IUI vs. IVF: Which Fertility Treatment is Right for You

Host Dawn Davenport, Executive Director of Creating a Family, the national infertility & adoption education and support nonprofit, interviews Dr. Daniel Williams, a reproductive endocrinologist and Medical Director with the Houston Fertility Institute.

Listen

Hit the Highlights

What is an intrauterine insemination (IUI)? What is an intracervical insemination (ICI)?
How does an IUI differ from in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
What is the difference between a medicated IUI cycle versus a natural IUI?
What medication is used for a medicated intrauterine insemination?
What are the risks of twins or higher order multiples with unmedicated IUI vs medicated IUI?
When should you consider converting an IUI cycle to an IVF cycle?
How fresh does the semen have to be?
How is the sperm prepared when doing an IUI or ICI?
What is sperm washing?
How does sperm washing/”swim-up test” work? Why might someone with a normal semen analysis not qualify for IUI?
Is sperm aspiration following a vasectomy a viable choice for IUI?
What are the chances of success with an IUI? With an ICI?
Timing of an IUI? With male factor infertility versus non male factor?
Is it better to do one or two IUI for the same month? Which one has the best pregnancy results?
How long will sperm live after an IUI?
How long will an egg be viable after it is released?
What is the best way to determine ovulation?
How long should a man abstain from ejaculation before giving a sample for an IUI?
How do you decide whether to try an IUI versus going straight to IVF?
Is there important diagnosis information that can be gained from IVF which would not be available from an IUI cycle?
What type of infertility is best treated by IUI?
How does insurance coverage play into the decision between IUI and IVF?
Does an IUI make sense when the sperm is normal?
How much does a typical unmedicated IUI cost? How much does a medicated IUI cost?
Will insurance typically cover IUIs?
What type of monitoring is typically done after an IUI cycle?
What are the risks associated with an IUI?
How many IUIs should you try before moving to in vitro fertilization?