Choosing between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be a difficult decision! Success rates vary depending on many factors, including age, fertility status, the quality of sperm or eggs, and the specific protocols used by the fertility clinic. Let's delve into the details:
Overall Success Rate:
The success rate of IUI is estimated to be 5% to 20% per cycle.
This varies based on the age of the person undergoing IUI, the quality of the sperm, and many other factors.
The success rate of IVF ranges from 30% to 65% per cycle.
This varies based on the person's age at time of egg extraction, the quality of the embryo, and the endometrial lining thickness at the time of implantation.
Cost:
IUI costs anywhere from $500-$4000 per cycle on average.
IVF costs anywhere from $12,000-$20,000 per cycle on average.
Of note, one egg retrieval may provide various frozen embryos. Each of these embryos can be used for separate embryo transfer attempts.
Invasiveness:
IUI may require lab testing and ultrasounds leading up to the day of insemination. The IUI procedure is minimally invasive.
IVF requires both an egg extraction and embryo transfer. On average, egg extractions require 2 weeks of daily subcutaneous injections (often 2-3 per day). Following this stimulation period, there is a procedure under anesthesia to retrieve eggs. There is then another period of injections and medications leading up to an embryo transfer (of note, a natural IVF cycle with minimal injections is possible). The embryo transfer itself is minimally invasive.
Timing
IUI can often be started at the time of your next menstrual cycle if all preliminary testing has been completed.
IVF often requires a couple of months prior to embryo transfer - this time includes the egg retrieval, genetic testing of the embryos (if applicable), and medication lead up to embryo transfer.
Number of Vials required if using a Sperm Donor:
IUI requires one vial for each attempt/cycle. Given that it can take 5+ cycles to get pregnant, this equates to an average of 4-6 vials per child desired.
IVF requires one vial for each egg extraction. This extraction may result in various embryos from that one vial of sperm. You often need fewer vials if you are doing IVF.
Why might someone prefer IVF?
IVF allows for eggs to be extracted at a younger age, then implanted years later. This ensures the egg quality contributed to the embryo is preserved at a younger age for future family building.
For example, someone may make embryos at 31 years old but not implant until they are 37 years old.
IVF allows you to genetically test embryos prior to transfer, to ensure there are no chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. Chromosomal abnormalities are considered the most frequent cause of miscarriage.
IVF may be chosen if sperm characteristics are suboptimal or borderline. At The Seed Scout, doing IVF gives you a wider array of donors to choose from (not every donor has IUI quality sperm!).
Ultimately, there is no right path for everyone and we recommend you have a discussion with your fertility team to determine which route is best for you!
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