IUI vs IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?
IUI and IVF are both proven fertility treatments — but they are very different in complexity, cost, and success rate. This guide helps you understand which path is most appropriate for your situation.
Two of the most commonly recommended fertility treatments are IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation). While both aim to help you achieve pregnancy, they are very different in how they work, how invasive they are, what they cost, and when each is appropriate. Understanding the difference helps you make more informed choices about your fertility care.
What Is IUI?
IUI is a relatively simple procedure in which a prepared, concentrated sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus using a thin catheter around the time of ovulation. It is often combined with mild ovarian stimulation using oral tablets (letrozole) or low-dose FSH injections. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is essentially painless.
What Is IVF?
IVF is a more comprehensive process in which the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs, eggs are collected under light anaesthesia, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. IVF gives the medical team far greater control over every stage of fertilisation and early development.
