IUI and IVF
IUI
In IUI, sperm that has been washed and prepared is placed past the cervix, directly in the uterus, around the time of ovulation. That shortens the sperm's trip to the fallopian tubes.1 It's often paired with medicines that help ovulation.
works best for:1
- unexplained infertility
- a cervix that limits sperm getting through
- trouble with erection or ejaculation
- using donor sperm
For unexplained infertility, IUI with ovulation medicine doubles the pregnancy rate compared with no treatment.1 It works less well when sperm count is very low, and it doesn't help with severe fallopian tube disease, moderate to severe endometriosis, or past pelvic infections.1 IUI doesn't raise the risk of birth defects, but ovulation medicines raise the chance of twins or more.1
IVF
In IVF, eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a lab.2
- Stimulation. Hormone injections help the ovaries grow several follicles with eggs.2
- Egg retrieval. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound through the vagina, collects the eggs.2
- Fertilization. The eggs are combined with sperm in the lab to make .2
- Embryo transfer. A thin tube places an embryo in the uterus.2
Risks
- Twins or more. The more transferred, the higher the risk, and multiple pregnancies carry more risks, such as preterm birth. Doctors should transfer the fewest embryos that still give a good chance.2
- OHSS. Swollen ovaries from the medicines. Usually mild and gone in days; in less than 1% of cycles it leads to serious problems like blood clots.2
- Ectopic pregnancy happens in about 1% of pregnancies.2
- Miscarriage is about as common as after natural conception, and rises with age.2
Expectations
with a person's own eggs is affected by their age, because egg quality declines. Many people overestimate its success: in one study, more than half of graduate students did.3 Ask a clinic for its results for people your age and with your diagnosis.
Questions to ask
- Why or for us, and how many cycles before changing plans?
- What are your success rates for people my age and diagnosis?
- How many would you transfer, and why?
Recap
- IUI places sperm past the cervix around ovulation. It's used for unexplained infertility, cervical problems or donor sperm.
- IVF stimulates the ovaries, collects eggs, fertilizes them in a lab and transfers an embryo.
- Transferring fewer embryos lowers the risk of twins and triplets.
- Miscarriage after IVF is about as common as after natural conception and rises with age.
Words to know 5
| embryo | A fertilized egg in its earliest stage of development. |
|---|---|
| embryo transfer | Placing an embryo into the uterus through a thin tube. |
| IUI (intrauterine insemination) | Placing prepared sperm directly in the uterus around the time of ovulation. |
| IVF (in vitro fertilization) | Combining eggs and sperm in a lab, then placing an embryo in the uterus. |
| OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) | Swollen, painful ovaries from fertility medicines. Usually mild, rarely serious. |
Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your health.