IUI vs. IVF: Which Is Better for Me?
Dr. Marc Kalan and Dr. Nurit Winkler have established themselves as leaders in fertility treatment. Their offices in Los Angeles, CA have allowed countless couples and individuals to start families of their own and really take part in the joys of parenthood.
While in vitro fertilizaion (IVF) is still the most popular and effective fertility treatment option, many patients have asked us if undergoing artificial insemination through intrauterine insemination (IUI) is worth considering. The team at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center considers these options and compares how the two procedures work.
About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most popular fertility treatment available, helping people achieve their goals of having children through the use of the latest advances in assisted reproductive technology. Around 99 percent of all fertility procedures involve IVF in some capacity.
During IVF, a woman is given fertility drugs to help stimulate the production of viable eggs and to properly time ovulation. The eggs taken from her body are then fertilized in a lab setting. Once fertilized, the embryos are transferred back to her uterus in order to be carried to term.
Ideal Candidates for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Good candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) are couples or individuals who experience infertility. They should be in good overall health, with a low risk of pregnancy loss and no presence of medical conditions that could endanger the health of the mother or child. Generally speaking, women who undergo IVF should be no older than their late 30s, though select patients in their 40s may be able to undergo the procedure.
How Effective Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
According to numbers from WebMD, in vitro fertilization (IVF) achieves pregnancy in about 29.4 percent of cycles; live brith from IVF is achieved roughly 22.4 percent of the time. Keep in mind that the success rates can be lower or higher depending on the age of the mother and a host of other factors.
About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the ideal method of artificial insemination today. It yields higher rates of success than previous artificial insemination procedures, and its more affordable than in vitro fertilization (IVF) since the process is less involved.
During IUI, sperm that has been washed and treated by fertility specialists is transferred into the uterus while a woman is ovulating. Usually IUI is performed within a day or two of ovulation. This increases the chances of sperm being able to successfully fertilize an egg.
Ideal Candidates for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Good candidates for intrauterine insemination (IUI) are couples who experience problems with male infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility. Issues with cervical mucus thickness, endometriosis, and unexplained fertility may also be helped thanks to IUI. Like in vitro fertilization (IVF), IUI is generally better when performed on patients who are under the age of 40.
How Effective Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
According to a December 2017 article from Today’s Parent, intrauterine insemination (IUI) have a success rate that ranges between 15 to 20 percent per cycle. Age and other factors can affect the individual success rates with a couple.
Determining the Ideal Treatment for You
As you can see, both IVF and IUI can be viable options for getting pregnant, though IVF tends to have a higher overall rate of success and live birth. We can go over your situation and determine the right treatment for you during the consultation process.
Learn More About Fertility Treatment Options
For more information your options for fertility treatment, it’s important that you contact Los Angeles Reproductive Center. We are here to help you start the family you have always wanted. You can reach our Los Angeles office at (310) 721-1567, our Encino office at (818) 208-5481, our Thousand Oaks office at (805) 427-2959, and our Bakersfield office at (661) 889-5173.
