This guide is here to help you understand the two most common options, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and how to decide what’s right for you, based on your fertility test results.
What is IVF?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation. It means fertilisation happens outside the body, in a lab.
Stimulate the ovaries: you take hormone medications to produce multiple eggs.
Egg collection: eggs are retrieved from your ovaries.
Fertilisation: the eggs are mixed with sperm in the lab to form embryos.
Embryo culture: the embryos grow for a few days.
Embryo transfer: one or more embryos are placed into your uterus.
What is IUI?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. In simple terms, sperm is placed directly into your uterus at the right time of your cycle.
You may be given Letrozole, Clomifene or injections to grow one or two eggs.
Track ovulation: your cycle is monitored to find the best time for insemination.
Prepare sperm: a sperm sample is cleaned and concentrated.
Insemination: the sperm is inserted into your uterus using a thin tube.
Understanding your fertility test results
| Test | What the result may suggest |
|---|---|
| AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) | Low (<1.0 ng/ml): lower egg reserve. Normal (1.0–3.5 ng/ml): good egg supply. High (>3.5 ng/ml): may indicate PCOS. |
| Antral follicle count | Low (<6): fewer eggs. Normal (6–10 per ovary): good reserve. High (>12 per ovary): possibly PCOS. |
| Semen analysis | Low count or poor motility: IVF may be recommended. Normal: IUI may be possible. |
| Tubal health (HSG or laparoscopy) | If the fallopian tubes are blocked, IVF is likely needed. |
Which conditions suit which treatment?
| Condition | IVF | IUI |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked or damaged tubes | Yes | No |
| Severe male factor infertility | Yes | No |
| Mild male issues | Sometimes | Yes |
| Ovulation problems | Depends | Yes |
| Endometriosis | Often | Sometimes |
| PCOS | Often | Sometimes |
| Unexplained infertility | If IUI fails | First line |
| Using donor sperm | Depends | Yes |
IVF and IUI compared
| IVF | IUI | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Fertilisation in lab, embryo transfer | Sperm placed directly into uterus |
| Invasiveness | More invasive (procedure and injections) | Less invasive |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Success rate | Higher per cycle, especially in complex cases | Lower per cycle, better for mild issues |
| Control | Embryos can be selected, frozen or genetically tested | Relies on natural fertilisation |
| Medication | More medications and injections | Minimal or none, depending on cycle type |
Which treatment might be right for me?
- Do I have blocked tubes? IVF.
- Do I have mild sperm or ovulation issues? IUI or IVF.
- Am I using donor sperm? IUI or IVF.
- Have I had multiple failed IUIs? Consider IVF.
- Am I older than 38? IVF is often more effective.
- Do I want to test embryos genetically? IVF.
Every journey to parenthood is unique. Your results, values, emotional readiness and financial considerations all matter. This guide is a starting point to help you feel informed and empowered in your next step.
This guide is for education and support. It does not replace advice from your own doctor or fertility clinic.