IVF vs IUI – Which Fertility Treatment is Right for You?

Head-to-Head Comparison: IVF vs IUI

Factor	IUI	IVF
Invasiveness	Minimal (no surgery)	Moderate (egg retrieval under sedation)
Success Rate (per cycle)	10–20%	40–70% (depends on age)
Cost per Cycle	₹10,000–₹25,000	₹90,000–₹2,00,000
Duration	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks
Sperm Requirement	Moderate motility needed	Works with very low sperm count (ICSI)
Blocked Tubes	Cannot be used	Bypasses tubes completely
Genetic Testing	Not possible	PGT-A possible for embryo screening
Multiple Pregnancy Risk	Moderate (if multiple follicles)	Controlled (elective single embryo transfer)
Best For	Unexplained infertility, mild male factor, ovulation issues	Tubal blockage, severe male factor, age 35+, repeated IUI failure

When to Choose IUI

• Under 35, trying for less than 2 years
• Mild male factor infertility (moderately reduced sperm count or motility)
• Unexplained infertility with open fallopian tubes
• Ovulation disorders (PCOS responding to medication)
• Donor sperm is being used

When to Skip IUI and Go Directly to IVF

• Age 35 or above (time matters — don't waste it on lower-success IUI)
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Severe male factor infertility (very low count, motility, or abnormal morphology)
• Endometriosis (moderate to severe)
• Failed 3+ IUI cycles
• Need for PGT genetic testing
• Low ovarian reserve (low AMH)

The Cost Reality: IUI Cheaper but Lower Success

While IUI appears cheaper per cycle (₹10,000–₹25,000 vs ₹90,000+ for IVF), the cumulative cost of multiple failed IUI cycles before switching to IVF can equal or exceed an IVF cycle. If you have clear indicators for IVF, starting directly saves time, cost, and emotional energy.