IVF vs. IUI: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?

When starting a family doesn’t happen as easily as hoped, fertility treatments often become the next step. This can feel overwhelming at first, but it also comes with something powerful: hope. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have changed the lives of millions of people who once thought parenthood was out of reach.

Two of the most common options are Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Both have helped countless families grow, but they work in very different ways. So how do you know which one is the right fit? Let’s explore both.

What Is IUI?

IUI, short for intrauterine insemination, is sometimes called artificial insemination. It’s a procedure designed to boost pregnancy chances by placing specially prepared sperm directly inside the uterus.

How IUI Works

IUI is often the first recommended step in fertility treatment, especially for:

• Mild male infertility (slightly low sperm count or motility)
• Unexplained infertility
• Women with irregular ovulation

The process is fairly straightforward. Fertility medication may be used to stimulate egg development. Once an egg is ready, ovulation is either tracked naturally or triggered with an injection. A sperm sample is then collected and “washed” so only the healthiest sperm remain. Using a thin catheter, the sperm is placed directly into the uterus, right around the fertile window.

The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes and is simple enough to be done in a clinic setting without surgery.

IUI Success Rates

Success depends largely on age and underlying fertility health. On average:

• Women under 35: 10% to 20% per cycle
• Women 35-40: 5% to 15% per cycle
• Women over 40: 2% to 5% per cycle

IUI often requires several cycles before pregnancy happens. It’s more affordable and less invasive than IVF, but its lower success rate per attempt is something to keep in mind.

What Is IVF?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a more advanced fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and then transferred back into the uterus as embryos.

IVF Step by Step

Here’s what the IVF process usually looks like:

• Ovarian Stimulation: Hormone injections encourage multiple eggs to develop.
• Monitoring: Blood tests and ultrasounds track egg growth.
• Egg Retrieval: Mature eggs are collected through a minor surgical procedure under sedation.
• Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to form embryos.
• Embryo Culture: Embryos grow for several days while specialists monitor their development.
• Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are placed into the uterus.
• Luteal Phase Support: Progesterone helps the uterine lining prepare for implantation.

IVF Success Rates

Because IVF bypasses many barriers to natural conception, it generally offers higher success rates:

• Women under 35: 50% to 60% per cycle
• Women 35-40: 30% to 50% per cycle
• Women over 40: 5% to 25% per cycle

Success depends heavily on egg quality, but advanced techniques like embryo freezing or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can improve outcomes.

Key Differences Between IUI and IVF

Both treatments aim for pregnancy, but the paths are quite different.

• Complexity: IUI is quick and minimally invasive. IVF involves multiple steps, surgery, and lab work.
• Cost: IUI ranges from about $500 to $3,000 per cycle (depending on medication). IVF is significantly more expensive, usually $12,000 to $20,000+ per cycle, with additional costs if PGT is included. Still, since IVF has higher success rates, it may be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Success Rates: IUI has modest success rates per attempt, while IVF offers a stronger chance per cycle.
• Timing: IUI works with the body’s natural ovulation (with a little help). IVF takes full control, creating embryos in the lab before transfer.

Who Is a Candidate for Each?

Not every treatment is right for every person. Doctors usually recommend based on age, diagnosis, and medical history.

IUI is often best for:

• Women under 35 with healthy fallopian tubes
• Couples with mild male infertility
• LGBTQ+ couples using donor sperm
• Single women wanting to conceive
• Those looking for a simpler, less invasive starting point

IVF is often best for:

• Women over 35 with reduced egg reserve
• Those with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Severe male infertility cases
• Endometriosis patients
• Couples needing genetic testing (PGT)
• People who have had multiple failed IUIs
• Unexplained infertility that hasn’t responded to other treatments

Bottom Line

Deciding between IUI and IVF isn’t easy. It’s not just about science, but also about cost, emotional readiness, and your personal fertility journey.

IUI is less invasive, more affordable, and a good first step. But patience may be required, as it often takes several tries. IVF is more intensive and expensive, but it also comes with higher success rates and advanced options that IUI simply can’t provide.

For many, the path to parenthood involves both treatments at different stages. Whatever direction you take, your fertility team is there to guide you, and you always have a voice in your care.

FAQs

What is the success rate of IUI vs IVF?

Success rates of IUI and IVF depend on age, health, and fertility factors. Generally, IVF has much higher success rates per cycle compared to IUI.

How much does IUI cost compared to IVF?

IUI tends to cost less than IVF. On average, IUI costs $500 to $3,000 per cycle, while IVF typically costs $12,000 to $20,000+ per cycle, with additional costs when you choose to go the PGT route. 

Does IUI require medication?

IUI does not always require medication. Some IUIs are done naturally and in the comfort of your home. Others involve pills like Clomid or Letrozole, or injectable hormones for stronger stimulation.

Is IVF painful?

Not really. Many IVF patients describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. Injections can cause bloating or irritability, and egg retrieval is done under sedation. Emotionally, IVF can also be draining.

How many IVF cycles does it usually take to get pregnant?

The number of IVF cycles needed varies. Some get pregnant on the first cycle, while others need several. On average:

• Under 35: 1-2 cycles
• Ages 35-40: 2-3 cycles
• Over 40: multiple cycles and sometimes donor eggs