For single women and lesbian couples considering donor sperm treatment, one of the first questions is often: “Should we start with IUI or go directly to IVF?”

There is no single correct answer that suits all. The decision depends on age, ovarian reserve, fertility history, practical considerations and budget. You will be surprised, IVF is more “value for money” IUI, but let’s go over this systematically.

What is IUI?

IUI (intrauterine insemination) involves:

  • Monitoring ovulation
  • Acquiring donor sperm from licensed sperm-bank
  • Preparing donor sperm in the laboratory
  • Placing sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation

It is simpler and less “intrusive” than IVF.

What is IVF?
IVF involves:

  • Ovarian stimulation injections for about 12 days
  • Egg collection under sedation
  • Fertilisation of the eggs and culturing them in the laboratory for 5 days
  • Embryo transfer

IVF is more intensive / intrusive but generally has much higher pregnancy rate than IUI. You are more likely to fall pregnant after 1 attempt of IVF than 3 cycles of IUI!

When IUI may make sense

IUI can work well when:

  • You are younger
  • Your AMH and ovarian reserve are reassuring
  • Tubes are open
  • There are no major fertility concerns
  • You prefer a simpler starting point, or averse to having even a small operation like egg collection.

When IVF may be more sensible

IVF is often recommended when:

  • You want faster results
  • Busy jobs and can’t afford multiple visits to the clinic over many months.
  • Want to save on costs
  • There have been failed IUIs already
  • You want embryo freezing (for the future)
  • You are considering reciprocal/shared motherhood

The emotional and financial side

Some patients prefer to start with simpler treatment (IUI) first.

One thing people often forget is the cost of donor sperm itself. Three IUIs usually mean buying three separate sperm samples. In many women, three IUIs together may give roughly a 30–40% pregnancy chance, whereas one IVF cycle may give around a 45–55% chance depending on age and fertility factors. Since sperm samples typically cost £1500, the cost of 1 cycle of IVF at Acorn Fertility is less than 3 cycles of IUI!

With IVF, one donor sperm sample can potentially create several embryos. If extra embryos are frozen, you may be able to try again later without buying donor sperm again.

At Acorn Fertility

We try to explain treatment decisions clearly and practically.

The aim is not simply to “sell IVF” or “push IUI”, but to help you understand what makes sense in your specific circumstances.

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