IVF vs IUI: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You

Struggling to conceive in Bangalore or anywhere in India? You're not alone. Infertility affects an estimated 15% of couples in India, according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR). Thankfully, modern medicine provides multiple options to support your journey toward parenthood. Two of the most widely recommended options are IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

At Santaan IVF Bangalore, we’re committed to helping couples understand these options and choose what’s best for their unique journey. This blog explores the differences between IVF and IUI, how each works, success rates in India, costs, and how to know which is right for you.

What Is IUI and How Does It Work?

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a minimally invasive and cost-effective fertility treatment. It involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation. This increases the chances of fertilization by reducing the distance sperm must travel.

How IUI works is relatively simple. After basic fertility tests and timing ovulation, the sperm sample is “washed” to concentrate the healthiest sperm. Then, it is inserted into the uterus through a thin, flexible tube.The entire procedure takes around 15–20 minutes and does not require anesthesia.

When Is IUI Recommended?

Doctors may suggest IUI if:

• Mild male factor infertility (low count or poor motility)

• There’s unexplained infertility

• The woman has mild endometriosis or ovulation problems

• The couple is using donor sperm

• There are cervical mucus issues preventing sperm movement

IUI success rates vary by age, health, and fertility history. According to AIIMS and ISAR data, the success rate of IUI in India ranges from 10% to 18% per cycle for women under 35, and declines with age or repeated cycles.

What Is IVF and What Does It Involve?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a more advanced treatment. Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. One or more resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.

A basic IVF procedure overview includes:

• Ovarian stimulation with fertility medications

• Egg retrieval using a minor surgical procedure

• Fertilization of eggs in a lab setting

• Embryo culture and selection

• Embryo transfer into the uterus

• Pregnancy testing after two weeks

  
  

The IVF process usually takes a few weeks, and IVF success rates in India vary between 35% to 60% per cycle, depending on the woman's age and fertility history.

Key Differences Between IVF and IUI

Choosing between IVF vs IUI depends on your specific fertility needs. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	IUI	IVF
Invasiveness	Less invasive	More involved procedure
Fertilization Location	Inside the body	In a laboratory under expert care
Medication Involved	Often minimal	Requires hormone stimulation
Success Rate	10–18%	35–60% (India-specific)
Cost	Lower	Higher but more effective

If you’re unsure which is right for you, a consultation at Santaan Fertility Center can provide personalized answers.

When Should You Choose IVF Over IUI?

There are situations where IVF becomes the more effective or only viable option:

• Woman is over 35 years of age

• Multiple IUI attempts have failed

• Tubes are blocked or removed

• The male partner has severe sperm problems

• Endometriosis or PCOS is present

• The couple wants to screen for genetic conditions

When to choose IVF depends on both physical and emotional readiness. At Santaan, we guide you with care and clarity.

Understanding Fertility Treatment Costs

Fertility treatment costs can influence decision-making. IUI is typically more affordable, making it the first line of treatment for many couples. However, its lower success rates may lead to repeated attempts, which adds to the overall cost.

IVF is more expensive but usually offers a better return in terms of results, especially for couples with complex fertility issues. At Santaan IVF, we ensure transparent pricing with no hidden charges. Our counselors help you understand both costs and expectations from day one.

Natural Conception vs IUI and IVF

Most couples try to conceive naturally for several months before seeking help. If you're under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if over 35), it’s time to seek medical advice.

Sometimes, lifestyle changes and basic treatment are enough. But in many cases, assisted reproductive technologies like IUI or IVF are needed to improve the chances of pregnancy.

The choice between natural conception vs IUI/IVF is deeply personal, but it also depends on medical findings. At Santaan IVF, we make sure every decision is backed by evidence and explained in simple terms.

Benefits of IVF Over IUI

While both treatments aim to help you conceive, IVF comes with specific advantages:

• Higher success rates, especially for older women

• Ability to test embryos before transfer (PGT)

• Option to freeze embryos for future use

• Better control over the entire process

• Suitable for a wider range of fertility issues

These benefits of IVF over IUI often make it the best option for couples who’ve tried other methods without success.

Choosing Fertility Treatments Wisely

Every couple is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. At Santaan, we believe in listening, assessing, and customizing. Some factors that influence your treatment plan include:

• Age of the female partner

• Duration of infertility

• Cause of infertility (if known)

• Ovarian reserve and egg quality

• Sperm count and motility

• Previous pregnancy history

Our fertility specialists in Bangalore use diagnostic tools and emotional counselling to build a plan tailored to your body, goals, and timeline.

Fertility Care at Santaan IVF Bangalore

Whether you're exploring IUI in Whitefield or IVF in Koramangala, Santaan IVF provides comprehensive care. From diagnostic testing to lab excellence and emotional care, we create a safe, comforting space for every couple.

Here’s what you can expect at Santaan:

• Personalized treatment plans

• Advanced IUI and IVF labs

• Transparent pricing and outcome tracking

• Male and female fertility assessments

• Emotional and lifestyle support

With over 10,000+ couples helped across India, we bring the science of fertility together with the heart of care.

Final Thoughts

Making the choice between IVF and IUI is a deeply personal yet medical decision. Both are effective, but which one is right for you depends on your health, fertility history, and future goals. While IUI offers a simpler path, IVF may offer better results for certain challenges.

At Santaan IVF Bangalore, we provide the guidance, care, and advanced technology needed to help you make the best decision. Let us help you take that next step with confidence.

Book a Consultation Today. Call us at +91 8105108416 or visit www.santaan.in to schedule your appointment.