When it comes to the choice between IVF vs. IUI, considerations must be made concerning age, case history, infertility cause, and financial preparedness. IUI is less invasive, simpler, and cost-effective for mild types of infertility, while IVF boasts higher success rates and is recommended for complex cases: blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or repeated IUI failures.

Introduction to IVF vs. IUI: What’s the Best Option for You?

Infertility in India is fast becoming a problem afflicting millions of couples throughout their urban and rural locations. A change in lifestyle, late marriages, and emerging disorders such as PCOS and endometriosis-the necessity for assisted reproductive technologies has grown to be of immense importance to help childless couples become parents.

The two most common fertility treatments involve IUI and IVF. While both fertility methods aim to get couples pregnant, they differ greatly in procedure, cost, success rates, and suitability. Understanding the differences of IVF vs. IUI is crucial for couples to make informed decisions.

This blog explains both the treatments in detail, compares the advantages and disadvantages of each, and discusses how to select the best option with the help of fertility experts.

Sources: https://artfertilityclinics.in/blog/ivf-vs-iui-in-india-cost-success-rates-and-which-treatment 

What is IUI?

Definition

IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is the fertility treatment in which washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus during ovulation.

Procedure

• Scans and hormonal monitoring are done to track ovulation.
• Sperm is collected, washed, and prepared to enhance motility.
• The prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus via a thin catheter.
• The procedure is quick, painless, and it usually requires no anesthesia.

Best Suited For

• Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility).
• Unexplained infertility.
• Cervical mucus-related problems.
• Couples who have been trying naturally for 1–2 years without success.

Success Rates

Success rates of IUI are estimated between 10–20% per cycle, depending on age, health, and the infertility cause.

Cost in India

IUI can be an affordable option because a single cycle costs approximately ₹10,000-₹17,000, and can be within the budgets of many couples.

What is IVF?

Definition

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, a more advanced level of fertility treatment in which eggs and sperm are fertilised outside the body in a laboratory, and embryos are transferred into the uterus.

Procedure

• Ovarian stimulation with hormones to produce multiple eggs.
• Retrieval of eggs through a minor surgical procedure.
• Fertilisation of eggs with sperm in the laboratory.
• Embryo culture and selection of the healthiest embryos.
• Embryo transfer into the uterus.

Best Suited For

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
• Severe male infertility.
• Endometriosis.
• Advanced maternal age (above 35)
• Couples who have repeatedly failed IUI.

Success Rates

Success rates with IVF are markedly higher, at 40–70% per cycle, and cumulative pregnancy rates can be as high as 80–85% in younger patients.

Price in India

However, IVF costs approximately ₹1,35,000 to ₹1,50,000 for each cycle, depending on the clinic and whether genetic testing or embryo freezing is available.

IVF vs IUI: Key Differences

Sources:
1. https://www.indiaivf.in/blog/ivf-vs-iui-comparison/ 

2. https://www.zeevafertility.com/blog/difference-between-iui-and-ivf/ 

ASPECT	IUI	IVF
PROCEDURE	Simple sperm placement	Lab fertilisation & embryo transfer
INVASIVENESS	Non-surgical, minimal intervention	Surgical egg retrieval, complex process
SUCCESS RATES	10-20% per cycle	40-70% per cycle
BEST FOR	Mild infertility, unexplained cases	Severe infertility, blocked tubes, age >35
COST IN INDIA	₹10,000-₹15,000	₹1,35,000-₹1,50,000
EMOTIONAL IMPACT	Less stressful, fewer medications	More demanding, higher emotional load

Criteria for Choosing between IVF and IUI

Age

• Women below 35 can first attempt IUI because fertility is still quite good.
• The quality and quantity of eggs decline with time; hence, women above 35 usually gain more from IVF.

Cause of Infertility

• Mild male infertility or unexplained cases: IUI.
• Blocked tubes, severe sperm issues or endometriosis: IVF

Financial Considerations

• IUI is cost-effective, hence within the means of many Indian couples.
• IVF is expensive; however, it has higher success rates and thus requires fewer attempts.

Emotional Preparedness

• IUI involves fewer medications and procedures, often less stressful.
• Because it is more complex and intensive, IVF demands more emotional resilience.

Medical Guidance

The couple gets detailed evaluation tests at Dr. Archana IVF before arriving at a decision. Doctors recommend IUI for simpler cases and IVF for complex infertility. The treatment plans are personalised.

Why Choose Dr. Archana IVF? 

Dr. Archana IVF, Anna Nagar, Chennai, is amongst India’s most trusted fertility centres. Founded by Dr. Archana, the clinic has completed more than 80,000 IVF cycles with success rates surpassing 90%. 

Key highlights: 

• Expertise in both IVF and IUI: offering both treatments with personalised guidance. 
• Holistic Care: Equal focus on medical success and emotional wellness. 
• Advanced Labs: State-of-the-art technology for precise fertilisation and embryo transfer. 
• Patient-Centered Approach: Compassionate care for couples facing the challenge of infertility. 

With cutting-edge technology and compassionate support, Dr. Archana IVF stands at the top of preference among couples. 

To know more about us, visit https://www.drarchanaivf.com/ 

To book an appointment with us, https://www.drarchanaivf.com/book-appointment 

Learn more about our Fertility Services at https://www.drarchanaivf.com/in-vitro-fertlization 

Conclusion 

The decision between IVF vs IUI is based on age, case history, infertility cause, and financial preparedness. IUI is simpler, less invasive, and cost-effective for mild cases, while IVF offers higher success rates for complex infertility. 

At Dr. Archana IVF, the couple is guided through the selection of the most suitable treatment with expertise. Advanced technology combined with caring at the clinic will make sure that each patient’s journey remains medically and emotionally supported. 

The decision between IVF and IUI for couples is not about which option is universally better; rather, it’s about which is right for you. 

FAQs

1. Which one is better, IVF or IUI?

It depends on the cause of infertility. IUI is best for mild cases, while IVF is recommended for more complex cases.

2. What is the success rate of IUI vs IVF?

• IUI: 10-20% per cycle

• IVF: 40-70% per cycle

3. Is IVF more expensive than IUI in India?

Yes, IUI costs ₹10,000-₹15,000 per cycle, whereas IVF costs ₹1,35,000-₹1,50,000 per cycle.

4. Can I try IUI before IVF?

Many couples start with IUI. If it is unsuccessful after 3-4 cycles, IVF is usually recommended.

5. Does Dr. Archana IVF offer both treatments?

Yes, Dr. Archana IVF specializes in both IVF and IUI, offering personalized treatment plans.