IVF vs IUI

There are certain basic differences between IVF and IUI.Both are commonly held and popular treatments for infertility.

IVF or In vitro fertilization refers to a process in which the female ovaries are stimulated to produce a number of ovum cells. These cells are taken out of the ovaries through a process of suction. The entire process is carried out under the effect of general anesthesia. But mechanical ventilation is not applied in In vitro fertilization. The sperm cells and the ovum cells are then placed in a Petri-dish for fertilization followed with incubation for a minimum of 3 days to a maximum of 5 days. At the end of this stipulated period the fertilized embryos are deposited into the female uterus using a catheter. The remaining embryos are sent for further refrigeration.

On the other hand artificial insemination of intra-uterine insemination abbreviated as IUI refers to a process in which the semen is collected after an ejaculation. The semen is washed out properly to pick the best sperm cells and a concentration of the sperm cells are placed inside a catheter. In the next phase this catheter is passed into the female cervix leading straight to the uterus where the sperm is supposed to be deposited. From this point the sperm cells find their own way into the fallopian tube in search of the egg cell and restore a successful pregnancy.

In vitro fertilization is particularly performed in those cases where the fallopian tubes are blocked, or at an advanced reproductive age or in cases of inexplicable fertility and low sperm count. On the other hand, artificial insemination or intra-uterine insemination can be performed only in those cases where the fallopian tubes are essentially open. This process is carried out in close proximity with some sort of an ovarian stimulation. For this purposes medications like gonadotropins and clomid may be used. IUI is often also used to treat cases of reasonably low sperm count and infertility caused due to unknown reasons.

Summary:

1) IVF or In vitro fertilization is carried out through stimulation of the female ovaries and the fertilization process takes place in vitro, outside the body. In intrauterine insemination the fertilization process takes place inside the female uterus where the best quality sperm cells are placed artificially.

2) IVF can be carried out even when the fallopian tubes are blocked. But IUI can be carried out only via the fallopian tubes.