Understanding IVF, ICSI, and IUI: What They Are and When You Might Need Them
For couples facing fertility challenges, the world of reproductive medicine can feel overwhelming. Terms like IVF, ICSI, and IUI are often mentioned, but what do they mean, and how do they differ?
At Complete Fertility, we’re committed to making your journey as stress-free as possible. That means providing clear, compassionate care every step of the way. We take the time to educate and support you, so you always understand what’s happening and never feel unsure.
This guide breaks down each treatment method to help you better understand your options.
What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?
IUI is often the first step in fertility treatment because it is less invasive.e. IUI is often recommended if the woman has functioning fallopian tubes, preferably confirmed by saline infusion sonography, and if the man’s semen analysis is normal.
How It Works:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the chances of fertilisation.
The production of eggs is helped by the use of fertility drugs. When you are about to ovulate, the most motile sperm will be used for insemination.
Who Might Benefit From IUI:
You need to use donor sperm to get pregnant – for example you're in a same-sex couple or single.
You cannot have vaginal sex to get pregnant.
You may have a condition that means you need help to conceive, such as HIV.
What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?
IVF is one of the most well-known and effective assisted reproductive technologies.
How it Works:
In (In Vitro Fertilisation) IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in our laboratory. The resulting embryos are cultured and monitored very closely for several days before a successful embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus.
Who Might Benefit From IVF:
You have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Your fallopian tubes are blocked.
You have been unsuccessful with other techniques like using fertility drugs or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
There is a minor degree of male subfertility - more severe problems are treated with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
You are an older woman who is less likely to conceive naturally.
What is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?
ICSI is a specialised form of IVF designed to overcome significant male infertility.
How it Works:
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a type of fertility treatment that involves the injection of a single sperm straight into each egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) can then be transferred into the womb of the woman as in a normal IVF cycle.
Who Might Benefit From ICSI:
When sperm count is very low.
When your sperm cannot move properly.
When your sperm has high rates of abnormality.
When sperm has been retrieved directly from the epididymis (PESA) or the testicles (TESA), from the urine, or by electroejaculation.
When there are high levels of antibodies in your semen.
When fertilisation has failed in previous IVF treatment.
Some women get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. One in six couples in the UK experience difficulties conceiving. (WHO)
Facing infertility can be emotionally taxing, but understanding your options is empowering. IUI, IVF, and ICSI each have their place in modern fertility care, and advances in technology continue to improve success rates.
If you're considering one of these treatments, please contact us today or book an appointment with one of our fertility consultants here.
