“When you’re ready to grow your family, one of the hardest questions is: Do we start with IUI—or jump straight to IVF? The right choice depends on your unique journey.”
Choosing a fertility treatment isn’t just medical—it’s emotional, financial, and deeply personal. Many couples in Nigeria (and worldwide) wrestle with whether to begin with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or go directly to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
At HopeNests, we’ve seen how clarity empowers couples. This guide breaks down when IUI makes sense, when IVF may be the better path, and how to decide.
What Is IUI?
- A procedure where sperm is washed and placed directly into the uterus.
- Less invasive and more affordable than IVF.
- Typically recommended for:
- Mild male factor infertility
- Ovulation issues
- Unexplained infertility (early stage)
- Younger women with good ovarian reserve
👉 Success rates: ~10–20% per cycle (varies by age & cause).
What Is IVF?
- Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and transferred back into the uterus.
- More advanced but more costly and physically demanding.
- Recommended for:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility
- Advanced maternal age (35+)
- Failed IUIs
- Genetic testing needs
👉 Success rates: ~35–50% per cycle (age-dependent).
Key Differences: IUI vs IVF
| Factor | IUI | IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Nigeria avg.) | ₦150,000–₦400,000 | ₦1.5M–₦3M+ |
| Invasiveness | Minimal | High (injections, egg retrieval, lab work) |
| Success per cycle | 10–20% | 35–50% |
| Time to results | May require multiple cycles | Fewer cycles, higher per-attempt success |
When to Start with IUI
- You’re younger (<35) with good ovarian reserve.
- The infertility cause is mild or unexplained.
- You want a lower-cost, lower-intervention first step.
When IVF Might Be Better
- You’re over 35 with lower AMH levels.
- You’ve already tried 3–4 IUIs without success.
- There’s a clear medical reason (blocked tubes, severe sperm issues).
- You need faster, higher odds of success.
Emotional & Financial Considerations
- IUI is often seen as a “gentle first step” but can become costly if repeated.
- IVF is emotionally and physically intense but may shorten the journey overall.
- Couples should balance medical facts with personal readiness—and seek expert guidance.
HopeNests Insight
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You are the hero of your fertility journey—our role is to guide you with clarity. Whether you start with IUI or IVF, the most important step is choosing a trusted clinic and preparing your body and mind for the process.
