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IVF Vs. Artificial Insemination

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When a couple is having trouble conceiving, there are several options for fertility treatments. For those who need fertility assistance, two of the most common options are in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination.

If you’re considering fertility treatments, there are several factors to consider. The fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can help you understand the differences between IVF vs. artificial insemination and what type of fertility treatment would work best for you.

How Does Artificial Insemination Work?

Women who have been unable to get pregnant after a year of trying may benefit from artificial insemination. In this procedure, sperm is inserted into the reproductive tract, usually directly into the uterus during ovulation. Since sperm are implanted directly into the uterus, they don’t have to swim as far to fertilize the egg. The sperm may be from the partner or a donor.

This is an in-office procedure that usually only takes about 10 minutes.  If you have been unable to get pregnant because of issues such as endometriosis, cervical disorders or irregular periods, artificial insemination may be a good option for you. 

Artificial insemination may also be recommended if your partner has immotile sperm or erectile dysfunction, and it may also be a good option for single women or same sex couples. It may be recommended as the first option to try if the cause of your infertility is unknown. 

How Does IVF Work?

If three or four rounds of artificial insemination are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend IVF, which is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which fertilization happens outside the body. Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs.  Once they are mature, the eggs are harvested in an outpatient procedure that’s done by using ultrasound guidance and light sedation.

The sperm and eggs are mixed together and allowed to grow in a lab setting for three to five days. Fertilized eggs are then implanted into the uterus. Embryos can also be frozen for future use.  IVF may be recommended for women who have reduced ovarian reserves, ovulation disorders or blocked fallopian tubes. 

How Does IVF Compare to Artificial Insemination?

Both IVF and artificial insemination typically include undergoing a regimen of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation and improve success rates. Both procedures involve processing the sperm by washing it to separate sperm from seminal fluid and to isolate sperm of the highest quality from the sample. 

Artificial insemination is a less invasive procedure than IVF and it’s also less costly. To determine what type of fertility treatment is best for you, your doctor considers a combination of factors such as your age, your family health history and any known health conditions you may have. 

When pregnancy doesn’t happen as easily as you hoped, medical intervention may help. If you have any questions about artificial insemination, IVF or other options for treating infertility, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the compassionate and knowledgeable team at the Center for Reproductive Health.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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