IUI vs. IVF – Which One is Right For You?

Choices To Consider

At your consultation with a fertility specialist, he or she should go over the different options for treatment with you depending on your diagnostic testing results and family building goals. The of the most common treatments include intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. How do you know which one is right for you? Intrauterine insemination is a process where sperm is placed at the top of the uterus on the day of ovulation. This is often coupled with medication to help someone ovulate more than 1 egg, although it can be used in natural cycles as well.

It is a first line treatment for couples with unexplained infertility and mild male factor. It is also a first line treatment for patients needing donor sperm insemination, including same sex female couples and single mothers by choice. Some people may use it as well if they have frequent travel and cannot time intercourse with their ovulation. In vitro fertilization is a treatment option where the ovaries are stimulated with medications, then the patient undergoes an egg retrieval to surgically remove the eggs from the ovaries.

The eggs and sperm are put together in the lab and embryos are cultured to a point where they can be transferred back to the uterus or frozen for a transfer later. IVF is a first line treatment in patients with blocked fallopian tubes and very low sperm parameters. IVF is also used for patients who require genetic testing of embryos for certain gene disorders or chromosomal structural rearrangements. It is also used in patients who need to use a gestational carrier – if pregnancy is medically contraindicated, or in same sex male couples.

IVF is also a good option if someone wants to preserve embryos to use for the future to complete their family building goals. Patients who are starting the family building process at an older age, or those with diminished ovarian reserve may consider this as a first line treatment.