IVF vs. IUI: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

Introduction

When you’re trying to start a family and things don’t go as planned, the path forward can feel overwhelming. You may hear terms like IUI and IVF tossed around by doctors or discussed in online forums, but what do they really mean? More importantly, which one is right for you?

Imagine this: A couple in Delhi, both in their early thirties, has been trying to conceive for over a year. After several tests, no clear cause of infertility is found. The doctor suggests starting with IUI, but also mentions IVF as a possibility down the line. The couple is confused — what’s the difference between IUI and IVF? Is one more successful than the other? Which is more affordable? Less painful?

This blog is here to help you answer all those questions. We’ll walk you through both treatment options — IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) — and help you understand the differences, costs, success rates, and special considerations so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your journey.

Brief Overview of Infertility Treatment Options

Infertility affects nearly 15% of couples worldwide, and fortunately, medical science offers several effective solutions. Fertility treatments generally range from lifestyle changes and medications to assisted reproductive technologies like IUI and IVF. Among all, IUI and IVF are two of the most commonly recommended treatments — but they are vastly different in approach, complexity, and cost.

Understanding the difference between IVF and IUI is crucial to choosing the right path based on your health condition, age, diagnosis, and personal preferences.

Understanding IUI – Intrauterine Insemination

What is IUI?

IUI full form is Intrauterine Insemination, a fertility treatment that involves placing washed and concentrated sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation. This increases the chances of the sperm reaching the egg naturally.

How the Procedure Works

The IUI process is relatively simple and non-invasive:

1. Ovulation is monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds.
   
2. In some cases, ovulation is stimulated using medication.
   
3. The partner’s (or donor’s) sperm is washed and concentrated.
   
4. Using a thin catheter, the sperm is inserted directly into the uterus.
   
5. The rest is left to nature — if fertilization occurs, pregnancy follows.
   

Ideal Candidates for IUI

• Couples with unexplained infertility
  
• Men with mild male factor infertility
  
• Women with cervical mucus issues
  
• Single women or same-sex couples
  
• Women with ovulatory disorders (in some cases)
  

Typical IUI Timeline

• Day 2–3: Ovulation induction begins.
  
• Day 10–14: Ovulation monitored via ultrasound.
  
• Day 12–15: Insemination procedure done.
  
• Day 28+: Pregnancy test.
  

The entire IUI timeline spans roughly two to three weeks.

Risks and Limitations

• Lower success rates per cycle (around 10–20%)
  
• Multiple cycles may be needed
  
• Chance of twins in IUI increases if ovulation is medicated
  
• Not effective for women with blocked fallopian tubes
  
• Slight risk of infection or discomfort during insemination

Understanding IVF – In Vitro Fertilization

What is IVF?

IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a more complex procedure where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and then the resulting embryo is transferred back into the uterus.

How the Procedure Works

Unlike IUI, which relies on natural fertilization within the body, IVF fertilizes the egg outside the body in a controlled lab setting.

Step-by-Step IVF Cycle Overview

1. Ovarian Stimulation: Hormonal injections to stimulate multiple egg development.
   
2. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries via a minor surgical procedure.
   
3. Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab.
   
4. Embryo Culture: Fertilized embryos are cultured for 3–5 days.
   
5. Embryo Transfer: Healthy embryos are placed in the uterus.
   
6. Pregnancy Test: Done after about 10–14 days.
   

Who Should Consider IVF?

• Women with PCOS or endometriosis
  
• Women over 35 or with low ovarian reserve
  
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  
• Couples with severe male factor infertility
  
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
  
• Couples who failed multiple IUI cycles
  

Risks and Considerations

• More invasive and emotionally intense
  
• Expensive (higher IVF price in Delhi and globally)
  
• Risk of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)
  
• Multiple pregnancy risk if multiple embryos are transferred
  
• Emotional toll of failed cycles

Key Differences Between IVF and IUI

Cost Comparison: IVF vs IUI

General Cost Overview in India and Globally

• IUI cost in India: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per cycle
  
• IVF cost in Delhi: ₹90,000 to ₹2,50,000 per cycle
  

Globally, IVF can range between $10,000–$20,000 per cycle, while IUI typically costs around $300–$1,000.

Breakdown of Cost per Cycle

• IUI:
  
  • Medication: ₹2,000–₹5,000
    
  • Insemination: ₹5,000–₹15,000
    
  • Monitoring: ₹2,000–₹5,000
    
• IVF:
  
  • Hormone Injections: ₹40,000–₹70,000
    
  • Egg Retrieval & Lab: ₹50,000–₹1,00,000
    
  • Embryo Transfer & Support: ₹20,000–₹50,000
    

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Age and ovarian reserve
  
• Need for donor sperm/eggs
  
• Number of cycles required
  
• Use of advanced techniques (ICSI, PGD)
  

Insurance Coverage

While some countries offer partial insurance coverage, most Indian insurance plans don’t cover IVF or IUI unless there’s a specific maternity rider.

Cost-Effectiveness Based on Age

For women over 35 or with known fertility issues, IVF may be more cost-effective long-term due to higher success rates.

Success Rates: IVF vs IUI

IUI Success Rates

• Under 35: 15–20% per cycle
  
• 35–39: 10–12%
  
• Over 40: 5–8%
  
• IUI for unexplained infertility has decent outcomes for younger women.
  

IVF Success Rates

• Under 35: 45–55% per cycle
  
• 35–39: 35–45%
  
• 40+: 20–30%
  
• With donor eggs: up to 60–70%
  

IVF success rate improves with better clinic infrastructure and lab quality — which is why selecting the best IVF centre in Delhi NCR matters.

Influence of Fertility Conditions

• PCOS: IVF preferred when medications or IUI don’t work.
  
• Endometriosis: IVF often yields better results.
  
• Male Factor Infertility: IVF + ICSI is recommended.
  

When IVF May Be Recommended Over IUI

• After 3–4 failed IUI cycles
  
• Age over 35
  
• Severe infertility diagnosis
  
• History of miscarriage

Choosing the Right Treatment

Factors to Consider

• Age and ovarian reserve
  
• Fertility diagnosis
  
• Financial situation
  
• Past treatment history
  
• Emotional readiness and support
  

When to Try IUI First

• Younger couples
  
• Mild fertility issues
  
• Budget constraints
  
• Unexplained infertility
  

When to Move Directly to IVF

• Age over 35–37
  
• Blocked fallopian tubes
  
• Severe male factor issues
  
• Multiple failed IUIs

Special Considerations

IUI vs IVF for PCOS

• Mild PCOS: IUI + medication may work
  
• Severe PCOS: IVF offers more control over ovulation
  

IVF vs IUI for Older Women

• IVF is strongly recommended for women over 35 or 40 due to lower egg quality.
  

IVF vs IUI for Unexplained Infertility

• IUI may be first-line
  
• IVF is the next step if IUI fails
  

Secondary Infertility

• Depends on age, new diagnosis, previous complications
  

Same-Sex Couples and Single Parents

• IUI with donor sperm is common
  
• IVF is needed if egg or embryo donation is required
  

Conclusion

Infertility is deeply personal, and so is the treatment journey. Whether you opt for IUI or IVF, the right decision depends on a careful evaluation of your medical condition, emotional strength, financial situation, and fertility goals.

We encourage you to consult a fertility specialist to create a personalized plan. Remember, many couples have walked this path before you — and many have found joy at the end of it.

Stay hopeful. Your journey matters.

FAQs

1. Is IVF more successful than IUI?
   Yes, especially for women over 35 or those with complex infertility issues.
2. How many IUI cycles before IVF?
   Typically 3–4 IUI cycles are tried before considering IVF.
3. What is the average cost of IUI vs IVF?
   IUI: ₹10,000–₹25,000 per cycle; IVF: ₹90,000–₹2,50,000 per cycle in India.
4. Can IUI work with blocked fallopian tubes?
   No. IVF is required for blocked tubes.
5. Is IVF better for older women?
   Yes, due to lower egg quality and success rate with IUI after age 35–37.