IUI Is Cheaper Than IVF: We hear a lot about IVF, let us tell you today about a cheaper pregnancy process and also tell you the reason for its failure.

Can IUI Help You Get Pregnant? If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive for a long time, you've likely heard of IUI and IVF. Both are fertility treatments, but there are significant differences in terms of procedure, cost, and success rate. Understanding the two is essential to making the right decision. Let's explain the reasons why IUI fails. 

What is IUI?

IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is commonly known as artificial insemination. It is considered a simpler and less invasive treatment than IVF. In this process, processed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation to increase the chances of sperm and egg meeting. Egg growth is monitored from the beginning of a woman's menstrual cycle. IUI is performed as ovulation approaches. Sperm samples are washed in the lab, the healthiest and most active sperm are selected, and inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter. Fertilization then occurs naturally in the fallopian tubes.

Who is IUI recommended for?

IUI is generally considered the first step in fertility treatment. It may be suitable for women with ovulation disorders like PCOS, mild male factor infertility, problems with cervical mucus, unexplained infertility, or single women using donor sperm. Doctors typically recommend IVF after trying three to four IUI cycles.

IUI and IVF costs in India

In India, IUI costs significantly less than IVF. According to a report by AsianInfertility, the average cost of an IUI cycle is between 5,000 and 10,000 rupees. This includes medications, monitoring, sperm processing, and the procedure itself. IVF, on the other hand, is more complex and therefore costs more. In India, an IVF cycle typically costs between 80,000 and 1.5 lakh rupees. This includes egg retrieval, lab fertilization, embryo transfer, and other tests.

Success Rates of IUI and IVF

IUI has a lower success rate than IVF, but it is considered a better option for mild fertility problems. The success rate of IUI depends on age, medications, and medical conditions. The success rate of IUI is approximately 10 to 20 percent per cycle. After three to four cycles, the overall success rate for young women can reach 40 to 50 percent. IVF success rates can be as high as 40 percent for women under 35. This rate decreases with age, but with multiple cycles and embryo selection, the chances of success increase.

5 major reasons why IUI fails

According to Novaivffertility, IUI is cheap and easy, but some mistakes can affect its success, including:

• Poor quality eggs – Such eggs may have chromosomal problems, which affect fertilization or embryo development.
• Advancing age – IUI success rates are higher under the age of 35, but the chances decline rapidly after that. After age 40, IUI is considered ineffective.
• Poor sperm quality – Weak or less active sperm cannot reach the fallopian tubes.
• Incorrect timing – If sperm is not present within 12–24 hours of ovulation, the egg may be destroyed.
• Endometrial lining problems – If the lining of the uterus is not healthy, the fertilized egg cannot implant.