Understanding IVF and Artificial Insemination

Introduction: Two Popular Paths to Parenthood

Struggling to conceive can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. If you're one of the many couples or individuals facing fertility challenges in 2025, you’ve probably come across two major treatment options: IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), also known as artificial insemination.

Though both aim to help you achieve pregnancy, they are very different in terms of process, cost, and success rates. Choosing between them depends on your:

1. Age
2. Medical history
3. Fertility diagnosis
4. Budget
5. Past treatment attempts

This guide breaks it all down in simple terms to help you make the right decision for your fertility journey.

What Is Artificial Insemination (IUI)?

Definition

Artificial insemination—specifically IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)—is a less invasive, low-cost fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation.

Who Is It Best For?

1. Couples with mild male infertility
2. Unexplained infertility
3. Women who ovulate regularly
4. Lesbian couples or single women using donor sperm

Step-by-Step Process

1. Ovulation Monitoring – Hormonal blood tests or ultrasound to track your cycle.
2. Semen Preparation – Sperm is "washed" to select the healthiest swimmers.
3. Insemination – A thin catheter is used to insert sperm into the uterus. It’s painless and takes just a few minutes.

Success Rates

1. 10–20% per cycle
2. Higher success for younger women and when using fertility medications
3. Success may drop with age or other underlying fertility issues

What Is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?

Definition

IVF is a more advanced technique where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised in a lab with sperm, and then transferred back into the uterus as an embryo.

It’s the most effective fertility treatment available today.

Who Is It Best For?

1. Women with blocked fallopian tubes
2. Severe male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility)
3. Couples who have failed multiple IUI attempts
4. Women with low ovarian reserve or advanced age
5. Patients needing genetic testing (PGT)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Ovarian Stimulation – Hormone injections for 8–12 days to mature multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval – A minor procedure done under sedation.
3. Fertilisation – Eggs are mixed with sperm in a lab. (ICSI may be used for male infertility.)
4. Embryo Culture – Fertilised eggs grow for 3–5 days.
5. Embryo Transfer – A healthy embryo is placed into the uterus.

Success Rates (Per Cycle)

1. Women under 35: 45–60%
2. Women 35–40: 35–45%
3. Women over 40: 15–25%

Note: Success rates can be even higher with frozen embryo transfers, PGT, or donor eggs.

Cost Comparison: UK vs Turkey (2025)

Cost is a major consideration for many couples. Let’s compare private clinic costs in the UK and Turkey, particularly at the clinic of Assoc. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin, a leading fertility expert.

Key Insight: IVF offers much higher success rates, especially for patients over 35. Turkey provides both treatments at nearly half the cost, with no waiting lists and internationally accredited clinicsHow to Decide Between IUI and IVF

Not sure which route to take? Here’s a quick comparison based on your fertility situation:

Choose IUI If:

1. You’re under 35
2. You’ve been trying to conceive for less than 2 years
3. Your partner has mild sperm abnormalities
4. You want a low-cost, less invasive first step

Choose IVF If:

1. You’re 35 or older
2. You have blocked tubes, severe endometriosis, or PCOS
3. Your partner has low sperm count or motility issues
4. You’ve had 3–4 failed IUI cycles
5. You want to freeze embryos or undergo genetic testing

IVF vs IUI: Pros and Cons Table

Why Many Choose Turkey for Fertility Treatments

Turkey has become a top destination for fertility tourism, thanks to:

1. World-class fertility specialists
2. Modern IVF labs and clinics
3. Significantly lower costs
4. Shorter waiting times
5. Personalized, English-speaking care

Dr. Nurettin Türktekin, based in Turkey, is internationally recognized for offering cutting-edge fertility care tailored for international patients. His clinic provides:

1. IVF, ICSI, IUI, and egg freezing
2. Donor sperm coordination (where legally permitted)
3. Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluations
4. Holistic support throughout the process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is IUI painful?

Not at all. The IUI procedure feels similar to a Pap smear and takes just a few minutes.

Q2: How many IUI cycles should I try before moving to IVF?

Most fertility experts recommend 3–4 IUI cycles. If pregnancy hasn’t occurred, IVF may be more effective moving forward.

Q3: Can IVF guarantee a pregnancy?

No fertility treatment can offer a 100% guarantee. However, IVF has the highest success rates, especially when combined with genetic testing (PGT) and advanced techniques.

Q4: How long do I need to stay in Turkey for IVF?

Typically, you’ll need to stay 2–3 weeks for a complete IVF cycle. This includes pre-treatment tests, stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer.

Q5: Does UK insurance cover IVF or IUI?

In most cases, private insurance doesn’t cover full fertility treatments in the UK. Many couples choose Turkey for its affordability and transparent, all-inclusive pricing.

Take the First Step Toward Parenthood

Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or looking for a more affordable, effective solution, understanding the difference between IVF and IUI is key to making the right decision.

At the clinic of Assoc. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin, patients receive:

1. Personalized fertility plans
2. Affordable packages
3. Advanced reproductive technology
4. Caring, multilingual support

Don’t let cost or confusion delay your dream of becoming a parent.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and explore your best fertility options.