Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilization (IVF) are the two most common methods which are utilized as a fertility treatment in order to increase the chances of a couple being pregnant.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination or IUI is a procedure where the concentrated and processed motile sperms are placed directly within the woman’s uterus. The procedure is performed depending on the woman’s ovulation phase. However, it might be performed twice when the ovulating stage is detected. Once the woman ovulates, the egg of the woman is carried by the fallopian tubes where it waits to meet the sperm. The IUI procedure helps in depositing the high concentrations of perfect sperms near the egg which is waiting to get fertilized. As the sperm is deposited in close approximation with the egg there are high chances that both sperm and egg will meet leading to zygote formation.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization or IVF is one of the most successful procedures which helps in increasing the fertility chances of couples in order to conceive. The essential steps during the IVF procedure includes the stimulation of the female reproductive organ i.e. ovaries to increase the release of several eggs at a single moment, egg retrieval wherein eggs are removed from the ovary, then the fertilization of these eggs within the laboratory and lastly embryo transfer i.e. attachment of the embryos within the uterus. The chances of conceiving with IVF are high but it all depends on woman’s age, the main causative factor leading to infertility along with the factors affecting the quality of IVF procedure within the laboratory.

When should you opt for IUI?
It serves as an excellent first-line treatment option for patients who have at least one unobstructed fallopian tube, who are able to ovulate, who have adequate motile sperm count, and, who has no pelvic infection.

When should you opt for IVF?
IVF serves as a better fertility option for patients who are aged 38 or above, who suffer from absent or obstructed fallopian tubes, who have reduced number of healthy ovaries, who can utilize donor eggs, who are suffering from advanced form of endometriosis, couples who are suffering from increased male-factor infertility and for people who might need genetic screening.

It all depends on your preference whether you choose IUI or IVF. However, before choosing any treatment option it is better to get into several medical investigations along with proper diagnosis in order to choose the successful treatment plan.

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