IVF After Failed IUIs
The Center for Fertility and Gynecology has numerous ways to help you overcome infertility. The most popular fertility treatment offered today is in vitro fertilization (IVF), though many patients also achieve success through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination. It’s another common procedure at our Los Angeles, CA fertility center.
When an IUI cycle fails, patients often ask Dr. Michael Vermesh and Dr. Tannaz Toloubeydokhti if they should try IVF instead. Let’s cover some of the basics of this issue below so you understand the potential for a failed treatment cycle and what can be done about it.
How Effective Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
For couples suffering from infertility, IUI can boost their chances of becoming pregnant by a notable amount. According to figures from the American Pregnancy Association, IUI has a success rate as high as 20 percent.
How Likely Is a Failed IUI Cycle?
Given that IUI has a 20 percent success rate, a failed IUI cycle is not uncommon. There are numerous factors that may have contributed to the failed IUI cycle, which include the age of the mother or father, the infertility issue or issues the couple is facing, general health and wellness matters, and so forth.
Some couples may experience two or three failed IUI cycles before achieving pregnancy, which is not unheard of.
When Should I Consider In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
Many patients who’ve had bad results with IUI consider switching to an IVF cycle at some point. The ideal timing varies from patient to patient, however. Again, since multiple failed cycles of IUI are not uncommon, patients may simply want to try IUI again. That said, if IUI seems like a dead end for achieving pregnancy, IVF may be the best option.
Patients who’ve experience unsuccessful IUI cycles will need to consider the added cost of IVF compared to IUI, the use of fertility drugs, and other factors when it comes to health and wellness. Our team can go over the pros and cons of trying IVF in greater detail during a consultation. We want to give you the information you need to make a confident, well-informed choice about your next treatment cycle.
How Effective Is IVF?
IVF is a generally more effective fertility procedure than IUI since there is more involvement by fertility doctors. According to some estimates cited by WebMD, the success rate for IVF is around 29.4 percent. This is a notable increase over the success rate of IUI.
What If I Experience a Failed IVF Cycle?
Even with a higher success rate, success is not guaranteed with IVF. Another cycle may be required in order to achieve pregnancy. While this is frustrating, know that other couples have faced similar hurdles to having a child and that we are here to offer guidance and support on this journey.
Our doctors and staff will be compassionate and professional with you. We want you to overcome these challenges and have a realistic outlook on the process and how it can benefit you.
Learn More About IVF
To learn more about starting a family or building a family, be sure to contact a skilled fertility doctor and treatment specialist. You can reach The Center for Fertility and Gynecology by phone in Tarzana at (818) 881-9800 and in Bakersfield at (661) 326-1075.
