whats the difference....

between IUI and invitro?? Do you have to have one over the other?

Re: whats the difference....

IUI= intrauterine insemination. With this procedure your DH provides a sperm sample which they "wash" to get a concentrated sample of the strong swimmers. Then they take this sample and place them directly into your uterus using a very thin catheter. It's minimally invasive.

IVF= in vitro fertilization. This will require you to go on medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce a large number of eggs You will be monitored very closely to watch your response to the meds. When they see that your eggs are mature you go in and they surgically retrieve them transvaginally with a needle. Your DH provides a sample and they place the egg and sperm in a petri dish and that is where fertilization happens. Or if you have male factor issues (like me!) they pick a single sperm and fertilize each egg individually by hand. Then they let the embryos grow in the lab for 3 to 5 days at which point they are transferred back into you. It is a MUCH more time consuming process then IUI but the success rates are generally much higher.

If you have more specific questions let me know. I just finished IVF and had done a few IUI's before that

Re: whats the difference....

There are many reasons why a person would do IUI instead of or before IVF. You an your doctors should decide the best protocol for you based on your individual needs.

Re: whats the difference....

Message edited 2/5/2008 8:15:35 PM.