IVF and IUI:Know the Difference

Couples wanting to become parents, but not being able to conceive naturally generally look towards intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF)as the best ways of fertility treatment options.

As the best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh, a lot of our clients ask us how these two alternatives are different from one another. Here’s what you need to know.

IUI – Intrautrine Insemination

IUI is a simple office procedure which involves insertion of the partner’s sperm into the woman’s uterine cavity. The sperm is processed in the laboratory and washed to remove seminal fluid so that it becomes more concentrated. The main aim here is to give the sperm more chances to meet the egg. So it is placed higher up in the uterus which enables the sperm to pass around the cervix and reach the fallopian tubes in a shorter period of time. IUI is performed in accordance with the woman’s natural ovulation which can be determined by using OTC ovulation predictor kits.

IVF – In-vitro Fertilization

IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which the woman’s ovaries are stimulated with the help of medications to produce several eggs. The woman is sedated and the eggs are retrieved by transvaginal ultrasound, with insemination taking place the same day. After this procedure, the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory. Once fertilization is done, the embryo is observed and its growth is monitored to determine the best day to transfer it to the uterus.

So how do they differ?

The main difference between IUI and IVF is that the fertilizationtakes place inside the woman’s uterusin the case of IUI and the embryo grows in there. Whereas for IVF, the fertilization happens externally and the embryo grows outside the body until it can be transferred inside the uterus.

IUI is cheaper in comparison to IVF and also less invasive. However, whether you should choose IUI or IVF depends on various factors. Doctors suggest treatment depending on the age of the woman, patients’ diagnosis, reasons for infertility, fertility drugs used, budget and personal preferences. Always consult a qualified gynaecologist in the best Fertility Center in Chandigarh before you make a decision.