ICI vs IUI: Which is Better?
A Comprehensive Guide from Your Trusted Gynecologist
Couples unable to bear a child or facing infertility are often confused between ici vs iui, hence the primary step here, is to understand the difference between the two. Ask any gynecologist near you, and you will be informed that there are different types of sperms used in these fertility treatments. And depending on availability of sperms from your donor, the diagnosis before the treatment, your fertility specialist will recommend either of the two types—Intra-Cervical Insemination (ICI) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)—to help you make an informed decision.
What is ICI (Intra-Cervical Insemination)?
ICI, or Intra-Cervical Insemination Sperms are…
ICI (Intra-Cervical Insemination) is a fertility treatment where the male sperm is inserted into the cervix of the female partner, rather than in her uterus. So this method uses unwashed sperm, meaning the sperm is inserted along with the natural fluids, much like how sperm is released during natural intercourse. Your fertility specialist may recommend this procedure in cases where home insemination is possible and a non-surgical approach is better suited. In other words, it is used in simple assisted insemination treatments where the woman’s body is capable of handling the sperm naturally, just as it happens during natural intercourse.
It can be seen commonly recommended for single women using donor sperm, a lesbian couple using donor sperm, or a couple facing male infertility issues who are open to donor sperm. In this at-home process, a syringe is used to insert the donor sperm into the vagina, allowing insemination to occur naturally.
The woman undergoing ICI treatment must monitor her ovulation cycle, and your fertility specialist may recommend certain medications to induce ovulation, if required. Once the ICI sperm has been inserted, the woman must undergo a pregnancy test within a few weeks to determine the success of the procedure.
“Depending on the woman’s age, medications taken and other fertility concerns, the average success rate of an ICI treatment is 37.9 percent after six treatment cycles”
Journal of Human Reproduction
When is ICI recommended?
- At-home insemination: ICI can be performed at home using a syringe for inserting the sperm into the vagina.
- For donor sperm use: Single women or same-sex couples often use donor sperm for ICI.
- Male infertility issues: If the male partner’s sperm quality is compromised, ICI can be an option using donor sperm.
What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?
IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination Sperms
Compared to the ICI process, IUI insemination requires some additional steps. Here in IUI the sperms are washed units, wherein the sperm cells are cleaned from the natural fluids and sent for cryopreservation at the fertility clinic. As such, the IUI sperms are used for IUI procedure and other fertility treatments like IVF too. In other words, these are processed sperms, without related natural tissues, dead tissues, and unusable sperm cells. This enables the sperms to be preserved, removes any impurities that may affect fertilization, and also provides the sperm units with optimal pH levels.
As such, the IUI sperms are in more a concentrated form, and that may help increase your chances of getting pregnant. Undoubtedly, this cannot be done at home and the gynecologist near you will recommend a session at the clinic, so the sperm can be rightly placed into the uterus.
“Depending on the woman’s age, medications taken and other fertility concerns, the average success rate of an IUI treatment is 40.5 percent after six treatment cycles”
Journal of Human Reproduction
When is IUI recommended?
- Male infertility: When sperm motility or count is low, IUI can bypass the cervix to deliver sperm directly to the uterus.
- Fertility issues: Women with mild ovulatory dysfunction may also benefit from IUI.
- Unexplained infertility: In cases where no specific cause is found, IUI can be an option.
- Donor sperm: IUI is commonly used for women seeking donor sperm for conception.
Unlike ICI, IUI requires a visit to a fertility clinic, as the procedure involves placing sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter.
ICI vs IUI: Key Differences
| Feature | ICI (Intra-Cervical Insemination) | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) |
|---|
| Type of Sperm | Unwashed sperm with natural fluids | Washed sperm, purified for better fertilization |
| Procedure | Simple at-home insemination (using a syringe) | Performed in a clinic using a catheter |
| Target Area | Inserted into the cervix | Directly placed into the uterus |
| Success Rate | 37.9% after 6 cycles | 40.5% after 6 cycles |
| Ideal Candidates | Single women, same-sex couples, male infertility issues | Male infertility, unexplained infertility, women with ovulatory issues |
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Consult a Gynecologist Near You
As you will realize, choosing between ICI and IUI treatment depends on various factors, including the cause of infertility, the woman’s age, and the sperm quality. Hence consulting a gynecologist near you is the best way to understand which option is right for your specific needs.
Our expert fertility specialists at AKPI Women’s Hospital are here to guide you through the process and recommend the best treatment plan. Dr. Samir Pawar, an experienced IVF specialist, is available for consultations and to answer any questions you may have about ICI vs IUI treatments.
For more information or to book a consultation today.