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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between IVF and IUI?

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The main difference between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) lies in the process of fertilization. Here are the key differences:

  1. Fertilization: In IUI, sperm is placed directly into the woman's uterus, allowing fertilization to take place internally. In IVF, fertilization occurs externally in a laboratory, where sperm and eggs are combined in a Petri dish.
  2. Invasiveness: IUI is a less invasive procedure compared to IVF. It involves injecting the sperm into the uterus, while IVF requires egg retrieval and transfer of the resulting embryos into the woman's uterus.
  3. Cost: IUI is generally less expensive than IVF, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,000 per cycle. IVF, on the other hand, typically costs between $11,000 and $12,000 per cycle.
  4. Success Rates: IVF has higher success rates than IUI, making it a more common choice for couples with severe male factor infertility or other factors affecting conception.

Both IUI and IVF are fertility treatments that may be recommended for couples having difficulty conceiving. A fertility specialist can provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment option based on individual circumstances and factors such as age, primary cause of infertility, and laboratory quality.

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  • What is the Difference Between IVF and IUI?
  • Comparative Table: IVF vs IUI

    • Comparative Table: IVF vs IUI

    Feature IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
    Definition A non-surgical, outpatient procedure that involves inserting sperm directly into the woman's uterus. A process where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryos are placed back into the uterus.
    Purpose IUI increases the chances of pregnancy by giving sperm a head start and ensuring insemination happens at the time of ovulation. IVF is a more involved process that can treat a wider range of fertility issues, including age-related infertility and unexplained infertility.
    Invasiveness Less invasive than IVF. More invasive than IUI.
    Success Rate Lower success rate compared to IVF. Higher success rate compared to IUI.
    Cost Generally less expensive than IVF. More expensive than IUI.
    Fertilization Sperm is inserted directly into the uterus, but fertilization still occurs inside the woman's body. Fertilization occurs outside the woman's body, in a laboratory.
    Genetic Testing Embryos created in the lab cannot be biopsied for genetic testing. Embryos created in the lab can be biopsied for genetic testing.

    Both IUI and IVF are artificial fertility treatments used to help couples conceive when natural methods are not successful. However, they differ in their procedures, success rates, costs, and invasiveness.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.