If so, you may be one of about 15-percent of women who are unable to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, and different fertility treatment options have likely crossed your Google search bar. The providers at Moreland OB-GYN know how many questions can run through the mind of someone struggling with fertility. Continue reading to learn about IUI and IVF treatment options.
Lack of fertility can have a number of causes, so your first step should be to visit with your OB-GYN and determine if there is a cause of your infertility. For most couples, there is only a 20-percent chance of pregnancy in any given month; 85-percent of couples will get pregnant in the first year of trying. In the second year of trying, the pregnancy rate is only about 5 to 10-percent.
So what if you need help conceiving? Will you use IUI or IVF? Which one is right for you? Let’s explore both options, and then discuss the pros and cons.
When people use the term “artificial insemination,” this is what they are referring to. It's a fairly simple treatment usually done in conjunction with fertility drugs. The most common medications used include clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole (Femara).
Some IUI cycles are monitored with ultrasound, others may be monitored with ovulation predictor tests at home. During an ultrasound monitored cycle, women come in for an ultrasound during their menstrual cycle, typically day 2-4, to examine the ovaries and confirm there are no ovarian cysts that could interfere with ovulation. You may be started on fertility medication to help ensure successful ovulation. When ovulation is near, you will then schedule the IUI procedure. An additional medication may be recommended to more precisely time the perfect time for insemination. Here is typically how the procedure will go:
If you are taking fertility drugs, the biggest risk is multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.). If too many eggs are developing on ultrasound, the insemination may be canceled.
If you don’t conceive after three cycles of IUI, referral to a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist is recommended because you may require IVF to get pregnant.
You might be a good candidate for IUI if any of these factors relate to you:
You may not be a good candidate for IUI if:
If IUI is not right for you, another option to look into is IVF.
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, uses a combination of medication and surgical procedures to help sperm fertilize the egg and help that embryo implant in your uterus.
IVF may take several months to complete the entire process; sometimes it works on the first try, but some people need more than one round to get pregnant.
You will first undergo screening to check the quantity and quality of your eggs and hormone levels, semen analysis, infectious disease screening, and a uterine exam. Additional tests may be ordered by your provider.
For IVF, your provider will instruct you to take medications to make several eggs mature and ready to be fertilized. These medications include those for ovarian stimulation, for oocyte maturation, to prevent premature ovulation, and to prepare the lining of your uterus. Your doctor will determine which medications you need and when to take them.
After you have taken the medications prescribed by your provider, the following will then take place:
Typical side effects after the embryo transfer include breast tenderness, mild bloating, constipation, and passing a small amount of clear or bloody fluid.
IVF does carry some risks. These risks include:
Remember, it may take several rounds of IVF before you become pregnant.
With the success rate of IVF hovering around 50 percent, it’s no wonder many couples consider it when they are having trouble conceiving naturally. But is it a good option for you? IVF may be a good option if you have these infertility diagnoses:
Who might be a bad candidate for successful IVF?
Any of the following conditions can interfere with the success of IVF:
If you have any of these issues, you may have a lower rate or chance of a successful pregnancy with IVF.
IUI and IVF are very different procedures. But how do you know which one you should pursue? Here are a few pros and cons for each process.
IUI is the less invasive and less expensive option, so if time is on your side and you don’t have any factors that prevent you from trying it, IUI could be your first reasonable option.
There is less control over what happens when you’re using IUI because you’re just trying to optimize the conditions for conception. Conception rates with IUI are 10 to 12 percent if you’re under 35, however, if you are 40 or over, you’ll have a two to five-percent chance of pregnancy.
IUI requires less medication or even none at all! If you’re over 35 years old and have tried to get pregnant for at least 6 months or you are under 35 and have tried for 12 months, consult your OB-GYN to see if this procedure is right for you.
A substantial IVF advantage is that it has about a 50-percent pregnancy rate. This is because it bypasses the common problems relating to egg transport, and you use the specific egg that is most likely going to make a baby. The egg is already fertilized, and you can freeze any extra for later use. However, it is the more expensive option.
IVF requires fertility drugs, including two to three injections per day for 8 to 12 days. The process is also surgically invasive.
IVF has a higher success rate, but is expensive and carries more risks.
The cost difference between IUI and IVF is fairly significant.
Each cycle of IUI can cost between $700 and $1,400 without insurance. IVF typically costs about $15,000 per cycle.
Of course, the cost depends on where you live, your insurance, and your medical situation.
At Moreland OB-GYN, we understand the physical and emotional strain you and your partner face from infertility, and not to mention, fertility issues are more common now than it was just a few decades ago. Our OB-GYN providers offer fertility exams and a number of options to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Moreland OB-GYN is at the forefront for fertility testing, evaluation, and treatment. Moreland also offers preconception counseling and advice for staying fertile!
Come in and see us to discover if IUI is right for you. Our dedicated team is is here to help you find a solution, so we now offer IUI at our Waukesha OB-GYN clinic. Talk to us and let's review your options. Request an appointment with a Moreland intrauterine insemination specialist today.
Note: Moreland OB-GYN does not provide In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services. If you require IVF, we can provide referrals to specialized fertility centers or collaborate with reputable IVF clinics to ensure you receive the comprehensive care and support you need.
The providers at Moreland OB-GYN are dedicated to providing women with compassionate OB-GYN care throughout life. This includes complete obstetrical care, gynecology, gynecologic and obstetric surgery, infertility services, preventive health care and more.
You can request an appointment online or give us a call at (262) 544-4411. We have convenient locations in Brookfield, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, Sussex, Watertown, and Waukesha.