IUI vs. IVF: Which fertility treatment is right for you?

If you’re exploring fertility treatment, you’re likely carrying a mix of hope, uncertainty and maybe even grief. Infertility can feel deeply personal, and the process of choosing between treatment options like IUI vs. IVF can seem overwhelming.

You may be asking practical questions—What is IUI? What is IVF? How do they differ?—while also navigating the emotional weight of wanting to build or grow your family.

There’s no single “right” answer for everyone. Understanding how these fertility treatments work, who they’re best suited for and what to expect can help you feel more informed and empowered as you move forward.

Understanding your fertility treatment options

Fertility treatment involves a range of medical approaches, including oral or injectable medications as well as fertility procedures, designed to help people conceive when pregnancy doesn’t happen on its own.

Two of the most common procedures, which are often used in conjunction with fertility medications, include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

While these options are often discussed together, they differ significantly in complexity, cost, rates of success and how involved the process is physically and emotionally.

For some, IUI is a natural first step. For others, IVF may offer the best chance of success. Your age, diagnosis, overall health and personal preferences all play a role in determining which option may be right for you.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination, commonly called IUI or artificial insemination, is a less invasive fertility treatment that places sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.

The IUI process

Most women undergoing an IUI cycle will take fertility tablets or less commonly, fertility injections with or without another medication to induce ovulation. This is sometimes referred to as a trigger shot.

During an IUI cycle, sperm is collected, washed and concentrated in a lab. Using a thin catheter, a doctor inserts the sperm directly into the uterus, giving it a shorter distance to travel to reach the egg. The procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes and is usually painless, though some people experience mild cramping.

IUI may also be done during a natural cycle for women using the procedure because of male factor infertility or for those using donor sperm.

Benefits of IUI vs. IVF

For many people starting fertility treatment, IUI is often the first option to consider. Key benefits of IUI include:

• The use of oral medication or fewer fertility injections prior to the procedure
• Less invasive than IVF
• Typically lower cost involved, though costs and insurance coverage will vary
• Shorter treatment timeline
• Minimal to no recovery time

Who IUI may be right for

Wondering if IUI is a good option for you? IUI is often recommended for people with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, irregular ovulation or cervical factor infertility. It may also be an option for those using donor sperm.

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a more advanced fertility treatment that involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and transferring an embryo into the uterus.

The IVF process

IVF begins with hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure and fertilized with sperm in a lab.

After several days of development, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus, with the goal of achieving pregnancy. Additional embryos may be frozen for future use.

Benefits of IVF vs. IUI

IVF is often recommended when more advanced fertility support is needed. Key benefits of IVF include:

• Higher success rate, up to 4-5 times the chance of success compared to IUI
• Ability to test embryos for genetic conditions
• More control over timing and fertilization
• Potential to freeze embryo for additional attempts or future pregnancies
• Effective for a wide range of infertility diagnoses

Who IVF may be right for

IVF is often recommended for people with blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve or those who have not had success with other fertility treatments like IUI.

Women facing treatments that may damage their eggs or ovaries, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may also elect to do IVF to freeze their eggs or embryos. This process is called fertility preservation.

IVF is also commonly used when donor eggs, donor sperm or gestational carriers are part of the plan. IVF is typically more expensive than IUI.

Deciding between IUI vs. IVF

Your fertility doctor can help you understand your treatment options and whether IUI vs. IVF is the best approach for growing your family.

In general, IUI is less invasive, less expensive and often used as an initial treatment. However, success rates per cycle are typically lower, especially for people over 35 or those with more complex fertility challenges.

IVF is more intensive, both physically, emotionally and for many, financially, but it offers higher success rates and more diagnostic information. For some, IVF may provide more control when time or medical factors are more critical.

Choosing the right fertility treatment for you

Deciding between IUI vs. IVF can feel like a heavy responsibility, especially when emotions involved. It’s OK to take time, ask questions and seek second opinions. A fertility specialist can help you understand your diagnosis, review your test results and recommend a plan that best aligns with your goals.

It’s also important to care for your emotional well-being. Infertility can be isolating, and treatment decisions may bring up feelings of anxiety, sadness or loss. Support groups, counseling and trusted loved ones can make a meaningful difference as you navigate this journey.

Above all, remember that needing fertility treatment is not a personal failure. Whether your path includes IUI, IVF or another option entirely, you deserve compassionate, expert care and support along the way.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start the conversation with a fertility specialist today.