When exploring fertility treatments, the choice between IUI and IVF, especially if under 35 years, can feel both hopeful and overwhelming. Trying to balance success rates, budget, and how quickly you want to move forward, is the “decision math” that needs to be worked on.
What Is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and How Does It Work?
Known as artificial insemination, IUI, is a basic treatment for infertility. During a woman’s ovulation, the prepared sperm is injected into the uterus of the woman, directly accessing the fallopian tubes to meet the egg for fertilization.
What Is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and How Does It Work?
Initially, the doctors prescribe hormone treatments that help the ovaries to release more eggs. Then, the doctors collect the eggs by using a needle under ultrasound guidance.
The laboratory personnel then fertilize the eggs with the sperm in a laboratory dish, where one sperm is injected into each egg. The embryos are then developed for 3-5 days, and one of them is placed in the uterus by the embryologist.
Key Differences Between IUI and IVF
| Features | IUI | IVF |
| Fertilization Location | Occurs inside the body (uterus) | Occurs outside the body (laboratory dish) |
| Process | Sperm injected directly into uterus around ovulation |
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| Invasiveness | Less invasive | More invasive (hormone injections, minor surgery for egg retrieval) |
| Cost | The upfront cost is lower | The upfront cost is higher |
| Success Rate | May vary by age & health, but lower success rate | Higher success rate, especially for complex infertility |
| Medical Intervention | Fewer medications, fewer visits | More intensive, more visits. |
Success Rates: IUI vs IVF for Couples Under 35
Women under 35 years of age have a much higher success rate with IVF rather than with IUI. If you’re over 35, the success rate for IUI decreases, but IVF still has a better success rate.
However, even if under 35 years, IUI may not promise high success rate if male partners produce few sperm or have severe sperm abnormalities. Nor does it help if female partners have severe fallopian tube disease, moderate to severe endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections.
When to Start With IUI
IUI is the initial treatment that health professionals recommend when the conditions are right, such as good egg quality, open fallopian tubes, and slight spermatogenic issues. It can be a non-contaminating and low-stress place to begin your journey to parenthood. Usually recommended for under 35.
When Does It Makes Sense to Switch to IVF
When multiple IUIs have failed IVF is usually reassuring. In case of infertility treatment, IVF is a more suitable option than IUI, particularly with women over 35 or ones with severe fertility issues.
Cost Comparison: IUI vs IVF
As a first-line, budget-friendly fertility option, IUI can be much more affordable, making it a reasonable first attempt for couples with mild fertility issues or favourable conditions. Costs can vary widely depending on the city, clinic, medical protocol and need of additional procedures.
Typical Cost Ranges in India
| Treatment | Typical cost per cycle (private clinic) |
| IUI | ~ ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per cycle |
| IVF | ~ ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 per cycle (some clinics may quote ₹1.2–2.5 lakh) |
Factors That Influence Success Under Age 35
It’s true that younger couples, under the age of 35, often have higher success rates, but the results still depend on individual fertility aspects. Hormone levels, sperm quality, fallopian tube patency, and the general health condition of the couple are indeed significant factors in determining the success of the treatment.
What to Expect During Each Procedure
The IUI procedure lasts approximately 4 weeks because it has to coincide with the menstrual cycle. The actual intervention lasts for only a few minutes. A thin catheter removes and deposits sperm in the uterus. You can expect mild cramping which is temporary.
In the case of IVF, eggs are taken from the uterus, and put into a petri dish along with sperm. The embryos stay for 3-5 days before being injected into the uterus. Egg retrieval is like a pelvic exam. Subsequently, you may feel drowsy or some mild discomfort. The doctor may advise a day’s rest post-procedure.
Recovery & Aftercare for IUI vs IVF
The aftercare of IUI needs only to be mild and of short duration. The majority of women can return to their usual activities the very same day. Discomfort may happen for a short period and it can be minor like cramping, bleeding, or bloating. The two-week wait can be more emotionally difficult than the procedure itself. IVF recovery lasts longer, and requires longer emotional support given the waiting time.
How to Choose the Right Treatment Path
Given that both IUI and IVF require thorough consideration of medical, emotional, and financial aspects, the choice here is a matter of personal preference and medical background.
Although the difference in treatment is minimal, IUI may be less complex and less expensive when compared with IVF, which is more reliable, costly, and taxing.
If you want to know the difference between IUI and IVF, and opt for a suitable treatment, we at Luma fertility in Mumbai can assist you in taking this crucial step to make an informed decision based on expert opinion.
FAQs
What is the success rate of IUI at age 35?
The success rate of IUI at age 35 typically ranges from 10-15% per cycle declining from younger ages as egg quality diminishes, though this can be improved with ovulation medications, potentially reaching 15-20% per cycle, with cumulative success increasing over several cycles.
Which age is best for IUI?
Typically, the IUI process has its greatest success in women under the age of 35. This is the time when fertility, egg quality, and hormone responsiveness are at their peak.
What is the success rate of IUI vs IVF by age?
IUI and IVF success rates shift dramatically depending on the patient’s age, the younger the woman, the more successful, and the opposite with older women.
How successful is IUI at the first try?
For your initial IUI, the likelihood conceiving is probably merely from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 (around 10-20%), under the assumption of favorable conditions such as the female age, the quality of eggs/sperm, uterine health, the presence of fertility drugs, and the timing of insemination.
