IUI is a fertility process that couples undergo to conceive. Additionally, IVF is another assisted fertility process that helps in pregnancy. There is always confusion about how many IUIs one should undergo before shifting to IVF.
If you are looking for answers, then this blog clears up the doubts and helps you to take a step closer to parenthood.
IUI-Intrauterine Insemination
The IUI procedure begins after checking the medical condition of both males and females. The semen is tested for male analysis, and hormone levels are analyzed for women.
The IUI process includes inserting the semen into the uterus. This procedure is carried out specifically during the time nearing the ovulation process. IUI helps to reduce the distance between the sperm and the egg. An IUI is carried out without anesthesia under the guidance of an ultrasound.
When is an IUI done?
An IUI is carried out under certain conditions accepted by the healthcare professional. Some of the conditions are described below:
- Male Factor Infertility: This happens if the sperm has low to average sperm motility, low concentration, and abnormal sperm shape and size. During sperm diagnosis, the high-quality sperm are separated for the next steps.
- Minor Ovulation Problems: The IUI is chosen for women with mild ovulation issues caused by PCOS.
- If the cervix is hostile to sperm or the mucus is scanty.
- If the sperm has antibodies
- If the couple’s health is good in reproductive health, but they find difficulty in conception.
- If any one of the partners has Hepatitis C, HIV, or Hepatitis B
- If the couple uses donor sperm
- If intercourse is not possible due to medical conditions.
Factors Influencing IUI Success
Several factors play a crucial role in determining the success of an IUI. Some of the factors are explained below:
Women Age: Age is a crucial factor that determines a woman’s fertility. Women who are over 35 years of age have a low success rate in IUI compared to IVF. This is because as age reaches 30 or above, the quality of the egg declines, making it hard to conceive through IUI. In these cases, IVF treatment is the best possible alternative.
Reason for Infertility: The cause of infertility is vital in understanding the success rate of IUI. Couples who have mild male infertility, cervical issues, or unexplained infertility are suitable for IUI. On the other hand, if there is a block in the fallopian tube, male infertility, or any other problem in the uterus, then IVF is the best option for conception.
Infertility Duration: The duration of the period the couple is trying to conceive plays an important role. If the couple is trying to conceive for more than two years, then it is important to choose IVF.
Ovarian Reserve: The number of eggs available in the ovaries determines the type of fertilization. If the woman has a high quantity of eggs, then IUI will give results. However, if there is only a minimum quality of egg, then they should be harvested and kept in laboratory conditions for fertilization, leading to choosing an IVF procedure.
History of Pregnancy: In case you had a previous pregnancy, the history of those conceptions is crucial. Additionally, couples who have miscarriages or failed IUI should choose IVF.
When to Stop IUI and Switch to IVF?
All fertility treatments, irrespective of IUI or IVF, are an emotional and physical process. Additionally, artificial fertility processes are quite expensive. Hence, it is important to understand when to switch from IUI to IVF.
Number of Cycles Needed Before IVF
It is important to understand the IUI cycles that one needs before IVF. Some of the general guidelines and information are listed below:
Recommendations
Generally, IUI is successful after three to four cycles. Health specialists recommend at least three to six cycles before transferring to IVF. This is based on the success rate. If the couples are not conceived after four cycles, then the chances of success decrease.
Age-Based Guidelines
If there are no underlying conditions of women’s infertility and they are under 35 years of age, then the physician takes up to six cycles of IUI before an IVF. Women over 35 years of age are recommended to undergo only three to four cycles before switching to IVF. This occurs due to the reduction in quality and quantity respective to age.
Cost
IUI is cheaper compared to IVF. This can be one of the driving factors to try more IUI. However, the overall cost of all the IUI cycles should be considered. More IUI cycles mean that they are not successful and you should switch to IVF.
Emotional and Physical Support
In general, fertility care is not a cakewalk. It is emotionally and physically demanding as couples wait for positive signs every cycle. Hence, this takes a mental toll on the couple’s well-being. This can also be one of the major factors to consider before moving to an IVF procedure.
Factors to Consider Before Moving to IVF
The primary factor to look into after completing a few IUI cycles is the success rate. Women over 35 years of age with underlying problems should opt for IVF sooner to be able to conceive.
Moreover, finance is an important sector that rules the decision-making sector. IVF is a faster option to conceive when compared to IUI. Being emotionally available and getting psychological strength is a crucial factor. When disappointments are longer it is best to choose IVF.
Conclusion
In the IUI and IVF journey, reaching parenthood is an important point. Factors such as women’s age, underlying medical conditions, male infertility, and other health conditions affect the procedure of IUI and IVF.
If you had above six IUI cycles and all were failures, then it is important to consult your healthcare advisor and decide on further steps. Compared to the method of fertilization, the ultimate goal is to step into parenthood. Hence, it is important to focus on a successful process that helps you to conceive.
The average cycle of an IUI is three. However, it can also last up to six cycles if the patient needs it.
According to studies, the success rate of three to four cycles is nearly 95 percent. However, it also depends on other factors.
If you are over three to four cycles and haven’t got a positive sign, then it is best to switch to IVF rather than sticking with IUI.
According to studies, the success rate of IUI in the first attempt is ten to twenty percent. Hence, three cycles are generally recommended.
