Understanding when to move from IUI to IVF
The team at our Virginia fertility center helps hopeful parents determine when it’s time to move from IUI to IVF. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an effective path to parenthood for many. However, it is sometimes not enough to achieve a healthy pregnancy. In these situations, Fady Sharara MD often advises patients to utilize in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The difference between IUI and IVF
While IUI and IVF are both proven fertility treatment options, IVF typically has the highest success rates. As patients work with their fertility doctor to create the right treatment plan for their unique needs, it’s important to understand how IUI and IVF vary.
- IUI. This option is a common fertility treatment, which may require the female patient to take fertility medications. Around the time of ovulation, the woman will come to our clinic so that Dr. Sharara can inject sperm from the woman’s partner or a sperm donor into her uterus.
- IVF. Many choose to move from IUI to IVF because it’s one of the most successful fertility treatments. IVF involves the hopeful mother taking ovulation induction medications, while regularly receiving monitoring at our clinic. When enough of her eggs mature, she undergoes an egg retrieval. An embryologist then fertilizes the retrieved eggs with sperm from the hopeful father or a donor. Lastly, Dr. Sharara transfers one of the embryos to the hopeful mother’s uterus or has them frozen for future use.
Our Virginia fertility center team helps hopeful parents determine the treatment plan that gives them the best chance of taking home a healthy baby.
How we help you decide when to move from IUI to IVF
If a hopeful mother tries a few cycles of IUI without developing a healthy pregnancy, our fertility specialist may recommend she move from IUI to IVF. While IVF is more involved and expensive than IUI, it often has better results.
Hopeful parents at our Virginia fertility center work with Dr. Sharara to determine whether they’re a good candidate for IVF. Contact us for more information about our fertility services.