Fertility treatments sure love their abbreviations. To cut through the noise, here’s a guide to understanding the differences between IVF, IUI, ICI, and IVI. Find out which treatment might just be the right option for you.
If all the IVFs, IUIs, ICIs, and IVIs got you screaming “IDK!”, you’re not alone. Today, there is a wide spectrum of artificial insemination methods that’s available to women who choose not to — or can’t procreate — via penetrative sex.
You might be most familiar with In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), an assisted fertilisation process that takes place outside the vagina. The sperm and egg are combined on a petri dish by a medical professional, and then implanted back in the uterus [1]. However, as this is invasive in nature and can be costly, not everyone is comfortable with or can afford this option [2].
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got Intravaginal Insemination (IVI), whereby you use an over-the-counter device like our twoplus Applicator to deposit semen higher up the vaginal tract [3]. This can be done in the comfort of your own home, no doctors or nurses required (unless you’re into role playing — wink wink).
We fully understand that it's daunting enough to go through the process. After all, it’s one thing to read up on what to expect, it’s another to actually experience it in an attempt to conceive. Let’s start by helping you grasp the unknown a little better, with this at-a-glance comparison chart between IVF, IUI, ICI, and IVI.
As you weigh your options, have a heart-to-heart chat with your partner or a loved one before deciding what’s best for your situation. Last but not least, it's always best to seek medical information and advice from your trusted obstetrician-gynaecologist.
If you would like to try natural means of conception (aka IVI), then check out what twoplus Fertility has to offer.