ICI vs IUI Success Comparison

• What is the most effective artificial insemination method?
• Is IUI more successful than at home insemination?
• Is ICI cheaper than IUI?

My wife and I have felt the pain of not being able to achieve pregnancy. So we approached our doctor and were recommended IUI treatment. We are happy with results.

Salil, IUI patient.

In some cases, women also go for home insemination. Here they use donor sperms that can be inserted into the body. Given the non-surgical nature of this procedure, some prefer it for the economical costs. However, it is advisable you contact a doctor before taking any decision.

IUI: Intra Uterine Insemination

In IUI, sperm units are processed at the fertility clinic and are inseminated directly into the female uterus. This is done to filter the natural sperm tissues and remove an dead or unusable sperm cells. Then the healthy units are processed to freeze them with optimal pH levels. At time of IUI treatment, the ready IUI units are placed directly into the female uterus during the ovulation window. This is done at the fertility clinic by passing a catheter through the cervical canal. The objective of this procedure is to enough a good number of sperms are able to reach the female egg located in the fallopian tubes and thus improve chances of fertilization.

ICI: Intra Cervical Insemination

Since the 1800’s, doctors have been known to treat infertile women with ICI. In ICI treatment, the sperm units are untreated and need to be placed high in the vagina, close to the cervix. Now it is the job of the most motile of sperm cells to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes, to fertilize the egg and work towards normal pregnancy.

Since the treatment places the sperm units at the vagina, that is further away from the fallopian tubes, the cost of ICI treatments are lower than IUI treatments. And it takes approximately 10 minutes to perform. However, in some cases there are several ICI cycles required to get results.

Parameters for ICI / IUI treatment costs

The cost of an artificial insemination treatment depends on the preliminary diagnosis. And then the doctor gets to identify or recommend the most suitable treatment procedure, that is also based on the patient’s needs and requirements. Hence, the ICI / IUI treatment costs would vary based on the parameters mentioned here.

• Required ultrasound tests and blood tests
• Ovulation monitoring procedure
• Insemination procedure
• Doctor’s consulting fees
• History of past miscarriages
• Any previous IUI treatments
• Sperm extraction and storage fees

Hence the best way to identify a suitable solution is to contact a good fertility specialist. You must discuss your medical history and understand the best possible treatment procedures. Only then will you be able to get a comprehensive idea of the treatment costs and plan ahead.

ICI vs IUI Success Rate Comparison

For best case scenario, a healthy woman at a younger age without any underlying fertility conditions or any medications has better chances of success with artificial insemination treatments.

What is the success rate of ICI?

According to a research study published in the journal Human Reproduction, the pregnancy rate for ICI is 37.9 percent after six treatment cycles.

What is the success rate of IUI?

According to a research study published in the journal Human Reproduction, the pregnancy rate for ICI is 40.5 percent after six treatment cycles.