Millions of Indian families have been affected with infertility problems, which is at least 1 in every 15 couples. Both female and male partners in a family can have infertility issues, and thanks to advancements in medical technology, there are many treatment options available for infertility. The ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) procedures help couples facing infertility issues and give them hope to start their own families.
IUI and IVF are both popular options in ART procedures, and many couples who are trying to conceive a baby through IUI may not see successful outcomes. This can happen due to various reasons, so when should they stop IUI treatments and opt for another ART procedure like IVF? Continue reading this blog till the end and you will know.
IUI and IVF Procedures
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination (Known as artificial insemination) is advised for couples who have mild infertility issues. When the healthy sperm are selected and placed into the female partner’s fallopian tubes, uterus, or cervix, they fertilize the eggs released during ovulation. Here, the process does not require any major surgeries and is a common infertility treatment.
IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is different from IUI, since it involves extracting the eggs and sperm and allowing for fertilization in a laboratory setting. When the sperm and egg join to develop into embryos, they are transferred to the uterus. IVF is suggested for couples having more serious fertility issues.
| Differences | IUI | IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilization of the egg | Inside the uterus | In a laboratory setting |
| Process | Implanting the sperm into the uterus. | Extracting the eggs and sperm for fertilization and transferring into the uterus. |
| Advised for | Mild fertility problems | Severe fertility issues |
| Cost | Affordable treatment | Expensive than IUI |
| Treatment type | Less invasive | More invasive |
| Sucess rate | 7-10% per cycle, less than IVF | Higher than artificial insemination |
When IUI Fails
Endometrial Lining
In the IUI procedure, egg fertilization can fail if the endometrial lining is severely affected or not healthy. This also happens when the uterus, ovaries, etc., are affected.
No Sperm Count
If the male partner’s sperm count is less or the morphology of the sperm is abnormal, it may not successfully fertilize the egg, hence resulting in a failure of IUI treatment.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tube, which connects the uterus to the ovaries, can be affected or blocked, so the sperm cannot reach the egg. This also leads to failed IUI procedures.
Other Infertility Issues
Apart from the major IUI failure reasons, there are other reasons as well. This includes age, low quality of the egg & sperm, hormone (especially progesterone) deficiency, lack of ovulation/no egg cells, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
When to Skip IUI and Opt For IVF
Genetic Disorders
If one or both partners have genetic conditions, their fertility doctor might suggest opting for IVF because the process includes PGT (pre-implantation genetic testing), where screening of the embryos helps in knowing if they have any genetic disorders.
Multiple Failed IUI Cycles
Most women under 35 who have undergone 3 or more IUI cycles can opt for IVF to increase the success rate, since the success rate in these circumstances is 90-95%. For women over 35 who have experienced a failed IUI cycle (3 to 6). And for women over 40, IVF is advised just after 1 cycle because the success rate is lower.
Cost and Time
IUI is an affordable treatment option and IVF can be more expensive and take more time, so couples can consult a fertility specialist to know their best option among IVF vs IUI.
Male Factor Infertility (Severe)
Male factor infertility can be severe in some cases, so it leads to artificial insemination (IUI) failures. Doctors might recommend ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) or IVF, which offer a high success rate.
Infertility Issues in Female Partner
If the female partner has infertility issues, like poor egg quality, blocked fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis, etc., they are advised to opt for the in vitro fertilization ART procedure for successful conception.
Key Takeaways
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common fertility treatment provided to couples with infertility issues that are mild.
- Multiple failed IUI cycles, genetic disorders, male factor infertility issues, female infertility issues, etc., are reasons to skip IUI and opt for the IVF procedure.
- IVF offers a higher chance of success than artificial insemination (IUI).
- Women over 35 who have undergone 3 or more IUI cycles can opt for IVF to increase the success rate.
- ICSI and IVF are advised for couples who have tried multiple IUI cycles but have failed to conceive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best option between IUI vs. IVF can vary for couples, so consulting with a fertility specialist can help them understand which option is best for their infertility issues and can increase the chances of conception.
IUI process is affordable and is advised for many couples with infertility problems, but if they are severe, they can opt for other options.
For couples with the female partner under 35 and who have mild fertility issues, IUI provides a higher success rate. For couples with the female partner over 35, IVF can be opted after 3 cycles of IUI, and over 40 years, just after 1 IUI cycle.
When compared to IUI (artificial insemination), IVF procedure can be expensive, but it does provide a high success rate for couples with infertility issues.
Yes. Apart from IVF and IUI, there are other treatments for infertility, like RVIF (Reciprocal IVF cycle), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and more, which can be more invasive than IUI.
