Now, most people have heard about IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). That could offer hope for couples plagued by infertility. But, they are separate surgeries done in different ways with specific success rates and other things to take into account. Correct knowledge of IVF and IUI will enable people to make the right choices when their reproductive health is at stake.
- What is IUI?
IUI, which is short for intrauterine insemination is a fertility treatment that places sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. The purpose of this procedure is to raise how many sperm reach in fallopian tubes for fertilizing eggs and get conceived.
The Process of IUI
- Ovulation Monitoring: Tracking the woman’s ovulation cycle ends through ultrasounds and hormone tests about where she should be inseminated.
- Sperm Processing: A semen sample is collected and processed in a laboratory to remove inactive or improperly shaped sperm, and concentrate the healthiest ones.
- Intrauterine insemination: Insertion of sperm into a woman’s uterus by her cervix using a fine catheter.
Who Should Consider IUI?
This treatment is recommended by the doctors of SCI IVF Hospital for those couples who are suffering from unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical mucus problems.
Also, you might be a candidate for IUI if women are unable to control ovulation their expert can assist with this. It is generally considered less invasive, and more affordable than IVF. Therefore, it is the most preferable intervention for many couples.
- What is IVF?
IVF or In vitro, fertilization is a widely adopted Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that refers to the process of artificial insemination and involves egg retrieval from the ovary for fertilizing them in the lab using sperm to produce an embryo, which later can be used by couples who are looking forward for becoming parents.
When it comes to choosing IVF, the doctors at SCI advise couples who have not been able to conceive in any other way (this is a couple with infertility); or couples with some kind of fertility challenge.
The Process of IVF
- Ovarian Stimulation: This involves inducing the ovaries of a woman to produce multiple eggs by giving her hormonal injections.
- Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure performed under sedation to collect mature eggs from the ovaries.
- Fertilization: Sperms are inseminated into eggs retrieved inside a lab through conventional IVF or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) when a single egg is directly inserted.
- Embryo Transfer: Once fertilized, the embryos develop and are transferred after 3–5 days back to the biological mother’s womb.
- Pregnancy Test: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine whether the process was successful.
Who Should Think About IVF?
Couples with extreme male factor infertility, blocked fallopian tubes and endometriosis are candidates for IVF if they have not been able to conceive despite other treatments. IVF also works for females with low ovarian reserve as well as egg and sperm donors.
Conclusion
While they differ in complexity, cost, and success rates of both the methods suggest that they are successful as treatments for fertility problems. Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour usually advises IUI first as opposed to more advanced procedures like IVF. However, IVF offers more increased chances of pregnancy in situations of serious obstacles. Consult SCI IVF Hospital to choose suitable treatment based on individual requirements and circumstances.
