Know everything about IUI and IVF
Tuesday, 17 March 2020

 Infertility can be treated in several ways, among those are IUI and IVF; these are two common and popular choices.

 IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination, and IVF stands for In-vitro Fertilization. They are artificial ways to achieve pregnancy and are quite different from each other.


In this article, we are going to cover briefly about each method and help you make certain things understandable about each procedure before you consult your medical professional. This article in no way replaces a medical professional. In case you want to know more about IUI and IVF, you can read the difference between IUI and IVF. 

Let’s talk about IVF first since it is quite popular and widely used - 

What is an IVF procedure? 

In this procedure, an egg is fertilized outside the body in Vitro. And then placed the egg back into the embryo. This treatment is suggested to individuals having:-
  • Women over the age of 40/35
  • Fallopian tube damaged or blocked
  • Ovulation disorders
  • Endometriosis (Uterine tissue overgrow to disrupt fallopian, uterus, and ovaries)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Tubal sterilization or removal
  • Impaired sperm production
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Genetic disorders
  • Undergoing cancer treatment
IVF is done in cycles, and each cycle consists of similar steps that are often modified depending upon the patient.

The first step involves harvesting the eggs, this is done through fertility medication so that multiple eggs are matured, and this is known as ovulation induction. Medication involves hormonal pills and medication to counter the side effects of hormonal pills. The eggs are extracted in a small surgical procedure.

Multiple Sperm samples are now collected, depending on the fertility levels of the sperm, sometimes donor sperm is used.

In a lab, the eggs and selected sperm cells are mixed in a controlled environment, and fertilization occurs. Depending on sperm mobility, they are sometimes injected directly into the egg.

After a few days since the fertilization, the fertilized eggs are put into the uterus. The doctor slides a thin tube through your cervix into your uterus and inserts the embryo directly into your uterus through the tube.

Pregnancy happens when the egg implants itself into the uterus lining. This can be tested quite easily; however, monitoring is done to gain crucial information about the health of the pregnancy.

The entire IVF is a simple procedure for the patient and, in most cases, painless. IVF is done in cycles, and multiple cycles are done until the patient is pregnant, or it is determined that conception through this method cannot be achieved.

What happens in the IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) process? 

IUI or Intrauterine Insemination is a process in which a group of healthy sperm cells is placed directly into the uterus, near the egg during ovulation. This increases the chance of fertilization as this cuts travel time, and higher concentration healthy sperm cells are present.

This procedure is often suggested to: -
  • Male infertility
  • Hostile cervical mucus
  • Unexplained infertility
  • If treatment with fertility drugs alone is not successful
  • If a sperm donor is being used
  • If sexual pain makes intercourse not possible
Sperm samples undergo a process known as sperm washing. Here multiple sperms samples are collected from the individual or donor and are scanned. Healthy sperm are then separated and stored.

The sperm is injected only during ovulation. The ovulation is guaranteed by artificially through hormonal medication. This process requires specific tracking of your ovulation cycle, hence multiple visits to the doctor, blood tests are required before the final step of insemination is made.

Pregnancy can be confirmed within a few days when the egg implants itself into the uterus lining. Visits to the clinic are required to confirm the condition and health of the pregnancy. 
The injection procedure only lasts a few minutes (5-10 mins max). The sperm, however, has to be given before the procedure, usually a few days before the procedure. The specific details will be provided by your medical professional.

The entire procedure is, in most cases, painless. Some mild side-effects can be addressed through medication; your medical professional will often test for side effects.

Conclusion

The main difference that IUI and IVF share is the simplicity of the procedure and the cost involved. The success rate is dependent on the patient, as IVF is useful for patients with a wide variety of issues, while IUI can only be used for limited infertility cases.

No artificial conception method guarantees success. A good medical professional and trustworthy clinic are essential. The main aim of this article is to provide information about the procedure. Your doctor knows you and your medical conditions; it is especially important to take his advice carefully.
 

 
 
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