IUI vs IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?
By Dr. Neha Singhania • 2026-06-09
If you are exploring fertility treatment, IUI and IVF are the two names you will hear most. They are not the same, and one is not simply better than the other — each suits different situations. Here is how they compare.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) places prepared, healthy sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, giving sperm a head start toward the egg. It is a simpler, less expensive, less invasive treatment, often combined with mild ovulation-stimulating medication.
IUI may suit you if:
What is IVF?
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves stimulating the ovaries to produce several eggs, collecting them, fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory, and transferring a resulting embryo into the uterus. It is more involved and more expensive, but it bypasses several barriers.
IVF may be recommended if:
Key differences at a glance
How the choice is made
Usually a couple is evaluated first — sperm analysis, tubal check, ovulation and egg-reserve assessment. Younger couples with open tubes and mild issues often start with a few cycles of IUI; if that does not succeed, or if the tests point to blocked tubes or significant sperm issues, IVF is the logical next step. Age is an important factor — the older the woman, the sooner IVF may be advised.
An important first step
Before either treatment, a simple fertility work-up (and treating any correctable issue such as thyroid, PCOS or endometriosis) can improve your chances — sometimes even leading to natural conception.
Confused about where to start? A fertility evaluation gives you clarity on whether to try naturally a little longer, start with IUI, or move to IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IVF better than IUI?
Not always — they suit different situations. IVF has higher success per cycle and overcomes blocked tubes and severe sperm issues, but IUI is simpler and cheaper and works well for mild problems with open tubes.
How many IUI cycles before moving to IVF?
Commonly, 3 to 4 IUI cycles are tried in suitable couples. If these do not succeed — or if tests show blocked tubes or significant sperm issues — IVF is usually the next step.
Which is cheaper, IUI or IVF?
IUI is considerably cheaper per cycle than IVF, which is why it is often tried first in appropriate couples. IVF involves more medication, procedures and laboratory work.
Does age affect the choice between IUI and IVF?
Yes. Because fertility declines with age, older women are often advised to move to IVF sooner rather than spending many cycles on IUI, to make the best use of time.
What tests are done before fertility treatment?
Typically a semen analysis for the partner, a check of the fallopian tubes, and assessment of ovulation and egg reserve, plus thyroid and hormone tests — this guides whether IUI or IVF is right.
Have questions? Talk to the doctor
Book an appointment with Dr. Neha Singhania for personalised advice.
