Deciding when to move from IUI to IVF
Some patients at our Virginia fertility center eventually face the question of when to move from IUI to IVF. This decision requires an understanding of how these two processes work, and the specific concerns that they address.
Comparing IUI to IVF
During intrauterine insemination (IUI), Fady Sharara MD injects sperm from a patient’s partner or sperm donor directly into the uterus. The team at our Virginia fertility center recommends IUI in several situations:
- Donor sperm
- Low sperm count
- Impaired sperm mobility
- Erectile dysfunction
IUI has a pregnancy rate of 15-20% per cycle, but using fertility medications can increase the chances of pregnancy.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process that begins when a woman takes medications for ovarian stimulation. When her eggs mature, Dr. Sharara retrieves them and sends them to the IVF lab at our Virginia fertility center. In the lab, an embryologist will fertilize the eggs with sperm from the patient’s partner or sperm donor. Dr. Sharara will transfer one or more of the resulting embryos to the hopeful mother’s uterus and he will monitor her for signs of pregnancy.
The IVF success per cycle depends on multiple factors, mostly the age and ovarian reserve status. IVF helps hopeful parents in a variety of circumstances:
- Women with damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes.
- Men with a very low sperm count.
- Couples with genetic diseases.
- Women who are 35 or older.
- Couples with unexplained fertility.
- Patients who are using donor eggs.
- Patients with moderate or severe endometriosis
- Men with low CAP scores
Understanding when to move from IUI to IVF
Patients who are wondering when to move from IUI to IVF should consider:
- Whether IVF is better suited to their medical diagnoses.
- How many failed rounds of IUI they’ve experienced.
- The financial impact of IVF and their insurance coverage.
- Their individual chances of success with IVF versus IUI.
As you are deciding when to move from IUI to IVF, remember that our staff is here to provide support. Dr. Sharara is double-board certified in Endocrinology/Infertility and Obstetrics/Gynecology. He can help determine which procedure is right for you and your family-building goals.
For help on your fertility journey, contact our Virginia fertility center.