When you’re thinking about starting a family, the journey can feel like a mix of emotions—exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a bit daunting. If you’re exploring fertility treatment, you’ve probably come across terms like IVF and IUI, and wondered what they actually mean.
We get it—it’s a lot to take in, and it’s not always easy to know where to start. But you’re not alone in this. At Care Fertility, we’ve helped thousands of people navigate their options and find the path that feels right for them.
Whether you’re an individual, a couple experiencing challenges, or a same-sex female couple exploring ways to conceive, understanding IVF and IUI can help you feel more confident in making decisions about your next steps. It’s not just about treatments—it’s about finding what works for your unique situation, your timeline, and your hopes for the future.
We’ll walk you through the differences between IVF and IUI, who they’re suitable for, and what you might want to consider when deciding.
What is IUI?
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is often described as a simpler fertility treatment. It works by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. The idea is to give the sperm a little extra help to meet the egg, increasing the chance of fertilisation and therefore pregnancy.
For many, IUI is a natural starting point, especially if there are no major underlying fertility concerns with the woman. It’s also a great option for same-sex female couples or single women using donor sperm, as it offers a straightforward way to conceive without the more intense steps involved in IVF.
The procedure itself is quick and often painless—most people say it’s no more uncomfortable than a smear test. It’s what we would consider non-invasive, and by that we mean non-surgical, and there’s no need for anaesthesia, so you can carry on with your day after the appointment.
IUI might be suitable if:
- Your fallopian tubes are open and healthy.
- You ovulate regularly.
- You’re using donor sperm to conceive.
What is IVF?
IVF, or in-vitro fertilisation, is a more advanced fertility treatment. It involves collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a lab to create embryos. An embryo is then transferred back into the uterus to try and achieve a pregnancy.
IVF can feel like a bigger step because it’s more involved than IUI, but it’s also the treatment with higher success rates, particularly for those facing more complex fertility challenges. It’s often the best choice for people who’ve tried other treatments without success or who need a more tailored approach to their fertility.
IVF is also a popular choice for same-sex female couples who want to share the experience of pregnancy through reciprocal IVF also known as shared motherhood. In this case, one partner provides the egg while the other receives the embryo and carries the baby, allowing both to have a biological connection to the child.
IVF might be the right choice if:
- You have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
- Other treatments, like IUI, haven’t worked.
- You’re facing conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.
- You want to use advanced techniques like genetic testing for embryos.
- You have been diagnosed with male factor subfertility
IVF vs IUI: how to choose
Choosing between IVF and IUI isn’t about picking the “better” treatment—it’s about finding the right one for your situation. There are a few factors to think about when making this decision.
Success rates
IUI is a good starting point for those with no significant fertility issues, but the success rates tend to be lower, particularly for women over 35. IVF offers higher success rates and can be more effective for complex fertility challenges.
Cost
IUI is generally more affordable upfront, making it a great first option for those exploring treatment, however, if multiple rounds are needed the costs can start to add up. IVF, while more expensive, may offer a better chance of success for some, potentially reducing the need for multiple cycles.
Time
If time is a concern—due to age or medical reasons—IVF can be a more efficient option as it’s designed to give you the best chance per cycle.
Your circumstances
For same-sex female couples, IUI with donor sperm can be a simple and effective choice, while IVF offers the chance for shared biological involvement through shared motherhood.
What happens during treatment?
IUI treatment
- Monitoring: Your cycle will be carefully tracked to pinpoint the best time for insemination.
- Procedure: A fine catheter is used to place prepared sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix.
- Recovery: It’s a quick and simple procedure with no downtime needed.
IVF treatment
- Preparation: Hormone treatments stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg collection: Eggs are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure.
- Fertilisation: Eggs are combined with sperm in a lab to create embryos.
- Embryo transfer: A fine catheter is used to place the healthiest embryo into the uterus through the cervix.
Both treatments are safe and carried out with care to ensure your comfort and wellbeing.
We have a more detailed blog about the steps of IVF here.
Which treatment is best for you?
Every fertility journey is unique. For some, IUI is the ideal first step, offering a simpler and less invasive option. For others, IVF provides a higher chance of success and a way to address more complex fertility needs.
At Care Fertility, we’re here to guide you through your options and create a plan that’s tailored to your individual circumstances. Understanding IVF and IUI is just the start—we’re here to support you with expert advice and care every step of the way.
What questions do you have about IVF vs IUI? Let us know how we can help. You can book a free call to chat with a fertility expert at 0800 564 2270 or email us at enquiryteam@carefertility.com.
