What Are the Success Rates of IUI and IVF?
How likely is pregnancy with IUI or IVF?There is no single success rate that applies to everyone. The chance of pregnancy or live birth varies considerably depending on factors such as age, fertility diagnosis, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, previous treatment history, and the type of treatment used.How successful is IUI?Intrauterine insemination (IUI) places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Success rates vary according to age, the cause of infertility, whether ovulation-induction medication is used, sperm quality, and other factors.In general, success rates decline with increasing age, particularly as ovarian reserve and egg quality decrease. If several IUI cycles are unsuccessful, your fertility specialist may discuss whether IVF or another treatment would be more appropriate rather than simply continuing IUI.How successful is IVF?IVF generally offers a higher chance of pregnancy per treatment than IUI, but success rates vary widely. Age at egg retrieval is one of the most important factors when using your own eggs. Outcomes can also differ according to whether fresh or frozen embryos are transferred and whether your own or donor eggs are used.It is also important to check what a “success rate” means. Statistics may report a positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, or live birth, and may be calculated per cycle started, egg retrieval, or embryo transfer. These percentages cannot be compared directly.Does age matter?Yes. Female age, particularly the age of the eggs used for treatment, has a major influence on fertility treatment outcomes. However, age alone cannot predict an individual’s chance of success.Which treatment is right for me?IUI is not always the step before IVF, and IVF is not automatically the best option simply because its average success rate is higher. The appropriate treatment depends on your age, fertility diagnosis, duration of infertility, ovarian reserve, sperm factors, previous treatments, and personal circumstances.National and clinic success rates can be useful references, but they do not represent your individual chance of pregnancy. Discuss your expected outcomes and treatment options with your fertility specialist.