Introduction
Have you been trying to conceive for months without success and wondering what could be wrong? Globally, nearly 1 in 6 people face infertility at some point. When natural conception does not happen, doctors often suggest fertility treatments like IUI or IVF. But how do you know which one to choose? What is the real difference between IVF and IUI? Is one better than the other in terms of cost or success? This blog answers all your questions about IVF vs IUI, including how they work, what they cost and when each option makes sense.
Understanding the Basics of IUI and IVF
Both IUI and IVF assist in conception, but they differ significantly in approach, complexity and invasiveness. The following section covers how both of these procedures differ in mechanism:
How Does IUI Work?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that increases the chances of pregnancy by placing sperm directly into the uterus to bypass the cervix. This gives sperm a shorter path to reach the egg and improves fertilisation chances, especially in cases of low sperm count, mild endometriosis or unexplained infertility.
Here’s how IUI works step-by-step:
Ovulation Monitoring
Your gynaecologist will track your menstrual cycle using ultrasound and blood hormone levels. In many cases, the doctor recommends medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole, and sometimes gonadotropin injections (FSH or HMG), to encourage the development of one or two mature follicles.
Timing the Procedure
When the leading follicle reaches about 18–20 mm in size, the doctor gives a trigger injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to induce ovulation, which usually occurs within 36–40 hours.
Sperm Preparation
On the day of the procedure, the embryologist collects the partner’s sperm and washes it in a lab. This involves removing seminal fluid and concentrating motile sperm, which reduces uterine cramping and improves the quality of sperm placed in the uterus.
Insemination
About 24–36 hours after the hCG injection, the fertility expert prepares sperm and inserts them directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. The entire insemination procedure takes 5–10 minutes and generally doesn’t require anaesthesia. However, in rare cases, such as when the patient has severe anxiety, vaginismus, or if there are technical difficulties, anaesthesia may be used.
Post-Procedure
The woman rests for a few minutes before resuming normal activities. The doctor then orders a pregnancy test after two weeks.
Many women ask, Is IUI painful? It generally causes little or no discomfort. Some report mild cramping, similar to period pain, but it’s rarely severe.
How Does IVF Work?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a more advanced fertility treatment where fertilisation occurs outside the body. It is often recommended for women with blocked fallopian tubes, diminished ovarian reserve, severe male factor infertility or when IUI has failed.
Here’s how IVF works:
Ovarian Stimulation
Your fertility doctor prescribes oral medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole or daily hormone injections (FSH, LH or a combination) for 8–12 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the usual one. These drugs help create one or two mature eggs.
Egg Retrieval
When follicles reach maturity (typically 18–22 mm), the doctor will give you an hCG or GnRH agonist trigger to induce final maturation. About 34–36 hours later, eggs are retrieved using a needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. This is done under sedation or light anaesthesia.
Fertilisation in the Lab
The embryologist combines these eggs with sperm in a petri dish (conventional IVF) or via ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where they inject a single sperm into each egg. Fertilisation is checked after 18–24 hours.
Embryo Culture and Selection
Fertilised eggs are cultured for 3 to 5 days. Embryologists monitor the embryos for cell division and quality. At the blastocyst stage (day 5), the best-quality embryo is selected for transfer.
Embryo Transfer
The fertility specialist then places the selected embryo into the uterus using a thin catheter. This step is similar to IUI in terms of technique and discomfort, no anaesthesia is needed. Your doctor may freeze any extra good-quality embryos for future use.
Luteal Phase Support and Testing
After the embryo transfer, your doctor starts progesterone supplements to help the uterine lining support implantation. You might take it as a vaginal gel, tablet or injection based on your clinic’s protocol. This hormone keeps the uterus ready for the embryo to attach and grow.
About 10 to 14 days later, your clinic schedules a blood pregnancy test. This test checks your hCG levels to confirm if implantation worked. Many patients find this waiting period the hardest part, but it’s the final step before you (hopefully) get that positive result.
To know the IVF process in detail, read: Understand the complete IVF Process step by step
What Are the Key Differences Between IVF and IUI?
Some of the major IVF and IUI differences are discussed in the table below to help you and your doctor make an informed choice between the two:
| Feature | IUI | IVF |
| Full Form | Intrauterine Insemination | In Vitro Fertilisation |
| Method | Sperm is inserted into the uterus | Fertilisation done outside the body |
| Medication | Mild stimulation or none | Hormonal injections for egg stimulation |
| Procedure Complexity | Simple, outpatient | Invasive, involves multiple steps |
| Time to Complete | One menstrual cycle | 4-6 weeks |
| Anesthesia Needed | No | Yes (for egg retrieval) |
| Risk of Multiples | Moderate (due to ovulation meds) | Controlled (single embryo transfer possible) |
| Cost (India estimate) | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per cycle | ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 lakh per cycle |
So, in the insemination vs IVF comparison, IUI is quicker and cheaper, while IVF is more comprehensive and suitable for complex cases.
IVF vs IUI Success Rate by Age
One of the most important deciding factors in choosing a treatment is how likely it is to work. Let’s explore the IVF vs IUI success rate and how age plays an important role.
IUI Success Rate by Age
The success of IUI depends on the woman’s age, the cause of infertility and the use of fertility drugs. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Age Group | IUI Success Rate per cycle |
| Under 35 | 15-20% |
| 35–37 | 10-12% |
| 38–40 | 7-10% |
| Over 40 | 3-9% |
Success increases over multiple cycles, but most doctors suggest switching to IVF after 3-4 failed IUI attempts.
IVF Success Rate by Age
IVF has a significantly higher success rate, especially when done early. The table below covers the data given by the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority based on the number of cycles and age:
| Woman’s Age at First IVF Cycle | Chance of a Baby After 1st Cycle | After 2nd Cycle | After 3rd Cycle |
| 30–31 | 48% | 61% | 67% |
| 32–33 | 44% | 60% | 67% |
| 34–35 | 40% | 54% | 61% |
| 36–37 | 32% | 44% | 50% |
| 38–39 | 22% | 32% | 38% |
| 40–41 | 13% | 21% | 25% |
| 42–43 | 6% | 10% | 11% |
| 44+ | 2% | 5% | 5% |
The IVF success rate by age shows why fertility experts recommend IVF earlier for women above 35.
To understand IVF success rate in detail, read: IVF success rate and how you can improve yours
Cost Factor: IVF vs IUI Price in India
When choosing between IVF vs IUI, cost often plays a big role in the decision. Many couples start with IUI because it is simpler and significantly more affordable. IVF, while more advanced, comes with higher expenses due to lab procedures, hormonal injections and advanced technology.
Below is a side-by-side breakdown of IVF vs IUI price per cycle in India, so you know what to expect before committing to either option:
| Procedure Component | IUI Cost (₹) | IVF Cost (₹) |
| Consultation and Testing | 2,000 – 5,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Medications / Hormonal Injections | 3,000 – 7,000 (if used) | 60,000 – 90,000 |
| Semen Washing / Lab Costs | 1,000 – 3,000 | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Insemination / Embryo Transfer | 5,000 – 10,000 | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Total Cost per Cycle | 10,000 – 25,000 | 1.2 – 2.5 lakh |
Please note that these are base prices. Add-on services like genetic testing, embryo freezing or donor sperm or eggs can increase the total significantly. Always ask for a detailed estimate at your fertility clinic before you begin.
When to Choose IUI vs IVF?
Deciding between IUI and IVF is not always direct. Your doctor will usually consider factors like your diagnosis, age and how long you have been trying to conceive. Here is how fertility experts typically guide couples based on different situations:
| Condition or Situation | Choose IUI | Choose IVF |
| Male infertility | Mild (low count/motility) | Severe sperm abnormalities |
| Unexplained infertility | First-line treatment | If IUI fails after multiple cycles |
| Cervical mucus problems | Effective | It may not be necessary unless other factors exist |
| Irregular ovulation | If ovulation responds to meds | If ovulation remains unresponsive or complex issues exist |
| Fallopian tube issues | Not recommended | Blocked or damaged tubes require IVF |
| Endometriosis or PCOS | Mild cases | Moderate to severe or unresponsive to other treatments |
| Maternal age | Under 35, early stages of trying | Over 35, especially after 1+ years of trying |
| Previous treatment attempts | Before 3 failed IUI cycles | After 3 or more failed IUI attempts |
| Using donor sperm | Suitable for same-sex couples/single women | Also suitable for more complex fertility needs |
| Need for genetic testing or donor eggs | Not applicable | Requires Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) |
To understand Male Infertility in detail, read: Male Infertility Causes and Reasons
To understand Unexplained Infertility in detail, read: What is Unexplained Infertility and its causes
IUI vs IVF: Which is Better for You?
Still unsure about IUI vs IVF, which is better? It really comes down to your fertility journey so far. Doctors often assess your age and treatment history to recommend the right path. Here is a quick guide that matches common situations to likely treatment options:
| Scenario | Recommended Option |
| Couple under 35, trying <1 year | Wait or consider IUI |
| Unexplained infertility | Start with IUI |
| Age above 35 | Prefer IVF |
| PCOS, failed ovulation meds | IVF may be needed |
| Blocked fallopian tubes | IVF |
| Male factor infertility (mild) | IUI may work |
| Male factor infertility (severe) | IVF with ICSI |
| Recurrent miscarriages | IVF with testing |
| Financial limitations | IUI first, IVF later |
Choose the Best Option Based on Your Needs!
Choosing between IVF vs IUI is a major decision involving emotional, physical and financial commitment. Understand the IVF and IUI difference, evaluate your condition and don’t hesitate to ask your fertility expert tough questions. Track your age, budget, diagnosis and past treatments to decide when to choose IUI or IVF. If you are just starting, IUI might be the right step. But if time is crucial or complications exist, IVF may save time and improve outcomes. Always weigh the IVF vs IUI success rate, compare the cost and focus on what gives you the best chance at starting or expanding your family.
For personalised advice, consult a qualified fertility specialist who can guide you based on clinical evidence and your case.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
Answer: IUI places washed sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilising them in a lab and transferring the embryo to the uterus. IVF is more advanced and suitable for complex fertility issues or failed IUI cycles.
Question: How many IUI cycles should I try before moving to IVF?
Answer: Doctors usually recommend up to 3–4 IUI cycles if you are under 35 and have no severe fertility problems. If pregnancy doesn’t occur after that, or if you are over 35, switching to IVF is often more effective.
Question: What is the success rate of IVF by age?
Answer: IVF success depends largely on age. Women under 35 have a 40–50% success rate per cycle, while women over 40 see rates fall to 10–20% or lower. Success increases over multiple cycles, especially with good embryo quality.
Question: Is IUI painful or uncomfortable?
Answer: Most women report little to no pain during IUI. The procedure takes just a few minutes and may feel like a routine Pap smear. Some may feel mild cramping, but no anaesthesia or recovery time is usually needed.
Question: Which is more affordable between IUI and IVF?
Answer: IUI costs ₹10,000-₹25,000 per cycle, while IVF ranges from ₹1.2 to ₹2.5 lakh per cycle. IVF also involves more medications, lab work and procedures. IUI is less expensive, but IVF offers better chances for difficult fertility cases.