How many IUI cycles should you try before moving to IVF?

Most doctors recommend 3–4 IUI cycles before considering IVF, especially if age or underlying conditions are factors.

Some discomfort is expected (especially during egg retrieval), but pain is usually manageable with rest and mild medication.

How successful is IVF compared to IUI?

IUI helps about 1 or 2 out of every 10 people, but IVF helps about 4 to 6 out of 10, depending on how healthy and old the person is.

Can I use donor eggs or sperm in IVF?

Yes. IVF allows the use of donor gametes, which can be helpful in cases of low egg reserve or male infertility.

IUI vs IVF: When Should You Consider Moving On?

Most people begin their treatment with IUI, especially when trying naturally just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s relatively simple, less expensive, and non-invasive compared to IVF. It involves placing washed sperm directly into the uterus.

What’s IVF Really Like?

Some people say IVF feels like a big challenge. That’s true, it can be a lot to go through. But it’s also more targeted and powerful.
Here’s what IVF usually involves:

Hormonal injections to stimulate egg production
Retrieval of mature eggs from the ovaries
Lab fertilisation using your partner’s or donor sperm
Monitoring embryo growth
Transferring the best embryo(s) into the uterus
And two weeks later, a pregnancy test

Yes, it’s more physically and emotionally demanding than IUI. But IVF brings better odds, especially when IUI cycles haven’t worked. For some, this is the real starting point.

When Do Most People Know It’s Time?

People don’t usually wake up one day and say, “Right, today’s the day we switch to IVF.” It’s a creeping realisation. A mix of gut feeling and facts.

Here are signs people often notice:

Multiple failed IUI cycles: If trying to have a baby doesn’t work after a few times, doctors may gently say it’s okay to stop and think about other ways.
Age is becoming a factor: For those in their mid-to-late 30s, IVF offers a better shot, especially with declining ovarian reserve.
Underlying conditions like endometriosis or blocked tubes: IUI might not even make sense here.
Male factor infertility: If sperm count or motility is low, IVF with ICSI (injecting sperm directly into the egg) can bypass the issue.
You’re emotionally drained: The wait, the disappointment, the repeating, it adds up.
You’re financially ready: IVF is a bigger investment. And even though it’s not cheap, some people feel ready to save or go in fully informed.

Feeling Torn About IVF? Here’s What Might Help You Decide

Here’s what might help you feel more grounded in your decision:

Get a second opinion: Sometimes, just hearing from another fertility specialist can clear the fog.
Ask about testing options: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can improve your IVF success by selecting genetically normal embryos.
Plan your calendar: IVF requires appointments, scans, and rest days. You don’t have to do everything; it’s good to make space in your day to rest and breathe.
Check your insurance or financing options: Yes, IVF is expensive. But many hospitals offer EMI options, and some insurance plans now cover parts of it.
Think beyond success rates: Ask yourself: What do I need emotionally right now? If continuing IUI is more exhausting than hopeful, IVF might offer relief.

IVF Might Be the Next Step and That’s Okay

It's okay if you didn’t plan for the spreadsheets, the injections, the early morning scans. You just wanted to grow your family.
But if IUI hasn’t brought you closer to that dream, IVF might be your ally, not your last resort. Many people describe IVF as the reset their fertility journey needed. Not a backup. Not a failure. Just the next brave step forward.
It’s okay to outgrow IUI. It’s okay to pause, cry, and regroup. It’s okay to want to do whatever it takes or not.
But if that little voice in your head is saying: “Maybe we’re ready.” Then trust yourself. IVF isn’t the easiest road, but it could be the one that gets you home.
Disclaimer: Always speak with your fertility specialist before making any treatment decisions. Each case is unique, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. This article has interesting facts, but your doctor is the best person to help with your health.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on IUI vs IVF: When Is It Time to Consider Moving On?

How many IUI cycles should you try before moving to IVF?
Most doctors recommend 3–4 IUI cycles before considering IVF, especially if age or underlying conditions are factors.
Is IVF painful?
Some discomfort is expected (especially during egg retrieval), but pain is usually manageable with rest and mild medication.
How successful is IVF compared to IUI?
IUI helps about 1 or 2 out of every 10 people, but IVF helps about 4 to 6 out of 10, depending on how healthy and old the person is.
Can I use donor eggs or sperm in IVF?
Yes. IVF allows the use of donor gametes, which can be helpful in cases of low egg reserve or male infertility.