The Difference Between IUI vs. IVF Fertility Treatments

The right to start a family through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a hot topic for many, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz, the Democratic party’s 2024 vice presidential nominee, has been open about his struggles with fertility and the use of IVF to conceive his daughter, Hope. He has argued against national restrictions on IVF, clashing with politicians like Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance. Anate Brauer, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, sheds light on the differences between IUI and IVF treatments. IUI, a less invasive procedure, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to increase pregnancy chances. On the other hand, IVF is a more complex process that includes fertilizing eggs in a lab before implanting embryos into the uterus. While IVF may have a higher success rate, it also comes with more side effects and emotional strain. Despite recent scrutiny of IVF, IUI has not faced similar restrictions.