1.What is artificial insemination/in vitro fertilization
Artificial insemination.
Artificial insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technology that uses non-coital delivery of sperm into the female reproductive tract for the purpose of conceiving a woman.
In vitro fertilization (IVF).
In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer technology (IVF-ET) is a technique in which eggs and sperm are removed separately, fertilized outside the body by artificial means and undergo early embryonic development, and then transferred to the mother’s uterus for development and birth of a baby.
2. Classification
Artificial insemination.
According to the source of semen used, it is divided into artificial insemination with husband’s semen (AIH) and artificial insemination with donor’s semen (AID).
According to the different insemination sites, they are divided into intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemination, intrauterine insemination and intrafallopian insemination. Intrauterine insemination is now commonly used.
In vitro fertilization.
It is divided into three generations according to the time of emergence. There is no superiority or inferiority among the three generations of technology, only different indications.
The first generation: conventional IVF technology (conventional IVF)
For couples where the male partner’s semen is basically normal or slightly suboptimal.
Second generation: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
For couples with serious problems with the male partner’s semen or repeated fertilization failures.
Third generation: Pre-embryo transfer genetic diagnosis (PGD)
It is suitable for couples with genetic factors and need to select healthy embryos for transfer.
3. Schematic diagram of the process
Artificial insemination.
In vitro fertilization.
4.Indications
Artificial insemination.
Indications.
Male infertility due to oligospermia, weak sperm, abnormal liquefaction, sexual dysfunction, genital malformation, etc.
Female infertility due to abnormal cervical mucus secretion, genital tract abnormalities and psychological factors leading to inability to have sexual intercourse.
Immunological infertility.
Unexplained infertility.
In vitro fertilization.
Indications.
Severe tubal disease.
Endometriosis.
Ovulation disorders.
Male partner factors: e.g. patients with low sperm count, poor viability, abnormal ejaculation or azoospermia.
Unexplained infertility, repeated failed intrauterine insemination.
Immunological infertility.
Those with hereditary diseases requiring pre-transplant diagnosis.
5.Success rate
Artificial insemination.
By December 2015, the clinical pregnancy rate of husband insemination in our center was 15-20%, and the clinical pregnancy rate of donor insemination was nearly 25%. The success rate of IUI increases with the number of attempts, but not indefinitely, and it is generally recommended to switch to IVF after 2~3 failed IUI attempts.
IVF.
By December 2015, the IVF clinical pregnancy rate at our center was stable at around 50%. It is important to note that the pregnancy rate varies among different age groups.
6.Cost
Artificial insemination.
One artificial insemination costs about 2000 RMB.
In vitro fertilization.
An in vitro fertilization costs about 25,000 to 30,000 yuan, and the cost can vary by 10 to 20,000 yuan depending on individual differences.
To summarize.
IUI is relatively simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive, with a low pregnancy rate. Patients with clear indications can undergo IVF directly, while in other cases artificial insemination can be considered first, and transfer to IVF can be considered after two failed IUIs.
Not every infertile couple needs to undergo IUI or IVF. Each method of pregnancy assistance has its own advantages and disadvantages, indications and contraindications, and your doctor will choose the one that is most beneficial to you according to your situation.