Treatment Comparison

IUI vs IVF: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are two of the most common fertility treatments in the UK. Understanding the difference between IUI and IVF (including costs, success rates, and what each involves) can help you and your clinic choose the best path forward.

IUI

Intrauterine Insemination

Less invasive procedure Lower cost per cycle Lower success rate per cycle

IVF

In Vitro Fertilisation

More involved process Higher cost per cycle Higher success rate per cycle

Side-by-Side Comparison

IUI vs IVF: The Key Differences

A detailed look at how intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation compare across the factors that matter most.

IUI

IVF

What it is

Prepared sperm is placed directly into the womb around the time of ovulation

Eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, then the embryo is transferred to the womb

How it works

Monitoring ovulation (sometimes with mild stimulation), then inserting a thin catheter to place washed sperm in the uterus

Ovarian stimulation with daily injections, egg collection under sedation, laboratory fertilisation, embryo culture, and transfer

Success rate per cycle

10–20%

25–35%

Average UK cost

£700 – £1,500
per cycle

£3,000 – £5,000
per cycle (excl. medication)

Number of clinic visits

2–3

5–8

Medication

Minimal or none. Sometimes a trigger injection or mild oral stimulation

Daily hormone injections for approximately 10–14 days to stimulate the ovaries

Anaesthesia needed?

Yes, sedation for egg collection

Time from start to end

2–4 weeks

4–6 weeks

Who it's best for

Unexplained infertility
Mild male factor
Single women using donor sperm
Same-sex female couples

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Severe male factor infertility
Failed IUI cycles
Advanced maternal age
Genetic testing needed (PGT)

Can use donor sperm?

Yes

NHS funded?

Potentially
Varies by area

Starting Point

When IUI Might Be Recommended First

Many clinics will suggest trying IUI before moving to IVF, particularly if you are under 35, have open fallopian tubes, and there is no severe sperm issue. IUI is often a first step because it is less physically demanding, significantly cheaper, and can be effective for the right candidates.

Your clinic may recommend 3–6 IUI cycles before considering IVF. If you are using donor sperm (for example, as a single woman or in a same-sex partnership), IUI with donor sperm is often the natural starting point.

Some NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) require patients to try IUI before funding IVF treatment, so it is worth checking what your local policy is.

Recommended For

When IVF Is the Better Option

IVF is typically recommended when there is a specific medical reason that makes IUI unlikely to succeed. This includes blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility (very low sperm count or motility), or a diagnosis that requires more advanced intervention.

If you have already tried several IUI cycles without success, your clinic will usually recommend progressing to IVF, which offers a higher chance of pregnancy per cycle.

For women over 38, or those with diminished ovarian reserve, IVF may be recommended as a first-line treatment to maximise the chances of success without losing time. IVF also allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) if there is a known genetic condition in the family.

Your Journey

Can I Switch from IUI to IVF?

Yes, absolutely. It is very common for patients to start with IUI and then move on to IVF if it is not successful. Your fertility consultant will review your results after each cycle and advise on the best next step.

There is no medical downside to trying IUI first, and the information gathered during IUI cycles (such as how you respond to medication and how sperm performs after washing) can actually help your clinic plan a more tailored IVF cycle.

The main consideration is time. If age is a significant factor, your consultant may recommend moving to IVF sooner rather than completing multiple IUI attempts.

Related Treatment

ICSI vs IVF: What Is the Difference?

You may also hear about ICSI when exploring IVF. Here is how they compare.

Conventional IVF

In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish and fertilisation happens naturally. The sperm must be able to penetrate the egg on its own. This approach works well when sperm quality is normal.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

With ICSI, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into each egg using a very fine needle. The rest of the IVF process remains the same. ICSI is recommended when there is a significant male factor issue, when using surgically retrieved sperm, or after previous IVF cycles with poor fertilisation.

Good to know: ICSI is not a separate treatment from IVF. It is a technique used during the IVF process. The difference between IVF and ICSI is only in how the egg is fertilised. Your clinic will advise which method is best based on your sperm analysis results. In the UK, ICSI is used in around half of all IVF cycles.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Search our directory of HFEA-regulated fertility clinics across the UK. Filter by treatment type to find clinics offering the treatment that is right for you.

Find Clinics Offering IUI Find Clinics Offering IVF

Important Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Success rates, costs, and treatment details can vary significantly between clinics and individual circumstances. The figures provided are general UK averages and should be used as a guide only.

Always consult with a qualified fertility specialist or your GP before making decisions about treatment. For the most up-to-date clinic information, visit the HFEA website.

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