How to Choose Between IVF and IUI?
The reason you are reading this blog is that infertility and motherhood are the two inverse terms that are bothering you right now.
You wish to parent a baby but the doctor labels your condition generically as ‘infertility’ and you are flummoxed for a while.
Dr. Shivani Bhutani, the leading gynecologist and fertility expert of Punjab, says infertility is on the rise as nearly one in every four couples find it difficult to conceive and plan a baby naturally.
She also encouragingly states that modern technology has brought Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) which take care of the woman’s egg and the embryo and even makes pregnancy possible even at the age of 40.
There are many techniques of ART treating differently. Out of all the ART options, IVF (In-vitro fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) are the most commonly sought-after techniques. The goal of both processes is the birth of a healthy baby; however, the treatment module is very different.
What is the difference between IVF and IUI?
In the process of IVF, the female is administered ovary stimulating medicines to increase the number of eggs. The doctors continuously monitor this with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds.
The doctor then retrieves the eggs (after they are mature) by inserting a fine needle through the vagina into the ovary.
The eggs are then fertilized with washed and prepared sperm using the conventional fertilization or the process of ICSI and the resulting embryo is then planted into the uterus.
The process of IUI or artificial insemination is the ART treatment where the woman is given the ovary stimulation medication just like in IVF.
The doctor injects the sperm directly into the woman’s uterus (using a thin catheter) during ovulation days. This leads to direct fertilization as there is a high concentration of healthy sperm close to the eggs.
IVF implies egg stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and transfers whereas IUI decreases the sperm travel distance and is directly injected into the uterus. Both processes solve different infertility problems.
Which Process is More Suitable for You?
The best infertility expert of Ludhiana, Dr. Shivani Bhutani, EVA Hospital says there are success stories in both IVF as well as IUI.
She usually runs tests and advises potential treatment modules to her patients depending on the reasons for infertility.
A quick comparison between the two processes will give you a fair idea as to which process is more suitable for you:
Invasive and Complication
The technique of IUI is less invasive and can be performed during the natural cycle or with the help of a medicated cycle.
Also, the sperm is washed in IUI which means the ratio of motile sperm increases. In addition, the distance traveled by the sperm is cut down by directly inserting the sperm into the uterus; hence the chances of fertilization are better than the natural process.
The process of IUI is recommended to patients who, apart from having infertility issues, aren’t able to conceive because of other reasons- travel schedule, work schedule, or sexual dysfunction.
Insurance Cover
You have to consult your insurance company to check which treatment option is covered in insurance policies and you may decide accordingly.
Causes of Infertility
As said, IUI is suitable for patients with unexplained fertility issues. However, IVF is a more popular process for couples who face severe male infertility, couples with genetic disorders, women above 40, failure of IUI sessions, or patients with blocked Fallopian tubes.
Patients who have had miscarriages or multiple unsuccessful IUI cycles opt for IVF. Even patients with endometriosis are advised for IVF.
It is noteworthy that in IVF the embryo can be tested for chromosomal abnormality or any genetic disorder and only the best embryo can be transferred.
The costs of IVF would vary from clinic to clinic. EVA Hospital, Ludhiana, offers the most affordable and reliable IVF treatment.
Risks
Since the woman takes ovary stimulation medicines, there are chances of multiple pregnancies and the possibility of birth of twins or even more babies.
This may not sound threatening but it may bring potential danger to the lives of the mother and babies.
Choose the Best
For deciding whether IVF or IUI is better for you, get in touch with Dr. Shivani Bhutani, EVA Hospital, and ask her for suggestions.
With profound experience in infertility treatments and having helped infertile patients of even higher ages in delivering babies successfully, Dr. Shivani guides her patients with the most genuine advice.