for the sperm to reach the egg.

After ovulation, the female releases a single egg, collected at the end of the fallopian tube and awaits the sperm.

Induced implantation increases the likelihood that the egg and sperm will join by depositing higher concentrations of high-quality sperm near where the egg is waiting.

So, definition-wise, this is how you can differentiate between IUI vs. IVF. Internal fertilization occurs during IUI, where the woman’s uterus is directly injected with the sperm.

Thus, if fertilization is successful, the embryo will also be implanted there.

IUI Vs. IVF in Canada: 6 Key Differences

Here are the main differences between IUI vs. IVF:

1. IUI Vs. IVF Process

Another point that should be taken into account when talking about IUI vs. IVF is the procedure that these treatments follow.

Medications are frequently recommended to increase the quantity of eggs available to stimulate the ovaries and induce ovulation.

The male partner submits a sample of semen, which is washed and concentrated before use.

The process of insemination involves inserting the prepared sperm straight into the uterus using a tiny catheter.

All in all, IUI is a rapid and painless process.

On the flip side, IVF generally includes the following five steps:

Pre-cycle diagnostic tests
Ovarian stimulation to create several eggs in a single cycle
Ovary egg removal
Conventional or lab fertilization of the eggs
Subsequent uterine transfer of the resultant embryos

Additionally, procedures to separate the best sperm from the obtained samples for fertilization may be included in both treatments.

2. IUI Vs. IVF Success Rate

The IVF vs. IUI success rate is a key point that may help you decide on the best option as per your needs.

The individual IUI success rate is 15% to 20% with each monthly try. Physicians advise trying three or four IUI rounds, as these treatments have a 40% to 50% cumulative success rate.

The average monthly pregnancy rate in the general population is 20% per month.

Several conditions, such as low sperm count, tubal obstruction, endometriosis, and PCOS, may affect the IUI success rate.

To improve the likelihood of pregnancy, you may have to undergo up to four or six IUI cycles in specific circumstances.

However, the number of cycles required varies based on the circumstances of each individual.

Generally, most patients can anticipate between 50% and 75% success after just one IVF cycle.

The age of the female, the underlying cause of her infertility, and a few parameters about the standard of the IVF facility all play a significant role in her chances of conceiving.

Patients may need two or three rounds of IVF before they have a successful pregnancy when individual success rates are lower.

Even though we are discussing IUI vs. IVF, it is important to know that both treatments may involve a regimen of fertility medicines to boost success rates.

This usually happens Before insemination or fertilization.

Elements Affecting IUI Vs. IVF Success Rates

Age of the Woman: Younger Women typically achieve greater success rates. The IVF success rate decreases with age; for women under 35, it is approximately 40%. For those over 40, it is fewer than 15%. Additionally, elderly women may experience a lesser IUI success rate.
Cause of Infertility: The IVF and IUI success rate depends on each case.
Sperm and Egg Quality: Better gametes improve the odds of a successful pregnancy.

3. IUI Vs. IVF Price

“How much is IUI vs. IVF?” is a common query. It can help couples decide on a favorable option.

IUI is relatively cheaper because it does not require as many intricate laboratory and clinical procedures as IVF.

Being a simpler process where sperm is directly put into the uterus, there are fewer doctor sessions and less medication.

IUI is closer to efficacy than previously believed and is much safer and less expensive.

IUI treatments typically cost anything from $1,500 to roughly $4,000. However, that just applies to the injection.

The cost of the drugs required is an additional $500, in addition to the sperm wash. You must talk to your doctor about the prescribed medication types and dosages.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for an unlimited number of IUI cycles; however, the cost of the sperm wash is your responsibility.

IVF therapy ranges anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. For women under 43, OHIP currently only pays for one IVF cycle of treatment per patient during their lifetime.

It is necessary to pay for additional treatments out of pocket.

IVF is more expensive because it requires laboratory and embryologist services, lab expenses, and anesthesia during egg retrieval.

The use of specialized equipment and medical interventions also increases the cost. IVF, therefore, costs a lot more than IUI since it requires a lot of money, technology, and expert supervision.

To get more information on the price of IVF, you can read our blog on IVF Cost in Canada Breakdown.

4. Risks Associated with IUI Vs. IVF

The drug that is prescribed, if any, is the primary determinant of the possible adverse effects of IUI or IVF.

There are very few negative effects during an unmedicated IUI cycle. In fact, the chance of infection from the IUI is also quite rare.

A drug called Clomid is used in IUI to help release more than normal eggs during ovulation. Hence, it is important for the IUI success rate.

Bloating, hot flashes, nausea, breast soreness, changes in weight, headaches, and mood swings are some of the negative consequences.

The serious side effects include vision changes, vaginal bleeding, and OHHS. However, a vast majority don’t experience these side effects.

When inquiring about IUI vs. IVF, many people show concern about OHHS. Therefore, in the next section, you will find your answer in detail.

Ovarian cysts occur in 15% of Clomid users. These cysts are harmless and typically go away without much intervention when the patient is in the last stages of the treatment.

During IVF treatment, letrozole helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, increasing the chances of successful ovulation and fertilization. Additionally, it can improve the function of the gonadotropin medications.

According to the doctors’ observations, letrozole users have a marginally lower incidence of adverse effects. To name a few, headaches, breast discomfort, and hot flashes are the common ones.

However, these are usually minor and start vanishing as the patient reaches the end stages of the treatments. So, these symptoms may last for around five days.

Injectable gonadotropins (FSH) include headaches, mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes or cold flashes, breast soreness, bloating, or minor fluid retention.

The injection site may also get red, uncomfortable, or slightly bruised. Once more, after the cycle, these side effects start disappearing on their own after some time.

5. Probability of OHSS in IUI vs. IVF

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, is a disorder where the ovaries overwork themselves due to the use of medicines.

The symptoms of OHSS include enlarged, swollen ovaries and fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity.

When it comes to the risk of OHSS in IUI vs. IVF depends on the drugs the doctor uses and the degree to which a patient’s ovaries react to those drugs.

6. IUI Vs. IVF Complications

Complications arise when a woman has multiple embryos. During the viable window, an IUI procedure includes injecting a woman’s uterus directly with cleansed sperm.

This can be carried out as part of a regular cycle or, more frequently, in conjunction with drugs (such as letrozole or clomiphene citrate).

More motile sperm, which have a higher chance of fertilizing an egg, will be present in the cleaned sperm sample.

Furthermore, sperm do not have to travel as far to reach their destination when they are placed directly into the uterus.

The possibility of more than one egg being released in a single cycle raises the likelihood that a couple may give birth to twins or multiples.

Although they can’t completely remove the risk, doctors will closely monitor your follicles to ensure that only a safe number is developed before the IUI.

Nowadays, the majority of fertility clinics transfer just one embryo every IVF cycle due to recent advancements in the process, most notably the genetic screening of embryos.

The couple and their physician may choose to place two embryos into the uterus under specific conditions. If an IVF cycle produces more embryos than the couple requires, they have the option to freeze it for future use.

IUI Vs. IVF: Which One Is the Right Choice For You?

IUI can be helpful not only for infertile couples but also for couples experiencing difficulties conceiving due to other issues, including sexual dysfunction or a busy work or travel schedule.

IUI is far less intrusive than IVF and often the first step in the treatment of infertility in couples.

Under most cases, IVF is an excellent method for couples under the following circumstances:

Severe infertility in men
Obstructed fallopian tubes
IUI failure
Chances of the baby getting genetic abnormalities

Before starting the IVF process, pre-implantation genetic testing is a cutting-edge scientific technique that can be carried out.

Patients who have had repeated failed IUI cycles or miscarriages or who are concerned about a hereditary problem may benefit from this.

This process can assist in selecting the best embryo for transfer by detecting chromosomal abnormalities or genetic diseases in embryos.

Based on these factors, you can decide with the assistance of your physician to choose one from IUI vs. IVF.

If you want to consider another option than these two, you can opt for surrogacy in Canada as well.

FAQs

In which situations is IUI better than IVF?

For women with ovulation problems, infertile males, or infertile women with mild cases, couples can go for IUI. For more complicated fertility problems, such as blocked fallopian tubes or severe male infertility, IVF is the better option.

IUI or IVF: which technique is more invasive?

IVF requires fertilization in a lab, making it a more intrusive procedure. IUI involves a straightforward sperm implantation process and is less intrusive.

What is the higher success rate of this treatment?

Generally speaking, IVF is more successful than IUI, especially when it comes to couples dealing with complicated reproductive problems.

Contact Our Fertility Lawyer in Canada To Know More About IUI Vs. IVF

Patients and their doctors can come to a mutual decision when they have to decide between IUI vs. IVF. Decision-making variables may include the patient’s diagnosis, age, financial situation, insurance status, and personal preferences.

Various factors, including age, ovarian reserve, the cause of infertility, previous successful pregnancies, etc, influence the IVF and IUI success rate.

To address your specific concerns, you can schedule a free consultation with us today.

Author Profile

Athena Narsingh

Athena Narsingh is a trusted and knowledgeable lawyer in Scarborough. Her expertise spans real estate law, family law, adoptions and fertility law. A lawyer by profession and a humanitarian by heart, Athena Narsingh wants to help people become more familiar with the legal system and be well-informed to make important legal decisions.