What is IVF treatment?
IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a special medical procedure that helps individuals or couples who are unable to conceive a baby naturally to have a chance at becoming parents. It involves the process of combining an egg and sperm outside of the body in a laboratory setting. This method of assisted reproduction has proven to be highly effective in helping people get pregnant when other treatments have not been successful. It can be a suitable option for various fertility issues such as problems with the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, low sperm count, and more.
IVF is considered a safe procedure that significantly improves the chances of achieving pregnancy. It offers hope and support to individuals or couples who desire to have a child but are facing difficulties in doing so. Moreover, IVF also provides opportunities for single women and same-sex couples to experience the joy of parenthood by using donated eggs or sperm. This groundbreaking technique has opened doors for many people who dream of having their own healthy baby. It’s a successful procedure with minimal complications which is precisely why its demand has boomed in recent years.
What is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) are two different types of fertility treatments that are often suggested to patients who can’t conceive through natural methods. While both the procedures are aimed at helping infertile couples of individuals get a step closer to their dream of becoming parents, there are certain differences between the two. Let us discuss at the differences between the two procedures:
- In IVF, eggs are surgically retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The embryos formed from this procedure are cultured and transferred into the uterus for potential implantation. In contrast, IUI involves the direct placement of prepared sperm into the woman’s uterus with the help of a catheter. This is done during the woman’s ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
- In the IVF procedure, the fertilization occurs outside the body in a petri-dish. On the other hand, in IUI, the fertilization takes place within the woman’s reproductive system, naturally.
- An IVF procedure is suggested in more complex cases of infertility, whereas IUI is suggested in less serious cases. There’s also a difference in the cost of the two procedures. IUI procedures typically cost lower compared to IVF procedures.
- The success rates of these two procedures also vary. IVF procedures typically have higher success rates compared to IUI procedures.
These two procedures can work differently for different patients. The doctors determine which procedure would work best for an individual after a careful assessment of their overall health, and understanding the cause of infertility.
