What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a relatively less invasive and more economical option in infertility treatment. In this method, specially prepared and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the woman's uterus during her ovulation period. The goal is to shorten the distance sperm need to travel to reach the egg and increase the chances of fertilization.
The IUI treatment process generally involves the following steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation: In some cases, mild stimulation with medication is used to encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs. This facilitates ovulation tracking and timing.
- Monitoring Egg Development: Egg development is closely monitored through ultrasonography and blood tests. Once the eggs are determined to have reached sufficient size, an injection known as a "trigger shot" is administered to control the timing of ovulation.
- Sperm Preparation: A sperm sample obtained from the male partner undergoes special processing in the laboratory to select the most motile and healthy sperm. This process increases sperm concentration and removes potential harmful substances before placement into the uterus.
- Procedure: On or just before the day of ovulation, the prepared sperm are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is generally painless and takes only a few minutes.
IUI is generally recommended as a first-line treatment for couples with open fallopian tubes, mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or ovulation disorders. For more detailed information about IUI treatment, you can visit our Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) page.
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), also known as test-tube baby treatment, is one of the most comprehensive and effective methods in infertility treatment. In this method, eggs and sperm are brought together outside the body, in a laboratory environment, to achieve fertilization, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the expectant mother's uterus. IVF offers a solution for many different causes of infertility.
The IVF treatment process generally involves the following fundamental steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation: Medications are administered to the expectant mother to stimulate the ovaries and aim for the development of multiple eggs. This process is closely monitored with ultrasonography and blood tests.
- Egg Retrieval (OPU): Once the eggs reach sufficient maturity, they are collected vaginally using a thin needle under anesthesia. This procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.
- Sperm Collection and Preparation: A sperm sample is collected from the male partner, and the highest quality sperm are selected in the laboratory for fertilization. In cases of severe male infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used to inject a single sperm into each egg.
- Fertilization and Embryo Development: The collected eggs and prepared sperm are brought together in the laboratory (IVF) or fertilized via microinjection (ICSI). Fertilized eggs are monitored in special incubators for several days as they develop into embryos.
- Embriyo Transferi: The healthiest embryos among those that have developed are selected and transferred into the expectant mother's uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is usually painless and does not require anesthesia.
- Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is performed approximately 10-12 days after the transfer.
IVF treatment is a preferred method in cases such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, advanced maternal age, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and recurrent IUI failures. For more comprehensive information about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, you can visit our IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) page.
Which Treatment for Which Situation?
The answer to the question of whether IUI or IVF is better largely depends on the couple's specific situation, the cause of infertility, age, and medical history. Both treatment methods have their unique advantages and disadvantages. A comprehensive evaluation and expert medical opinion are essential for making the right decision.
When is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Preferred?
- Unexplained Infertility: It can be tried as a first-line treatment for couples where all tests are normal but pregnancy has not been achieved.
- Mild Male Factor Infertility: In cases with mild issues in sperm count, motility, or morphology.
- Ovulation Disorders: For women with ovulation problems such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who are induced to ovulate with medication.
- Cervical Factor Infertility: In situations where cervical mucus prevents sperm passage.
- Younger Age: Especially in women under 35, IUI may be preferred when fallopian tubes are open and ovarian reserve is good.
IUI is generally limited to 3-6 attempts. If pregnancy is not achieved after these attempts, more advanced treatment methods should be considered.
When is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Preferred?
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes: IVF may be the only option for tubal issues that prevent eggs from meeting sperm.
- Severe Male Factor Infertility: In cases with very low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology, IVF with microinjection (ICSI) offers a high chance of success.
- Advanced Maternal Age: Especially in women aged 38 and older, as ovarian reserve and egg quality decrease, IVF treatment can yield faster and more effective results.
- Endometriosis: In severe cases of endometriosis or when pregnancy is not achieved after surgical intervention.
- Unexplained Infertility (Long-term or After IUI Failure): For couples who have not achieved pregnancy for a long time or have not had success with IUI treatments.
- Genetic Disease Carriers: If there is a known risk of a genetic disease in the family, IVF may be preferred to apply Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to embryos and select healthy ones.
- Low Ovarian Reserve: For women with reduced ovarian reserve, IVF may be more suitable to utilize existing eggs most efficiently.
Each couple's situation is unique, and the treatment plan should be personalized and determined by an experienced specialist like Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan. Following a comprehensive evaluation, you will be provided with detailed information about the most suitable treatment method for you.
Comparison of Success Rates
While the success rates of IUI and IVF treatments vary depending on many factors, it is generally accepted that IVF treatment has higher pregnancy rates compared to IUI treatment.
- IUI Success Rates: The pregnancy rate in IUI treatment varies depending on the couple's age, the cause of infertility, and the number of cycles performed. Generally, the pregnancy rate for each IUI attempt is around 10-20%. This rate can be higher, especially in younger couples with mild infertility issues. However, the cumulative chance of success increases with repeated attempts.
- IVF Success Rates: IVF success rates vary significantly, particularly depending on the woman's age. In women under 35, clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer can reach approximately 50-55% depending on the center, with live birth rates of around 40-48%; these rates decline markedly with advancing age (SART / ESHRE EIM national registry data). IVF treatment is a comprehensive treatment method that can offer high success rates even in more complex infertility situations.
It should be noted that these rates are general statistics, and the specific conditions of each clinic, each couple, the technologies used, and the physician's experience can all affect success rates. The main factors influencing success rates include:
- Woman's age and ovarian reserve
- Cause and duration of infertility
- Severity of male factor infertility
- Previous treatment attempts and their outcomes
- Experience and technological infrastructure of the clinic and laboratory
To increase your chances of success, a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan are of great importance. You can gain a detailed understanding of the treatment steps by learning more about the IVF process.
The answer to whether IUI or IVF is right for you is shaped by each couple's unique story and medical condition. As Ankara IVF Center, with Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan and our expert team, we are here to determine the most suitable treatment path for you using modern medical technologies. Guided by scientific data, with a realistic and hopeful approach, we stand by you to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood. To create your personalized treatment plan and answer all your questions, you can contact our center to request a free preliminary consultation or appointment. For more information and appointments, please visit our contact page.