What is Artificial Insemination vs IVF?

For couples struggling with infertility, assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer hope for parenthood. While both methods help with conception, they differ in procedure, success rates, and suitability for specific fertility conditions.

What is Artificial Insemination?

Artificial insemination, commonly known as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), is a simpler fertility treatment. The process involves directly placing sperm into a woman’s uterus during ovulation to enhance the chances of fertilization. It is often recommended for:

• Unexplained infertility

• Mild male factor infertility

• Cervical mucus issues

• Couples using donor sperm

Procedure:

1. Ovulation is tracked or stimulated using fertility medications.

2. A concentrated sperm sample (from a partner or donor) is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter.

3. Fertilization occurs naturally inside the body.

Success Rate:
IUI has a lower success rate compared to IVF, ranging from 10% to 20% per cycle, depending on age and fertility factors.

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?

IVF is a more advanced reproductive technique that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body in a lab. It is commonly used for:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

• Severe male infertility

• Endometriosis

• Failed IUI cycles

• Unexplained infertility

Procedure:

1. Ovarian stimulation with hormone injections to produce multiple eggs.

2. Egg retrieval from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure.

3. Fertilization of the eggs with sperm in a lab (embryo formation).

4. Transfer of a selected embryo into the uterus.

Success Rate:
IVF offers a higher success rate, approximately 40%-60% per cycle, depending on age and other factors.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Choosing between IUI and IVF depends on individual fertility conditions. Couples with mild fertility issues may benefit from artificial insemination, whereas those with complex infertility problems may require IVF treatment.

If you are considering fertility treatment, consult an IVF specialist doctor in Delhi at SCI IVF Hospital, one of the leading fertility centre in India, offering personalized care and advanced fertility solutions.