IUI vs IVF: How Doctors Decide the Right
First Step.
Couples often wonder where to begin: IUI or IVF? Both are useful, but each suits different situations.
What Is IUI?
A simple procedure where prepared sperm is placed into the uterus at ovulation, often with gentle ovulation medication. It helps with timing, mild male factor, cervical issues, and unexplained infertility.
Who Benefits Most from IUI?
Younger women, good ovarian reserve, mild reduction in semen analysis parameters, PCOS, and couples trying for a shorter duration. Success per cycle is roughly 10–20%.
What Is IVF?
A more advanced treatment involving egg stimulation, retrieval, fertilisation in the lab, and embryo transfer. IVF is ideal for blocked tubes, moderate/severe male factor, low reserve, moderate/severe endometriosis, older age, or when faster results are needed.
How Doctors Choose
Age, ovarian reserve, semen quality, tubal status, duration of infertility, and urgency all influence the decision. If IUI is attempted, most couples move to IVF after 3–4 unsuccessful cycles.
Key takeaway: IUI and IVF complement each other. The best choice is the one that aligns with a couple’s medical background and timeline.
