Treatment Options
IUI vs IVF: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Comparing success rates, cost, and suitability to help you choose the right first step.
IUI and IVF are often the first two treatments patients hear about, and it's not always obvious which one makes sense to start with. Here's an honest comparison of how they differ.
What we help you with:
- How each works: IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation, letting fertilisation happen naturally inside the body. IVF fertilises eggs outside the body in a lab before transferring an embryo back.
- Who tends to benefit most: IUI is often a reasonable first step for mild male-factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or couples wanting a less invasive option to try first. IVF is generally recommended for blocked fallopian tubes, more significant male-factor issues, or after IUI hasn't worked.
- Success rates: IVF generally has a meaningfully higher success rate per cycle than IUI, though the right choice depends heavily on the specific cause of infertility, not success rate alone.
- Cost and intensity: IUI is less expensive and less physically intensive per cycle, which is why some patients and doctors choose to try a few IUI cycles before considering IVF — though this isn't the right sequence for every diagnosis.
Neither option is universally 'better' — the right starting point depends on your specific diagnosis, age, and how much time you want to spend before escalating treatment. This is exactly the kind of decision worth a detailed conversation with your doctor.