Difference Between IUI and IVF – What is Best?

After months of trying and still not seeing a positive result, you may start hearing about treatments like IUI and IVF more often. It's confusing as both are fertility procedures, both get you pregnant, but they sound so medical that it's easy to ask, what's really the difference and which one do I want?

In this blog, we’ll break it down in the simplest way possible, what IUI and IVF actually mean, how they work, their success rates, cost, pros and cons and most importantly, how to know which might be the better option for you.

What is IUI?

IUI is short for Intrauterine Insemination. It's a relatively simple fertility treatment in which the doctor deposits processed sperm straight into your uterus at the time of ovulation. This provides sperm with a "shortcut" to the egg and improves the chance of fertilisation.

The treatment is swift, painless and typically doesn't involve anaesthesia. It's commonly prescribed for couples experiencing minor fertility problems such as low sperm motility, unexplained infertility or minor problems with ovulation.

Pros of IUI

• Short, fast and painless
• Less expensive than IVF
• Typically no heavy medication is required

Disadvantages of IUI

• Poorer success rates per cycle
• Not indicated if tubes are occluded or sperm count is extremely low
• May require several attempts before achieving success

What is IVF?

IVF is short for in vitro Fertilization, literally "fertilisation outside the body." It's a more sophisticated treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, sperm is used to fertilise them in the laboratory and the best quality embryo is then inserted into the womb.

IVF provides greater control for physicians — they can track fertilisation, choose good-quality embryos, and even store extras to use at a later stage. It's usually the first choice for women with blocked fallopian tubes, low egg count or couples who have failed with IUI.

Advantages of IVF

• Greater success rate per cycle
• Can function with serious fertility problems
• Facilitates embryo testing and storage

Disadvantages of IVF

• Time-consuming and costly
• Daily hormone injections and minor procedures are involved
• Emotionally and physically demanding

Difference between IUI and IVF

Which Is Better – IUI or IVF?

The honest answer? It depends entirely on you. IUI is a good option if you’re younger (like under 35) and have mild fertility issues. It is inexpensive, easy and non-invasive. If you are older, have blocked tubes, low-quality sperm or have done IUI multiple times without success, then IVF is probably a better option.

Here’s a quick way to decide:

• Since your tubes are open, your sperm count is good and considering your age, it makes sense to start with IUI.
  
  
• IVF should be the plan if you have blocked tubes, your eggs are low, there are serious sperm problems and you have repeated failed IUIs.
  
  
• Remember with fertility, time is critical. You should talk to your fertility doctor about starting IVF if IUI hasn’t worked after 2-3 cycles.

Which Treatment Has Greater Opportunities for Pregnancy?

Overall, IVF has a greater chance of success per cycle. That said, the outcomes still rely on numerous factors — notably age and underlying conditions.

• Women below 35 can potentially have 50–60% success per cycle of IVF.
• IUI typically ranges from 10–20% per session.

That being said, a lot of couples do end up getting pregnant naturally following IUI or even during the process of being prepared for IVF, so every experience is different.

Conclusion

IUI and IVF help you achieve the same goal which is a healthy pregnancy. The difference between IVF and IUI is how they take you there (pregnancy). IUI is like gently testing the waters, while IVF is a more aggressive and all-in strategy. 

The best treatment isn’t about popularity; it is about your goals, age and diagnosis. The fertility specialist will help you choose the treatment option best suited for you, whether it is a starting option or a more efficient one.  

If you are unsure about your best treatment option, you can book a consultation with a qualified fertility specialist. They will assess your case, present the treatment choices and will help you choose the best way to parent.