While pregnancy could occur for most couples in the normal course, conception may remain elusive for some even years after establishing a conjugal relationship. In such cases, medical intervention is the best recourse. There are two ways to facilitate conception – via intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
When nature isn’t taking the necessary action, these two fertility treatments can help women achieve pregnancy. For IUI, sperm is directly implanted in the woman’s uterus. On the other hand, IVF is a multiple-step reproductive procedure covering egg stimulation and retrieval followed by fertilisation in the laboratory and retransfer in the woman.
A fertility specialist will perform some tests. Depending on the results, one will be advised about the suitable treatment options. The estimated chances of successful conception with each treatment will also be disclosed since IUI and IVF have crucial differences. A comparison of these options will help in selecting one that is better for a couple.
When is IUI Preferred?
If infertility is an issue, doctors will recommend IUI since it’s a non-invasive, less expensive option with fewer steps. Other parameters being normal, some IUI cycles will be suggested. Only if this fails will doctors turn to IVF. In IUI, a washed sperm is directly placed inside the uterus during a woman’s fertile period. This is done either as part of the natural cycle or, often, along with medications.
As there are more motile sperm in the washed sample, the egg has a higher chance of being fertilised. Also, when sperm are directly placed inside the uterus, they travel a shorter distance to meet their target. This line of treatment is suitable for couples having a sexual dysfunction problem or with hectic work or travel schedules that disrupt regular conjugal relations.
When is IVF Recommended?
If IUI is unsuitable for some couples, doctors will recommend IVF. Generally, it is recommended if there is severe male infertility, no success using IUI, blocked fallopian tubes or concerns about certain genetic disorders being passed on to the offspring.
Before an IVF, an advanced scientific procedure termed pre-implantation genetic testing may be done. This helps detect genetic ailments or chromosomal disorders in the embryo. The best embryo is then identified for transfer.
Deciding the Better Option
Compared to IUI, IVF is deemed more reliable as it boosts the possibility of conception. Between the two, a key distinction lies in the use of eggs. In IUI, only one or two eggs must be produced by a woman to trigger fertilisation. Conversely, IVF can only succeed if a woman produces many mature eggs. This is managed with drugs to spur the growth of eggs, leading to ovulation. Even if 10 to 15 healthy eggs are retrieved, either none may lead to a pregnancy or, in some cases, multiple pregnancies can occur.
In both treatments, the success ratio is improved by taking medications for fertility. Some side effects could arise due to the hormonal drugs though these won’t last long. When women don’t experience regular ovulation or men have subpar sperm quality, IUI is useful since it enhances the prospects of fertilisation. If women are suffering from PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or have blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, etc., which hinder natural pregnancies, IVF is helpful. Couples with inexplicable infertility can also opt for IVF to conceive healthy offspring.
Note that drugs or hormones given in both procedures to induce ovulation or boost egg numbers ovulated every month can inflate the likelihood of conceiving twins or multiple babies. Giving birth to several babies can create complications for both mother and offspring.
By transferring one embryo only, the risk of multiple pregnancies is minimised. The remaining healthy embryos could be frozen for use sometime in the future. While the risk of premature births is absent in IUI, IVF treatment has a somewhat higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Which Treatment Ensures More Successful Outcomes?
This question is often asked by couples eager to have a baby. However, the answer can vary between couples. Technically, IVF has a better success ratio than IUI. Yet, this will not be true for every couple. The success rate for each couple remains contingent on their age, bodies, reason for infertility, ovarian reserves, health conditions, etc. Therefore, comparisons between the two don’t mean much.
With every monthly attempt, IUI can have individual success ratios ranging between 15% and 20%. For a cumulative success rate of 40% to 50%, at least three or four IUI attempts are recommended. Overall, a single IVF round can give patients a success rate of approximately 50% to 75%.
Since each situation and patient is different, couples should visit a fertility specialist. A review of their history will help the specialist recommend a proper treatment course. Irrespective of their age, childless couples are advised to seek help from fertility specialists at the earliest. Sooner or later, their lives are bound to be brightened with newborn babies.