The breakthrough of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) has opened up a world of possibilities in fertility treatment. The different ART procedures are primarily focused on addressing infertility, thus helping couples to conceive, which may not be possible naturally.
If you are considering going for infertility treatment, you would want to know about the various procedures available. The two most popular and widely practiced procedures are IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In-vitro Fertilization). While both the procedures have their own sets of pros and cons, having a deeper understanding of the two – what these are, who are they effective for, what are the risks and success rate etc – can help you determine which one is a more suitable choice for you.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination procedure involves placing the sperm directly into the uterus using a speculum. This is performed in conjunction with fertility drugs or during ovulation to maximize the chances of conception.
During the course of IUI, many women are given medications or hormones to induce ovulation, or increase the number of matured eggs being released by the ovary every month. This raises the likelihood of having multiple pregnancies or twins. However, while many couples may be open to the idea of having twins, multiple pregnancies often contribute to several complications for the IUI baby, as well as the mother.
When is IUI used
IUI is often the first line of treatment before proceeding to more invasive options, like IVF. IUI can be recommended to treat the following conditions:
- Male infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- If fertility drugs fail to deliver the desired outcome
- Hostile cervical mucus
- If a donor sperm is being used
- If sexual intercourse is not possible
Who Should NOT Go for IUI Fertility Treatment
IUI fertility treatment is not suitable for patients with:
- A history of pelvic infections
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Severe endometriosis
Success Rate
IUI success rate varies between 5% and 20% per cycle. Most often, it takes about 3-4 cycles for the procedure to be successful.
In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)
This procedure involves removing the eggs from the ovary using an aspirated needle and fertilizing them outside of the body. During IVF, the woman is required to take medications for around 10 days to increase ovulation. The mature eggs are then removed from the ovary and fertilized in a lab. After a few days, the embryo (fertilized egg) is transferred back into the uterus.
When is IVF Used
If a woman cannot achieve pregnancy with IUI treatment process or does not qualify for the same, then the next treatment approach is usually an IVF. It is usually recommended in case of:
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Severe case of male infertility
- Concern about passing on genetic disorders
Who Should NOT Go for IVF
Patients with the following conditions may not be suitable candidates for IVF treatment:
- Ovarian dysfunctions
- Fibroid tumours
- Uterine abnormalities
- Abnormal hormone levels
Success Rate
IVF has a higher rate of success per cycle and hence, usually has a much faster time to pregnancy. The success rate per treatment cycle is as good as 50% for women below 35 years of age.
The Bottom line
Both IUI insemination and IVF are safe treatment procedures. However, as with any medical procedure, there are certain minor risks or side effects to consider before opting for either of the two. With the right medications and dosage, proper care and monitoring, these side effects can be significantly reduced.
Both procedures have the same goal in mind – to achieve pregnancy. There is no clear right or wrong when it comes to infertility treatment, it is always advisable to discuss the available options with a infertility specialist.
