IUI vs IVF: What's the Difference and Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?

IUI vs IVF: What's the Difference and Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?

When you are trying to conceive and things are not going as planned, there are two fertility treatment names that show up everywhere: IUI and IVF. You may have heard friends talk about them, seen them in support groups, or sat in your doctor’s office wondering which one you might need.

Here is the truth. Choosing between intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is not about picking the stronger treatment. It is about choosing the right tool for the right situation. Each has its role, success rates, timelines, and emotional load.

In this guide, you will learn how IUI and IVF work step by step, when specialists recommend each one, age-related success rates, cost ranges, risks, and how long to try IUI before moving to IVF. You will also find a gentle section on how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may support your fertility journey by helping with stress, cycle balance, and overall wellness.

If you are comparing treatment paths and want natural support along the way, Project Life offers TCM-inspired formulas created to complement fertility care. Think soft support, not magic claims.

TLDR: IUI gives sperm a helpful shortcut to meet the egg inside your body. It is lower cost, less invasive, and often tried first when fertility issues are mild or unexplained. IVF happens mostly outside your body, using egg retrieval and lab fertilization. It costs more and involves injections but offers higher success rates, especially over age 35 or with diagnosed fertility challenges.

What Is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?

At their core, IUI and IVF represent two different levels of intervention in the conception process. One works with your body's natural ovulation and fertilization, while the other takes those steps outside your body and brings them into a controlled laboratory environment.

What Is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

Intrauterine insemination is the less invasive of the two procedures. Think of it as giving sperm a head start on their journey to the egg.

Here's how it works: Your doctor monitors your cycle to pinpoint ovulation, either through your natural cycle or with mild hormone stimulation to produce one or two mature eggs. When the timing is right, specially prepared (or "washed") sperm is placed directly into your uterus using a thin catheter. This bypasses the cervix and shortens the distance sperm needs to travel to reach the egg.

The actual insemination procedure takes just a few minutes and feels similar to a pap smear. There's no anesthesia required, minimal recovery time, and most people return to normal activities the same day.

IUI is commonly used for:

  • Mild male-factor infertility (lower sperm count or motility issues that aren't severe)
  • Unexplained infertility where standard tests show no clear cause
  • Cervical factor issues where cervical mucus blocks sperm passage
  • Same-sex couples or single parents using donor sperm
  • Couples who prefer a less invasive, more affordable first step

What Is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)?

In-vitro fertilization is a more complex, multi-step process that gives doctors greater control over each stage of conception.

The IVF process involves:

  • Ovarian stimulation: You'll take hormone injections for about 10 to 14 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, rather than the single egg your body typically releases each month.
  • Egg retrieval: When the eggs are mature, your doctor performs a minor surgical procedure under light anesthesia to collect them from your ovaries using an ultrasound-guided needle.
  • Laboratory fertilization: The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm in the lab. In some cases, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg (a technique called ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
  • Embryo culture: Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over three to five days in the laboratory, where embryologists monitor their growth.
  • Embryo transfer: One or sometimes two embryos are placed into your uterus using a thin catheter. Any remaining viable embryos can be frozen for future cycles.
  • IVF requires more medical visits, involves injections and minor surgery, and has a longer recovery period compared to IUI. But it also offers significantly higher success rates and works for more complex fertility diagnoses.
  • Recommendation for the designer: Simple diagram with two columns showing the IUI and IVF process steps side by side for easy visual comparison.

IUI vs IVF Overview

Category

IUI

IVF

Invasiveness

Non-surgical, simple procedure

Surgical egg retrieval + embryo lab work

Medications

None or mild stimulation

Hormone injections required

Procedure time

Minutes

Multi-step, 2 to 6 weeks

Success per cycle

10% to 20% (higher under 35)

40% to 55% under 35

Cost

$1k to $3k per cycle

$12k to $20k+ per cycle

Best for

Mild male-factor, unexplained infertility, donor sperm

Tubal issues, moderate to severe male factor, endometriosis, age over 38

Recovery

Same day

1 to 3 days for egg retrieval recovery

Risk

Mild cramping, small infection risk

OHSS, surgical risks, higher emotional load

Looking for a step you can take today that supports balance, energy, and stress while navigating medical fertility care? Explore Project Life’s TCM-inspired blends designed to support overall wellness alongside your treatment.

When Do Specialists Recommend IUI vs IVF?

Your fertility specialist's recommendation depends on multiple factors: your age, how long you've been trying to conceive, test results showing ovarian reserve and sperm quality, any diagnosed conditions, and your medical history. Professional organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) provide guidelines that help doctors make these clinical decisions.

When IUI Is Recommended

Doctors typically suggest starting with IUI when:

  • You have mild male-factor issues: If sperm analysis shows slightly lower count or motility but nothing severe, the concentrated, washed sperm used in IUI can overcome these challenges.
  • You have unexplained infertility: When all standard fertility tests come back normal but pregnancy hasn't happened, IUI is often the first-line treatment. It increases the number of sperm reaching the egg and times insemination precisely with ovulation.
  • You're under 35 with good ovarian reserve: Younger patients with healthy egg supplies typically have better IUI success rates, making it a reasonable starting point.
  • You have cervical factor infertility: If your cervical mucus is too thick or acidic, preventing sperm from passing through, IUI bypasses this barrier entirely.
  • You're using donor sperm: Whether due to male infertility, same-sex partnership, or single parenthood, IUI offers a straightforward method for using donor sperm.
  • You prefer lower cost or less invasive options: Some couples choose to try IUI first simply because it's more affordable and involves fewer medications and procedures.

When IVF Is Recommended

Your doctor will likely recommend IVF as the first choice (or after failed IUI attempts) when:

  • You have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes: IUI requires open tubes for the sperm and egg to meet. If your tubes are blocked or scarred (often from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or previous surgery), IVF is necessary because fertilization happens in the lab.
  • You have moderate to severe male-factor infertility: When sperm count, motility, or morphology is significantly compromised, IVF with ICSI (direct sperm injection into the egg) provides the best chance of fertilization.
  • You have endometriosis: Moderate to severe endometriosis can affect egg quality and implantation. IVF typically offers better success rates than IUI for these patients.
  • You have low ovarian reserve or are of older reproductive age: If your AMH levels are low or you're over 38 to 40, time matters more. IVF's higher success rates make it the more efficient choice rather than spending months on lower-success IUI attempts.
  • You've had multiple failed IUI cycles: Most specialists recommend moving to IVF after three to six unsuccessful IUI attempts, depending on your age and circumstances.
  • You need genetic testing: If you or your partner carry genetic conditions, IVF allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A for chromosome screening or PGT-M for specific genetic disorders) before embryo transfer.
  • You have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss: IVF with genetic testing can identify chromosomally normal embryos, potentially reducing miscarriage risk.

IUI vs IVF Success Rates

Success rates matter enormously when you're making treatment decisions. But it's important to understand that "success" in fertility medicine typically refers to clinical pregnancy rates (confirmed pregnancy by ultrasound) or live birth rates (taking home a baby), and these numbers vary significantly based on age and individual factors.

Age Group

IUI Pregnancy Rate

IVF Pregnancy Rate

Under 35

10% to 20% per cycle

40% to 55% per cycle

35 to 37

8% to 15%

35% to 40%

38 to 40

5% to 10%

25% to 30%

Over 40

Under 5%

10% to 20% (higher with donor eggs)

IUI Success Rates

IUI success rates are modest but not insignificant:

  • 10 to 20 percent per cycle is the typical range, depending primarily on your age. Younger women under 35 fall toward the higher end, while those over 38 see rates closer to 5 to 10 percent per cycle.
  • Success improves with ovarian stimulation: Natural cycle IUI (without fertility medications) has lower success rates than stimulated cycles where medications help you produce two to three mature eggs. However, stimulation also increases the risk of multiple pregnancy.
  • Success declines significantly after age 38 to 40: As egg quality decreases with age, IUI becomes less effective. This is why doctors often recommend IVF more quickly for patients in their late 30s and beyond.

Because per-cycle success is relatively low, many couples need multiple IUI attempts. Cumulative success rates after three to four cycles can reach 30 to 40 percent for younger patients with unexplained infertility.

IVF Success Rates

IVF offers substantially higher success rates per cycle:

  • 40 to 55 percent per cycle for patients under 35 using their own eggs. This includes both fresh and frozen embryo transfers.
  • Success declines with age but remains higher than IUI: Women ages 35 to 37 see success rates around 35 to 40 percent, dropping to 25 to 30 percent for ages 38 to 40, and 10 to 15 percent for those over 42.
  • Better outcomes for complex diagnoses: For conditions like blocked tubes, severe male factor, or endometriosis, IVF success rates significantly outperform IUI.
  • Frozen embryo transfer success: Advances in embryo freezing technology mean frozen transfer success rates now match or sometimes exceed fresh transfers, giving you options to complete your family with additional cycles using stored embryos.

Fact: IVF has approximately 3 to 5 times higher per-cycle success rates than IUI for most age groups. This difference becomes even more pronounced as age increases or when dealing with diagnosed fertility factors.

IUI vs IVF Cost Comparison

Cost is often the elephant in the room when discussing fertility treatment. Let's be realistic about what these procedures actually cost, keeping in mind that prices vary significantly by location, clinic, and whether you have insurance coverage.

Average Cost of IUI

  • Generally USD 300 to 1,000 per cycle for the procedure itself, without medications. This typically includes cycle monitoring (ultrasounds and blood work), sperm preparation, and the insemination procedure.
  • With medications, expect USD 1,000 to 3,000 per cycle total. Fertility medications for ovarian stimulation (like Clomid or letrozole for oral medications, or injectable gonadotropins for stronger stimulation) add several hundred to a couple thousand dollars per cycle.

The relatively lower cost makes IUI accessible as a first step for many couples, and insurance plans that cover fertility treatment typically include IUI with fewer restrictions than IVF.

Average Cost of IVF

Generally USD 12,000 to 20,000 per cycle for the full procedure. This includes monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, anesthesia, laboratory work, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.

Additional costs include:

  • Medications: USD 3,000 to 7,000 per cycle for hormone injections
  • ICSI (if needed for male factor): USD 1,500 to 3,000
  • Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A): USD 3,000 to 6,000
  • Embryo freezing and storage: USD 500 to 1,000 annually
  • Frozen embryo transfer cycles: USD 3,000 to 5,000 each

Many patients need more than one cycle, and the financial burden can become significant. However, some clinics offer package pricing or refund programs that reduce the per-cycle cost if you commit to multiple attempts.

Tip: From a cost-per-successful-pregnancy perspective, IVF may actually be more cost-effective for patients over 35 or with diagnosed infertility factors. Three failed IUI cycles at USD 2,000 each equals USD 6,000 with no pregnancy. One IVF cycle at USD 15,000 with a 40 percent success rate might represent better value, especially when time is a factor.

Benefits and Drawbacks: IUI vs IVF

Understanding what you gain and what you give up with each treatment helps set realistic expectations.

Benefits of IUI

  • Lower cost: At a fraction of IVF's price, IUI is financially accessible for more people and often requires less insurance negotiation.
  • Less invasive: No surgery, no anesthesia, minimal medications (sometimes none at all in natural cycle IUI). The procedure itself is quick and relatively comfortable.
  • Shorter treatment cycle: From the start of your period to knowing if you're pregnant takes just two to three weeks. There's less time commitment than IVF's multi-week stimulation and waiting periods.

Drawbacks of IUI

  • Lower success rates: The 10 to 20 percent per-cycle success rate means you'll likely need multiple attempts.
  • Higher number of cycles often required: What seems affordable at first can add up after three, four, or five unsuccessful cycles.
  • Doesn't address all fertility issues: If you have structural problems like blocked tubes or severe male factor, IUI simply can't overcome these barriers.
  • Less control over the process: You can't control how many eggs mature, whether fertilization happens, or how many embryos result.

Benefits of IVF

  1. Highest overall success rates: Starting at 40 to 55 percent for younger patients, IVF gives you the best statistical chance of pregnancy per attempt.
  2. Works for more severe infertility diagnoses: Blocked tubes, severe male factor, endometriosis, poor egg quality, IVF can address or work around these challenges.
  3. Allows genetic testing: If you carry genetic conditions or have experienced recurrent miscarriage, testing embryos before transfer can significantly improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
  4. Embryo freezing for future use: Extra embryos from one stimulation cycle can be frozen, giving you opportunities for additional pregnancies without repeating the entire process.

Drawbacks of IVF

  1. Expensive: The financial burden is real and can create significant stress, especially if multiple cycles are needed.
  2. Physically and emotionally demanding: Daily injections, frequent monitoring appointments, surgical egg retrieval, side effects from medications, and the emotional rollercoaster of waiting through each stage.
  3. Requires injections and anesthesia for egg retrieval: If you're uncomfortable with needles or worried about surgical procedures, IVF involves both.
  4. Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation: Though rare with modern protocols, OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) can be a serious complication.

How Many Cycles of IUI Should You Try Before IVF?

There's no universal answer, but medical guidelines offer some direction.

Standard recommendation: up to 3 to 6 cycles of IUI before switching to IVF. Most pregnancies from IUI happen within the first three to four attempts. After that, continuing with IUI offers diminishing returns.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that if you haven't conceived after three to four well-timed IUI cycles with ovarian stimulation, moving to IVF makes sense from both a success rate and time efficiency perspective.

Earlier switch for specific situations:

  • Women over 35: Time is more precious when egg quality declines with each passing month. Many specialists recommend moving to IVF after just two to three IUI attempts, or even starting with IVF if you're over 38 to 40.
  • Diagnosed fertility factors: If you have moderate endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, or other conditions that lower IUI success odds, fewer IUI cycles make sense before advancing to IVF.
  • Multiple IUI failures despite perfect conditions: If you've had three IUI cycles with excellent timing, good sperm parameters, and confirmed ovulation but no pregnancy, something else is likely preventing conception. IVF can help identify issues like poor fertilization or embryo quality.

The decision ultimately depends on your specific situation, your tolerance for the emotional and financial aspects of treatment, and your doctor's assessment of your best path forward.

Risks and Side Effects of IUI vs IVF

Both procedures are generally safe, but they do carry some risks worth understanding before you begin treatment.

IUI Risks

  1. Cramping: Mild cramping during or immediately after the procedure is common, similar to menstrual cramps. It typically resolves within hours.
  2. Minor infection risk: Any procedure involving the cervix carries a small risk of introducing bacteria. Your clinic uses sterile technique to minimize this risk, and infection remains rare.
  3. Multiple pregnancy risk with stimulation: If you use fertility medications to produce multiple eggs, there's a 10 to 20 percent chance of twins and a small chance of triplets or more. Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both mother and babies.
  4. Ovarian hyperstimulation (rare with IUI): When using injectable medications, there's a small risk of producing too many follicles, leading to ovarian enlargement and discomfort. This is much less common and less severe with IUI doses than with IVF stimulation.

IVF Risks

  1. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): The high-dose medications used to produce multiple eggs can sometimes overstimulate your ovaries, causing them to swell and leak fluid into your abdomen. Mild OHSS is common (bloating, mild discomfort), but severe cases requiring hospitalization occur in 1 to 2 percent of cycles. Modern protocols using lower medication doses and careful monitoring have reduced severe OHSS rates significantly.
  2. Egg retrieval risks: The procedure itself carries small risks of bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding organs (though this is rare). You'll be under light anesthesia or conscious sedation, which carries its own minor risks.
  3. Emotional and financial stress: The intensity of IVF treatment, the waiting periods between stages, and the financial pressure create real psychological burden. Many people benefit from counseling support during treatment.
  4. Multiple pregnancy risk: If transferring more than one embryo, the chance of twins or higher-order multiples increases. Most clinics now practice single embryo transfer for younger patients to reduce this risk while maintaining high success rates.
  5. Ectopic pregnancy: Both IUI and IVF carry a small increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube), though the absolute risk remains low.

Does IUI Hurt Less Than IVF?

Pain is subjective, but let's talk honestly about discomfort levels.

IUI involves minimal pain: Most people describe the insemination as slightly uncomfortable, similar to a pap smear. You might feel cramping when the catheter passes through your cervix, but it lasts only moments. Some experience mild cramping for a few hours afterward. No anesthesia is needed, and you can drive yourself home.

IVF involves more discomfort at multiple stages:

The daily hormone injections can cause soreness, bruising, and a stinging sensation. Most people get used to them, but some find the injections emotionally harder than physically painful.

As your ovaries enlarge with developing follicles, you'll likely feel bloated, full, and uncomfortable, especially in the final days before egg retrieval.

Egg retrieval causes the most significant discomfort. While you'll be sedated during the procedure, you may experience cramping, soreness, and bloating for several days afterward. Most people need a day or two of rest.

The embryo transfer itself is usually painless, similar to IUI, though you might have mild cramping.

If you're particularly anxious about pain or needles, talk with your clinic about pain management strategies and support options. The physical discomfort of IVF is temporary and manageable for most people, but it's still more intensive than IUI.

Are There Age Limits for IUI and IVF?

Age profoundly affects both treatment recommendations and success rates.

IUI is typically recommended for women under 40. After 40, egg quality and ovarian reserve decline significantly, making IUI success rates drop to single digits in many cases. Most doctors will suggest IVF instead to maximize your chances and use your time wisely.

That said, if you're over 40 with good ovarian reserve, using donor sperm, and have no other fertility factors, your doctor might still offer IUI as a reasonable first attempt, especially if cost is a major consideration.

IVF can be attempted up to the mid-40s using your own eggs, though success rates decline substantially after 42 to 43. At this age, chromosomal abnormalities in eggs become increasingly common, making successful pregnancy less likely and miscarriage more likely.

Many clinics set their own age limits, often around 42 to 44 for using your own eggs, though some will treat patients up to 45 or beyond if specific circumstances warrant it.

Donor eggs change the equation entirely. If you're willing to use donor eggs, age becomes much less of a limiting factor. Success rates with donor eggs (typically from women in their 20s or early 30s) remain high regardless of the recipient's age, often 50 to 60 percent per transfer. Many women successfully carry pregnancies in their late 40s and even 50s using donor eggs.

The biological reality is that your eggs age with you, but your uterus remains capable of carrying a pregnancy for much longer. If you're facing age-related fertility challenges, talk openly with your fertility specialist about realistic expectations with your own eggs versus exploring donor egg options.

How TCM Can Support Fertility Alongside IUI or IVF

Current evidence suggests TCM may support emotional wellness, stress reduction, and perceived quality of life during fertility treatment. While research is ongoing, many patients find value in integrative care that supports both body and mind.

While IUI and IVF are medical procedures that address the mechanics of conception, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a different approach, focusing on supporting overall reproductive health and wellbeing throughout your fertility journey.

It's important to be clear: TCM approaches like herbal formulas, teas, and acupuncture are not replacements for medical fertility treatment. If you have blocked fallopian tubes, TCM won't unblock them. If you have severe male factor infertility, herbs alone won't overcome it. But TCM can serve as a complementary support system alongside your medical treatment.

How TCM is commonly used during fertility treatment:

Many women use TCM protocols to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress, and support overall wellness during the months leading up to and during fertility treatment. Some preliminary research suggests possible benefits for cycle regularity and hormonal balance, though large-scale clinical trials are still limited.

During IVF specifically, some patients work with acupuncturists who time sessions around key treatment milestones (stimulation phase, egg retrieval, embryo transfer) with the goal of supporting circulation, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

Traditional herbal formulas are sometimes used to support energy levels, improve sleep quality, and help women feel more balanced during the physical and emotional demands of treatment.

Important considerations

Always discuss any supplements, herbs, or complementary therapies with your fertility specialist before starting them. Some herbs can interact with fertility medications or shouldn't be used during certain phases of treatment.

Quality matters enormously. If you choose to explore TCM support, work with reputable practitioners and companies that test their products for purity and safety.

TCM should enhance your medical treatment, not replace it or delay necessary interventions. If your doctor recommends IVF, herbs alone aren't going to achieve the same results.

Patients looking for gentle, natural support during their fertility journey can explore Project Life's TCM-inspired blends designed to complement lifestyle and wellness routines. Our personalized herbal formulas are created based on your individual health questionnaire and aim to support hormonal balance, energy, and overall reproductive wellness. Visit getprojectlife.com to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between IUI and IVF?

IUI places prepared sperm directly into your uterus during ovulation, allowing fertilization to happen naturally inside your body. IVF retrieves eggs from your ovaries, fertilizes them with sperm in a laboratory, and transfers the resulting embryo(s) back into your uterus. IVF is more invasive, more expensive, and has higher success rates, while IUI is simpler, more affordable, and less medically intensive.

Which is more effective: IUI or IVF?

IVF is significantly more effective, with success rates 3 to 5 times higher than IUI for most age groups. IUI success rates range from 10 to 20 percent per cycle, while IVF success rates for women under 35 reach 40 to 55 percent per cycle. The gap widens with age and complex fertility diagnoses.

Is IVF more expensive than IUI?

Yes, substantially. IUI typically costs USD 1,000 to 3,000 per cycle including medications, while IVF costs USD 12,000 to 20,000 per cycle, plus USD 3,000 to 7,000 for medications and potential additional costs for procedures like ICSI or genetic testing. However, from a cost-per-successful-pregnancy perspective, IVF may be more efficient for certain patients.

What are the risks of IUI vs IVF?

IUI carries minimal risks: mild cramping, rare infection, and multiple pregnancy risk if using ovarian stimulation. IVF involves higher risks: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, egg retrieval complications, greater multiple pregnancy risk if transferring multiple embryos, and more significant emotional and physical demands. Both procedures are generally safe when performed by qualified specialists.

Who is a good candidate for IUI?

Good IUI candidates typically include: women under 35 with unexplained infertility, couples with mild male-factor issues, those with cervical factor infertility, same-sex couples or single parents using donor sperm, and anyone preferring a less invasive, more affordable first treatment step. You need at least one open fallopian tube and adequate sperm quality for IUI to work.

How do I know if I need IVF?

Your doctor will likely recommend IVF if you have: blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, moderate to severe male-factor infertility, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, advanced reproductive age (over 38 to 40), multiple failed IUI attempts, need for genetic testing, or recurrent pregnancy loss. IVF is necessary when IUI can't overcome your specific fertility barriers.

How many IUI cycles should I attempt before switching to IVF?

Standard guidance suggests 3 to 6 IUI cycles before moving to IVF, though most pregnancies from IUI occur within the first 3 to 4 attempts. Women over 35 should consider switching after just 2 to 3 failed IUI cycles due to age-related time constraints. Your specific diagnosis, ovarian reserve, and other factors influence this timeline.

Does IUI hurt less than IVF?

Yes, IUI involves minimal discomfort, similar to a pap smear, with possible mild cramping during and after the procedure. No anesthesia is needed. IVF involves more discomfort: daily injections, bloating as ovaries enlarge, soreness after egg retrieval requiring sedation, and cramping for several days post-procedure. Most people find IVF manageable but more physically demanding.

Are there age limits for IUI or IVF?

IUI is typically recommended for women under 40 because success rates drop significantly after that age. IVF can be attempted into the mid-40s using your own eggs, though success rates decline substantially after 42 to 43. Using donor eggs, however, allows successful IVF pregnancies well into the 40s and even 50s, as success rates with donor eggs remain high regardless of recipient age.

What are the success rates for IUI and IVF?

IUI success rates range from 10 to 20 percent per cycle for women under 35, dropping to 5 to 10 percent over age 38. IVF success rates are significantly higher: 40 to 55 percent per cycle for women under 35, declining to 35 to 40 percent for ages 35 to 37, 25 to 30 percent for ages 38 to 40, and 10 to 15 percent over age 42.

Can TCM support IVF or IUI?

TCM approaches like herbal formulas and acupuncture are sometimes used as complementary support during fertility treatment to promote stress reduction, cycle regulation, and overall wellness. While preliminary research suggests possible benefits, TCM should not replace medical treatment but rather complement it. Always discuss any supplements or herbs with your fertility specialist.

Are TCM supplements safe during fertility treatment?

TCM supplements can be safe when using high-quality, tested products and working with experienced practitioners, but you must coordinate with your fertility specialist. Some herbs can interact with fertility medications or should be avoided during certain treatment phases. Never start any supplement without discussing it with your doctor first, and choose companies that test for heavy metals, toxins, and product purity.

Making Your Decision

Trying to choose between IUI and IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when every month matters. The right treatment depends on your age, diagnosis, timeline, budget, and emotional bandwidth. Talk openly with your specialist, ask questions, and do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you need clarity.

And remember, your fertility journey also involves rest, emotional support, and caring for your body along the way. That is where complementary wellness tools come in. Project Life formulas are rooted in TCM principles and designed to work alongside medical treatment. We focus on balance, calm, and vitality, not miracle claims.

Take a gentle step today and explore personalized herbal support at getprojectlife.com. 

 

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