What is the Difference Between Artificial Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization?

Artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two different fertility treatments used to help couples conceive. Here are the main differences between the two:

Artificial Insemination (AI):

Also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Sperm is washed, concentrated, and placed directly into the woman's uterus during ovulation
Fertilization occurs naturally inside the woman's body
Less invasive and less expensive than IVF
Often tried before moving on to IVF
Suitable for women with permeable fallopian tubes, less than 3 years of infertility, and a male partner with normal semen

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

Eggs are surgically removed from the woman and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory
Fertilization occurs outside the woman's body in a laboratory
More invasive and expensive than AI
Used for various types of infertility, including problems with the uterus, tubal issues, endometriosis, age factors, low sperm count and/or motility, unexplained infertility, and others
Has higher success rates than AI

A fertility specialist can help determine the best treatment method based on individual circumstances.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Artificial Insemination and In Vitro Fertilization?

Comparative Table: Artificial Insemination vs In Vitro Fertilization

Here is a table comparing the differences between Artificial Insemination (AI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

Artificial Insemination (AI)	In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
AI introduces selected semen into the woman's uterus.	IVF involves retrieving a woman's eggs to be fertilized in the laboratory and later transferred back to the uterus.
Fertilization happens "live" inside the woman, specifically in the fallopian tube.	Fertilization happens "live" outside the woman, in the laboratory.
AI is a simpler technique.	IVF is a more complex technique.
Pregnancy rates for AI are 25% - 30%.	IVF has a higher pregnancy rate compared to AI.
AI is often the first step in fertility treatment and is less expensive than IVF.	IVF is recommended when fertility drugs and AI have already failed or are unlikely to work.
AI can be used by single women or same-sex couples.	IVF can be used by same-sex couples or when AI has failed.
AI bypasses the need for intercourse, especially in cases of erectile dysfunction or immotile sperm.	IVF bypasses the need for intercourse and can be used in cases of severe male factor infertility.

In summary, AI is a simpler and less expensive method that introduces sperm directly into the woman's uterus, while IVF involves retrieving eggs from the woman, fertilizing them in the laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) back to the uterus. AI is often the first step in fertility treatment, while IVF is recommended when AI has failed or is unlikely to work.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.