Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are two of the most commonly used Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART) methods in Chennai. While both treatments are efficient, deciding on the right one for the patient depends on factor like cost, fertility issues and age factors. Before making a decision, it is necessary to consult a fertility specialist.

With IUI best fertility centres in Chennai, choosing the right one plays an important role in your treatment. It is also essential to opt for the right IUI fertility treatment in chennai suited to your needs.  Here, we explore the difference between IUI and IVF making comparisons of its effectiveness,

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

IUI involves taking the sperm to the fallopian tube during ovulation. The process is carried out using a thin catheter. Ovulation induction is done using medicines to stimulate the ovaries and produce highly fertilized eggs. It increases the chances of conception.

An IUI is generally recommended for couples with mild male infertility, unexplained infertility or ovulatory issues in women.

Procedure

• Sperm washing: The male partner’s sperm or donor sperm is collected and washed using a medicinal solution.
• Ovulation: The woman’s ovulation is closely tracked as it is important to carry out the process on the right time.
• Insemination: Sperm is inserted into the ovary at the right time when ovulation is detected.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a complex and advance fertility treatment. In IVF, the eggs are fertilized in laboratories and transferred into the uterus. Couples facing severe challenges like low sperm count, age and issues in the fallopian tubes or the uterus can go for iui treatment best hospital in chennai.

Procedure

• Stimulation of Ovaries: The woman undergoes medication that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
• Collecting the eggs: Once the eggs are mature, it is removed from the ovaries through a small surgical process called aspiration.
• Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with healthy sperm in the laboratory.
• Implanting the Embryo: After a few days of growth, the embryos are selected to be transferred to the uterus.

Key Differences between IUI and IVF

1. Procedure

There are distinct differences in the process of each treatment. IVF is complex and invasive compared to IUI. The procedure involves stimulation of ovaries, growing it outside the body and transferring the embryo back to the female body. It is a long and physically exhausting process. Constant supervision is required in an IVF.

The goal in ovary stimulation is to make the ovaries produce more than a single egg. Ovulation Induction may take up to 10-14 days, the patient is regularly tracked for growth of eggs using ultrasounds, urinal and hormonal tests. The eggs are produced during the natural menstrual cycle.

Later, the eggs are removed from the ovaries using a simple surgery. Despite the simplicity of the process, utmost supervision is required. The eggs are combined with the sperm in a laboratory setting. After few days, the best set of embryos is chosen to be transferred to the uterus.

IUI is a simple and minimally invasive process. It only involves tracking the ovulation and timing it right for the sperm to be inserted for a successful fertilization. The procedure ends within 15-30 minutes. The patient can resume their daily activities in 1 or 2 days.

Similar to IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce highly fertile eggs. Ovulation is monitored to introduce the sperm at the right time through blood tests and ultrasound. The sperm is collected and processed in the laboratory to be introduced into the ovary. It helps in improving the chance of fertility. It ensures that healthy sperms are separated from the unhealthy and dead ones.

Once ovulation is detected, the sperm is inserted in the ovary; the procedure only takes 10-20 minutes. The individual can resume her everyday activities in one or two days. A pregnancy test is taken after 14 days.

2. Cost

IUI is an affordable treatment compared to IVF. The costing of each cycle in an IUI can be up to ₹20,000. A single IVF cycle in Chennai can cost up to ₹3,00,00. It utilizes advanced treatments that make it relatively expensive. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) are employed in IVF to enhance the process. The price range may also vary depending on fertility centers in Chennai.

Sperm Donor: For unmarried women or couple of the same sex who request for a donor sperm, ₹15,000 could be the initial cost. It can change from according to the clinics.

3. When to choose IUI or IVF?

Each treatment is suitable for different cases. IUI is generally recommended when there are minimal health complications. Choosing IUI for severe fertility complications may not result in conception. It is necessary to choose the right type of treatment to ensure higher success rates.

Male partners with lowest sperm count and female conditions like endometriosis, tubal ligation, damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes can opt for IVF treatment. Women above the age of 35 can also opt for IVF. Cases where the cause of infertility is unknown, mild sperm count, and PCOS in women can be reasons to consider IUI fertility hospital in chennai.

4. Cycle Considerations

For IUI 3-6 cycles is usually recommended, it may be effective for some while the others may not prove effective. In such cases, the patients are suggested to move to an IVF treatment.

In an IVF, even a single cycle is more effective compared to an IUI. Despite that, it may take more than a single attempt to achieve a successful pregnancy. The number of cycles in an IVF is 3-6.

5. Success Rates

The success rate for IUI can range from 10% to 20%. It may not be effective for woman above the age of 35 or have complex fertility issues. The success for IVF can range from 40% to 60% per cycle. It might be lower for women above 40. Still, it may be more effective compared to IUI.

Advancements in Fertility treatments

AiVF: It is an AI based system created to assist in monitoring IVF. With the help of AiVF fertility rates are enhanced. Their main product EMA by AiVF is AI based and helps in observing the growth of the embryos from day 0 to provide evaluated scores. These scores help in analyzing which embryo is most likely to result in a pregnancy.

Whole Genome Screening: It is a process where the embryos in IVF are screened for genetic conditions. Genetic screening of the embryos helps couple choose an embryo that is free of any types of diseases. It is a non-invasive way of selecting embryos.

Smart chips in IVF: Smart chips that use micro-vibrations are introduced to clean fresh or frozen eggs. It is a necessary process that helps in removing the cumulus cells increasing the probability of pregnancy. It works swiftly than manual techniques.

FAQs

1. How much does IUI treatment cost in Chennai compared to IVF?

In Chennai, an IUI treatment is more affordable than IVF, each cycle can cost from ₹3,000 to ₹20,000. A single cycle can range between ₹3,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the IUI best hospital in chennai.

2. What is the average success rate of IUI vs IVF in Chennai?

The average success rate of IVF is higher than IUI. It can also vary based on other factors like age, health conditions or lifestyle factors.

3. How long does IUI take vs IVF at Chennai fertility hospitals?

In general IUI procedure takes 1-3 weeks while IVF takes 3-6 weeks.

4. Which fertility treatment is more affordable in Chennai – IUI or IVF?

An IUI is more affordable compared an IVF in Chennai.

5. What is the recovery time for IUI vs IVF in Chennai clinics?

The recovery time for an IUI is usually 1 or days whereas for an IVF it takes weeks.

6. How many cycles of IUI vs IVF are recommended in Chennai?

For IUI 3-6 cycles are recommended and up to 6 cycles for IVF. It also varies depending on the patient’s age.

7. Can unmarried women undergo IUI vs IVF in Chennai?

Yes, unmarried women are legally allowed to undergo IUI or IVF.

8. Can IVF guarantee higher success rates than IUI in Chennai?

Yes, compared to an IUI, IVF guarantees higher success rates.

9. Can I consult Chennai fertility specialists online for IUI vs IVF?

Yes, certain fertility clinics in Chennai offer online consultation for IUI and IVF.

10. Can IUI or IVF be done after 40 years of age in Chennai?

Yes, it can be done although the success rates may not be high.

11. Can I choose donor sperm for IUI or IVF in Chennai?

Yes, using a donor sperm for IUI or IVF is possible in Chennai.