Procedure Guide
IVF vs. IUI: What's the Difference?
By Haute MD Editorial Team · January 2026 · 6 min read · Last updated: May 2026
Direct Answer
IUI (intrauterine insemination) places sperm directly into the uterus — simpler, lower cost, lower success rate. IVF (in vitro fertilization) fertilizes eggs outside the body and transfers embryos — more complex, higher cost, significantly higher success rates. IUI is typically tried first for mild fertility challenges; IVF for more complex cases.
Who It's For
- Couples trying to conceive for 12+ months (or 6+ months if the woman is 35+) without success
- Patients with diagnosed fertility challenges — ovulatory dysfunction, mild male factor, unexplained infertility
- Patients with blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor, or advanced reproductive age (typically IVF)
- Patients pursuing fertility preservation, donor cycles, or preimplantation genetic testing
- Same-sex couples and single parents by choice using donor gametes
How It Works
IUI involves stimulating ovulation (usually with oral medication), tracking egg development via ultrasound and bloodwork, then placing washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. IVF involves ovarian stimulation with injectable medications to produce multiple eggs, egg retrieval under sedation, fertilization in the laboratory (often via ICSI), embryo culture for 3-5 days, optional genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M), then transfer of one embryo to the uterus.
IVF vs. IUI: Side-by-Side
| Factor | IUI | IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure complexity | Simple, in-office | Multi-step, includes retrieval surgery |
| Cost per cycle (US) | $500-$4,000 | $15,000-$30,000+ |
| Success rate per cycle (under 35) | 8-15% | 40-50%+ |
| Time per cycle | 2-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Best for | Mild male factor, unexplained infertility, ovulatory issues | Blocked tubes, severe male factor, age 38+, PGT, donor cycles |
| Medications | Oral or low-dose injectable | High-dose injectable |
Recovery & What to Expect
IUI has essentially no recovery — patients resume normal activity the same day. IVF egg retrieval is a 20-minute outpatient procedure under sedation; most patients rest the day of retrieval and resume normal activity the next day. Embryo transfer takes 5-10 minutes with no anesthesia and no downtime. Bloating and mild discomfort from ovarian stimulation typically resolves within a week of retrieval.
How to Choose a Provider
Choose a reproductive endocrinologist board-certified in REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility). Evaluate the clinic's live birth rates (not just clinical pregnancy rates) reported to SART and CDC. Confirm the embryology laboratory is high-quality with experienced embryologists. Look for a physician who communicates clearly through emotionally complex cycles and personalizes protocols rather than applying a one-size-fits-all template.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try IUI before IVF?
It depends on age, diagnosis, and time pressure. For patients under 35 with unexplained or mild infertility, 3 IUI cycles before moving to IVF is a common approach. For patients 38+, with significant male factor, blocked tubes, or after IUI failure, IVF is typically recommended directly.
What is the success rate of IVF?
IVF success per cycle varies dramatically by age — typically 40-50% live birth rate per transfer for women under 35, declining to 5-10% by age 42 using a patient's own eggs. Cumulative success across multiple cycles is significantly higher. Donor egg IVF achieves 50%+ live birth rates regardless of recipient age.
How much does IVF cost in the United States?
A single IVF cycle typically costs $15,000-$30,000 plus medication ($3,000-$7,000). Add-ons like PGT, ICSI, and frozen embryo transfers add additional cost. Some employers and a growing number of states offer fertility coverage.
What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
PGT is a laboratory process that screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or specific genetic conditions (PGT-M / PGT-SR) before transfer. PGT-A is commonly used to improve implantation rates and reduce miscarriage risk, particularly for patients 35+ or with recurrent loss.
Is IUI a good option for same-sex couples and single parents?
Yes. IUI with donor sperm is a common, lower-cost first-line option for same-sex female couples and single parents by choice. Patients with diagnosed fertility issues, advanced age, or unsuccessful IUI cycles typically move to IVF.
Who is the best IVF specialist in New York?
Haute MD's featured New York IVF specialist is Dr. Brian Levine, founding partner of CCRM New York — a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist recognized for IVF, egg freezing, and preimplantation genetic testing.
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