IUI and IVF: What’s the difference?
If you’re exploring fertility treatment options like IUI and IVF, and wondering which treatment is best for you, you’re not alone. While your fertility specialist will guide you on these treatments many people like to know the difference between them before their consultation. In this blog we share some key facts about two of the more common assisted reproductive procedures: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
A simple way to understand the main difference between IUI and IVF is:
IUI involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus, while IVF involves fertilising eggs outside the body in a laboratory before transferring an embryo into the uterus.
IUI is less invasive, more affordable and often used as a first where some people like to start on their fertility journey.
Here are some quick facts for you on each of the procedures:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
What exactly is IUI?
IUI also known as artificial insemination, is a fertility procedure in which washed and concentrated sperm is directly inserted into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation to improve the chances of conceiving. Sperm is brought closer to the egg, bypassing the cervix and giving it a better chance of meeting, so the egg can then be naturally fertilised.
Naturally only around 15% of sperm make it into a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes after sexual intercourse. IUI ensures 100% of selected sperm enter the uterus.
IUI is less invasive and more affordable introduction to fertility treatment, often used as a first step in treatment or when donor sperm is required.
To learn more about the IUI process click here.
Who is a good candidate for IUI?
Many people question whether they should do IUI or IVF. IUI treatment is not suitable for everyone and depends on various factors, including age and the result of a semen analysis. Your fertility specialist will determine if this is a suitable treatment for you. IUI is usually recommended for people experiencing unexplained infertility, ovulatory disorders, mild endometriosis, where there is hostile cervical mucus and for single women and same-sex couples.
It’s important to note that while IUI is less expensive per cycle, costs can accumulate with multiple cycles, especially if success is not achieved early on.
What is IVF?
IVF used to treat infertility that has not responded to other medical interventions. It is a more advanced fertility treatment option for individuals with complex fertility challenges. Whilst it is more invasive than other fertility treatments, IVF offers one of the highest success rates providing the best chance to have a baby.
The process of IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body in a specialist incubator. After several days the fertilised egg, which is now an embryo, is transferred back into the female partner’s uterus. The whole process, up to the embryo transfer stage, usually takes around three to four weeks.
Some of the common assumptions with IVF include:
- I’m likely to have twins with IVF – Advances in science have seen single embryo transfer become standard practice in Australia, reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
- IVF is only for severe infertility – Yes, IVF is recommended for complex infertility but its not a last resort treatment. It’s used for unexplained infertility, male infertility and when IUI has failed.
- IVF drugs can cause cancer or early menopause – Fertility drugs have not been proven to increase breast, ovarian or uterine cancer risk or early menopause.
What is the IVF procedure?
IVF literally means “fertilisation in glass”. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The eggs are retrieved under general anaesthetic and fertilised with the partner or donors’ sperm in an incubator outside the body. The best embryo, which has been carefully selected, is transferred into the woman’s uterus in a quick procedure similar to a pap smear in the hope of achieving a pregnancy. The transfer procedure takes only a few minutes and is usually not uncomfortable. Any spare embryos that are of good quality can be frozen for the future.
To learn more about the IVF process, click here.
Who is a good candidate for IVF?
IVF is commonly used for more complex fertility issues including advanced maternal age (over 35 years), blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm count or motility and severe endometriosis. It is also recommended after unsuccessful IUI cycles or when IUI treatment is not suitable. Your fertility specialist will discuss all fertility treatment options and recommend if IVF is best for your age and individual needs.
While IVF is more invasive and typically more expensive than IUI, it also has higher success rates.
IUI vs IVF success rates
IVF offers higher success rates than IUI.
At City Fertility our success rates for IUI using partner or husband’s sperm is 10% for women aged under 39 years* In comparison, our average IVF success rates are 42.5% for women under 40 years*
(This is based on City Fertility national data collected in 2024 from all clinics in the age group under 40 years).
It is generally recommended that you progress to IVF if IUI has been unsuccessful after two attempts.
For more information about our success rates, click here.
| Feature | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,050 (Approx. $975 out-of-pocket after Medicare rebate) | $10,300 - $10,600 (Approx. $4,805 -$5,105 out-of-pocket for initial cycle) |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | More invasive – requires egg collection and embryo transfer |
| Timeline | Shorter – typically coordinated with a natural cycle | Longer – approximately 3 - 4 weeks for a complete cycle |
| Success Rates | ~10% per cycle (under 39 years)* | ~42.5% per cycle (under 40 years)* |
| Medicare Rebate | Yes – partial rebate available | Yes – partial rebate available |
| Who it’s for | Individuals/couples with mild infertility, ovulation issues, donor sperm use, or same-sex couples | Individuals/couples with more complex fertility issues (e.g. age >35, low sperm count, endometriosis, failed IUI) |
| Common Use Cases | Unexplained infertility, mild male factor, single women | Severe infertility, tubal issues, advanced maternal age, IUI failure |
*Success rates are based on City Fertility national data collected in 2024
Next Steps on Your Fertility Journey
Understanding the differences between IUI and IVF is an important when considering fertility treatment. While IUI may be less invasive and more affordable, IVF offers higher success rates. Your fertility situation is unique to you, and we encourage you to book an appointment with a City Fertility specialist to determine is IUI or IVF is best for you.
