What is the Difference Between an Artificial Insemination and In-Vitro Fertilization?

Many people wonder about the basic differences between these two common Infertility treatments and when they’re utilized. An Intrauterine Insemination (IUI, also known as Artificial insemination) is a procedure where the semen from the ejaculate is washed to place a concentration of the best of all sperm into a catheter. The catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus where the sperm is deposited. It is up to the sperm at this point to find their way into the fallopian tube to find the egg to fertilize so that you can achieve a pregnancy. IUIs can only be performed for those with open fallopian tubes and are usually combined with some form of ovarian stimulation, such as Clomid and/or Injectable Gonadotropins. rnThis treatment can be used to treat in some cases unexplained infertility and moderately low sperm counts. rnIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where the ovaries are usually stimulated to produce numerous eggs which are later extracted out of the ovaries via suction. This procedure is done by having “general anesthesia” so that you’re fully asleep, but without having mechanical ventilation i.e. tubes down your throat. rnThe eggs and sperm are placed in a Petri-dish to allow for fertilization to occur and incubated for 3 to 5 days. A few of the resultant embryos are then placed into a catheter and deposited into the uterus with any remaining embryos being frozen. rnIVF is usually performed for those with blocked fallopian tubes, advanced reproductive age, low sperm counts, unexplained infertility to name a few. rnThe embryo’s chromosomes can also be evaluated through a separate procedure called Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to assess if an embryo has any genetic abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome. Although IVF is costly, the technology provides the highest pregnancy rate. rnIt’s always best to talk to you Doctor about what treatment is best for you. rnYou can learn more about Infertility and find Infertility Doctors. rnLearn more about Dr. Quintero, a Fertility Doctor in Los Angeles.