IUI, IVF or ICSI? Compare fertility treatment options
IUI, IVF and ICSI are the three most common fertility treatment methods using donor sperm. They may sound similar, but they differ in how they work, what they require, and when they’re recommended.
Below, we break down the basics to inform and empower your decision.
IUI, IVF and ICSI explained
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
What is it?
IUI is a relatively simple and low-intervention treatment where donor sperm is inserted directly into the uterus during ovulation. It’s often the first step for many single women and couples using donor sperm.
Typically used when:
- You have healthy ovulation
- You’re trying with donor sperm for the first time
- You have no known fertility issues
Pros:
- Less invasive
- More affordable
- Often covered by public healthcare systems (depending on your country)
IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation
What is it?
In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo is then transferred back into the uterus.
Typically used when:
- You have reduced fertility (age, egg reserve, etc.)
- IUI hasn’t resulted in pregnancy
- You want to maximise chances with fewer cycles
Pros:
- Higher success rates (especially with younger eggs)
- Greater control and monitoring
ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
What is it?
ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm cell is injected directly into each egg. It’s often used when sperm quality or motility is low.
Typically used when:
- Sperm count or motility is low
- Using frozen donor sperm with a lower MOT
- Previous IVF cycles didn’t result in fertilisation
Pros:
- Increases fertilisation chances with low-motility sperm
- Commonly used in cases with male factor infertility
Ask your clinic
Knowing the basics of IUI and IVF hopefully gives you an idea of which one you want to go with, but it's always a good idea to consult your clinic – they'll recommend a treatment suitable for your exact situation.
If you haven't settled on one yet, we can help you find a clinic.
A note on sperm quality
The cost and success of each attempt is affected by the motility (MOT) of the sperm used.
We're happy to help
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to fertility. If there's anything you're not sure about, we’re here to help.