{"id":83717,"date":"2020-03-04T15:25:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T13:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=83717"},"modified":"2024-01-18T16:16:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:16:54","slug":"ivf-vs-iui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/ivf-vs-iui\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences between in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re thinking about the possibility of fertility treatment, it\u2019s important at the beginning to be able to unpack the acronyms. In vitro fertilisation is normally referred to as IVF and artificial insemination<\/strong> is AI. AI is also known as intrauterine insemination, which goes by the initials of IUI. So, to be absolutely clear, IUI, artificial insemination<\/strong> and AI are all the same thing.<\/p>\n

The next and more important issue you need to know about is how each of these treatments will affect you, the patient. What are the artificial insemination UK<\/strong> regulations? How much time will you need to commit to IVF? In what circumstances might you need either treatment, how do they work and what impact will either one have on your day-to-day life?<\/p>\n

Artificial insemination: the facts<\/h2>\n

How does IUI, artificial insemination work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

IUI works by depositing a semen sample, which has been prepared in advance in the laboratory, into the uterus. It is the simplest of all assisted reproduction techniques, respecting the natural environment of the gametes as far as possible. Once conception has taken place and led to pregnancy, the woman will continue with the pregnancy in the normal way under the supervision of a midwife or doctor.<\/p>\n

What are the artificial insemination UK regulations?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

All assisted reproduction in the UK is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority<\/a> (HFEA). There are no particular regulations that limit the use of IUI, for example if a woman wishes to use sperm from a known donor or indeed her partner. However, they note that while the use of donor sperm for single women or same-sex couples may be eligible for NHS funding, the use of IUI for heterosexual couples using the partner\u2019s sperm, in cases of unexplained infertility, is unlikely to be funded.<\/p>\n

What impact will IUI have on your life? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0One cycle of IUI will take around three to four weeks and, according to the HFEA, many women might need to have several cycles before a successful pregnancy is achieved During the process, either using medication or not, your cycle will be monitored and after ovulation, a sample of prepared sperm will be deposited into your womb.<\/p>\n

For more about how the process works, have a look at the video on our YouTube channel about the IUI<\/strong> procedure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who may benefit from IUI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many people choose a private clinic such as IVI because of the restrictions of NHS funding criteria and long waiting lists. People who can access IUI <\/strong>in order to achieve their dream of pregnancy and parenthood, using their partner\u2019s sperm, include:<\/p>\n