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Intrauterine insemination (IUI) vs. in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Many types of fertility treatments are available, but knowing which one suits you can be challenging. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are two of the best-known fertility treatments. However, how do they work and differ from each other?

This guide explains what IVF and IUI are, how they work and their key differences. We also explore how you can decide which fertility treatment suits you so that you can take the proper steps towards your fertility goals. Understanding which options between IUI vs IVF is important for your fertility journey.

What is IUI?

In IUI, a fertility specialist places sperm directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating (when your ovaries release an egg for fertilisation). People sometimes also call this process ‘artificial insemination’.

At the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), we can perform IUI with your natural cycle or provide medication that helps your body meet optimal conditions for a possible pregnancy.

We may recommend IUI if you:

  • Need to use a sperm donor (you can be in a heterosexual or female same-sex couple, or a single person)

  • Cannot or will struggle to have vaginal sex to become pregnant

However, there are many reasons why you might choose to have IUI, including personal reasons. You can always discuss your options with your fertility specialist.

What is IVF?

IVF is probably the most well-known fertility treatment. During IVF, a specialist takes an egg from your ovaries and fertilises it with sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilised, the embryo is provided the optimum environment to develop before being transferred back into your uterus.

IVF can be suitable for you for several reasons, including:

  • Unexplained fertility problems

  • Blocked fallopian tubes

  • Where IUI or other treatments haven’t succeeded

  • Where frozen sperm and IUI isn’t suitable

  • You’re using donor eggs or sperm

IVF can be carried out in heterosexual couples and female same-sex couples as it’s a treatment that can use donor sperm and eggs.

What are the main differences between IUI and IVF?

Both IUI and IVF are fertility treatments, but they are very different in the way they’re done.

IVF fertilises an egg in a laboratory, while IUI involves directly injected sperm, potentially fertilising an egg in your uterus. IUI is a much less invasive and simpler procedure than IVF.

Fertility specialists may sometimes recommend IUI as the first option in your fertility treatment plan as it’s less expensive and less invasive than IVF. However, sometimes IVF may be the better choice from the start.

Another key difference between the two is that IUI is often cheaper than IVF because it’s a more straightforward process, requiring less medical intervention.

For example, IUI as a natural cycle (using no medication to stimulate your follicles into releasing eggs) costs approximately £995 at BCRM.

However, IVF can cost at least £3,999, but it does include many things as part of this.

At BCRM, we charge £3,999 for our IVF procedures, but this includes:

  • Patient information meeting

  • Nurse planning consultation

  • All monitoring ultrasound scans

  • Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority fee

  • Egg collection with anaesthetic sedation

  • Laboratory costs

  • Sperm preparation

  • Assisted hatching

  • Embryo transfer

  • EmbryoGlue (a medium that helps embryos stick to your uterus for implantation)

  • Pregnancy scan

  • Follow-up consultation

  • Support sessions, including counselling

It’s also worth noting that IVF may require multiple rounds. IUI might need numerous rounds, too, but it’s generally cheaper. IVF can be much more expensive.

We also cannot perform IVF without medication, whereas we can with IUI. We can even carry out IUI in time with your natural cycle. Alternatively, we can give mild follicle-stimulating medicines to help increase your chances of producing at least one mature egg for fertilisation.

IVF, on the other hand, will require a lot more medication.

During IVF, we may give you medication to suppress your natural cycle and a fertility hormone medication containing gonadotrophin. You must take this daily for around 12 days to increase the number of eggs you produce.

Learn more about our fertility treatment prices.

IUI success rates

The success rates for IUI may be lower than that of IVF generally. However, the treatments’ success rates will depend on numerous factors that are personal to you, such as your age.

In IUI, there is a higher chance of sperm not fertilising the egg compared to IVF. The reason for this is because we don’t inject the sperm directly into the egg like we do in IVF.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that IUI isn’t a successful fertility treatment. The younger you are, the higher your chances of falling pregnant with IUI. Similarly, if you use medication to stimulate your natural cycle, your chances may increase again.

IVF success rates

IVF success rates can again vary. Generally, IVF is considered to be more successful than IUI. However, as with all fertility treatments, success isn’t guaranteed and many factors can influence it. Your age and overall health can play a role, but with the right specialist, we can ensure you receive the most suitable treatment for your needs.

At BCRM, our IVF success rates are higher than the national average for all age groups, up to 40 to 42 years. For example, of those aged under 35, based on 184 transferred embryos, 47 were successful at BCRM. The national average is only 39.

Our success rates highlight our dedication to your fertility journey. You can view more of them here.

Is IUI right for me?

Your fertility specialist can help you decide whether IUI is suitable for you.

We might recommend IUI if:

  • You’re using a sperm donor

  • You cannot have vaginal intercourse

  • You have a specific condition that makes it challenging to conceive

Is IVF right for me?

IVF is a well-known treatment, but it might not suit you.

Your fertility specialist may recommend IVF if:

How do I choose between IUI and IVF?

You should choose between the two fertility treatments using the expertise of one of our fertility specialists. We can assess your health, fertility and needs to ensure we provide the correct fertility treatment for you.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to fertility. What works for some people may not work for others. So, we must personalise your fertility journey with fertility treatments that meet your unique needs.

Discuss your fertility treatment options with the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine

Knowing which fertility treatment suits you can be challenging. However, BCRM wants to make the process easy for you. Our specialists will discuss your needs during a thorough consultation so we can recommend the proper fertility treatment for your circumstances.

If you’re considering IVF or IUI, get in touch with our supportive, friendly team today. We’ll guide you through the process and help you decide whether IVF or IUI is the right choice for you.

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