“Three different paths. One shared dream: parenthood. The question is—which option is right for you?”
When faced with fertility challenges, couples often feel caught between choices—IUI, IVF, or surrogacy. Each path comes with different costs, emotional weight, and success rates.
At HopeNests, we know that clarity makes decisions less overwhelming. This guide helps you understand the differences and when each treatment is most effective.
Option 1: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- What it is: Sperm is washed and placed directly into the uterus.
- Best for:
- Mild male factor infertility
- Ovulation issues
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Pros: Less invasive, lower cost, can be a good first step.
- Cons: Lower success per cycle (~10–20%). Multiple attempts may be needed.
Option 2: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- What it is: Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, then transferred back to the uterus.
- Best for:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male infertility
- Women over 35 or with low ovarian reserve
- Failed IUI attempts
- Pros: Higher success rates (35–50% per cycle depending on age).
- Cons: More expensive, physically demanding, and emotionally intense.
Option 3: Surrogacy
- What it is: Another woman carries a pregnancy for you, using either your embryo or a donor’s.
- Best for:
- Women with medical conditions preventing pregnancy
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Absence of a uterus
- Pros: Offers biological parenthood when carrying isn’t possible.
- Cons: Legally and emotionally complex, higher financial cost.
How to Decide: Key Questions to Ask Yourself
- What’s our medical situation?
- Blocked tubes, severe male factor, or low ovarian reserve may point toward IVF.
- Mild or unexplained infertility could start with IUI.
- How much time do we have?
- Age matters—if you’re over 35, IVF may be more effective than multiple IUIs.
- What’s our emotional and financial capacity?
- Surrogacy and IVF are costlier but may shorten the journey.
- What does our faith and culture say?
- For many in Nigeria, this is an important part of decision-making.
HopeNests Insight
Every couple’s journey is different. You are the hero of this decision. Our role is to guide you with knowledge, compassion, and practical next steps—so you can choose the path that fits your health, values, and dreams.
