IUI Vs. IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?
Reviewed by Lina Akopians, MD, PhD, FACOG
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two commonly used fertility treatments. Some patients are successful with IUI, some move to IVF after trying IUI, and others skip IUI and go straight to IVF.
Below, read about each treatment option to learn which might be better for you.
What Is IUI?
IUI places washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. Sperm can come from the patient’s partner or a donor.
This is a quick in-office procedure that feels similar to a Pap smear. The process requires few appointments and minimal medication. Sometimes, an injection is needed to trigger egg release.
IUI is relatively easier and more affordable per cycle than IVF. For those reasons, IUI is a common starting point for people who are trying to conceive as long as their fallopian tubes are open and sperm count is sufficient.
Want more information? Learn about our IUI services in Beverly Hills.
What Is IVF?
During IVF, eggs are stimulated to grow with medication, retrieved from the ovaries, and fertilized with sperm in a lab. Then, the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
IVF involves more visits and medication than IUI. It includes daily injectable medications, frequent monitoring appointments, egg retrieval performed under anesthesia, and a non-surgical embryo transfer procedure.
In IVF, your eggs can be fertilized with your partner's sperm or donor sperm. Alternatively, you can use donor eggs with your partner’s sperm or donor sperm. This makes IVF a viable option for a wide range of diagnoses and family building goals.
To learn more, read about our IVF services in Beverly Hills.
IUI Vs. IVF: Key Differences
IUI vs. IVF success rates per cycle
IVF has higher success rates per cycle than IUI. IUI success rates generally range from 5-20% per cycle depending on your age and diagnosis. IVF success rates, on the other hand, generally start at 40-50% per cycle for patients under the age of 35 and can be as high as 60-65% with genetically tested embryos.
When IUI and IVF are recommended
IUI is often the first approach recommended for patients with no significant diagnosis affecting egg or sperm quality. It's commonly used for:
Unexplained infertility
Mild male factor infertility
Ovulation irregularities or PMOS (formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Single parents using donor sperm
LGBTQ+ couples using donor sperm
IVF is typically recommended when there's a more significant barrier to conception, or when time is a factor. Your doctor may suggest IVF if you have:
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Severe male factor infertility or very low sperm count
Low ovarian reserve
Advanced maternal age
A desire to have several children and limited time to pursue multiple IUI cycles
IUI vs. IVF process and timeline
IUI cycles take about a month from the start of menses to the pregnancy test. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Many patients are surprised by how simple the process is.
The length of an IVF cycle can be between 4-7 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. IVF cycles that include embryo freezing and genetic testing can take a little longer than IVF cycles with fresh (not frozen) embryo transfers. Your doctor will weigh the factors to recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Cost of IUI vs. IVF
IUI is more affordable than IVF per cycle because it requires no surgery, minimal lab work, and fewer medications. However, IUI generally requires more cycles to be successful, and there is a risk of needing to progress to IVF after attempting multiple rounds of IUI.
Costs vary by clinic and your insurance coverage. You may also be eligible for IVF and IUI coverage under California Senate Bill 729. Our team can walk you through what to expect financially before you begin treatment.
FAQs About IUI and IVF
How many times should you try IUI before moving to IVF?
Generally, it’s recommended to try 3-4 IUI cycles before moving to IVF. Studies show that up to 95% of IUI pregnancies occur within the first three cycles, with little additional benefit beyond cycle four.
Your age and family building goals factor into this decision. Patients under 35 may choose to attempt up to six IUI cycles. For patients over 35 (especially those hoping to have two or more children) a fertility specialist may recommend moving to IVF sooner or skipping IUI altogether.
Who should skip IUI and go straight to IVF?
IVF may be the better first step for patients of advanced maternal age or those with blocked fallopian tubes, very low sperm count, or low ovarian reserve.
For these patients, moving straight to IVF may improve the chances of success while reducing the time, emotional stress, and financial strain that can come with multiple unsuccessful IUI cycles.
Between IUI and IVF, which is better for me?
The answer depends on many factors, which is why it’s important to have a personalized consultation with a doctor who truly listens to your goals and aims to understand the full picture. If you’ve already had a consultation with a fertility specialist and aren’t sure whether your current plan is the right fit, sometimes it can help to get a second opinion.
To talk about your options and receive more personalized advice about treatment, request a consultation with Dr. Lina Akopians at Beverly Hills Reproductive Center.