Explore the distinctions between IUI and IVF in assisted conception
New York: No one plans to face infertility, right? If you’re having a tough time conceiving, chatting with a doctor about your options is a smart move. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) covers a lot of ground, from medications to IVF, and it can get pretty confusing.
Dr. Jenna Turocy from Columbia University Fertility Center says that learning the terms and acronyms in fertility treatment can feel like picking up a new language. While many folks might know about IVF, they often don’t grasp the whole process until they’re right in the thick of it, according to Dr. James Grifo from NYU Langone Fertility Center.
It’s great when doctors break things down in simple terms, but getting familiar with the lingo can really help. Dr. Asima Ahmad from Carrot Fertility suggests that knowing the terms lets you focus on asking the right questions about ART and its outcomes.
Plus, doing your own research and connecting with others in the same boat can be super helpful, says Dr. Jane Frederick from HRC Fertility. “Using the same terms makes it easier for everyone,” she adds.
Doctors highlight some key terms that are good to know. For instance, AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian hormone, which helps gauge how many eggs a woman has left. Then there’s the blastocyst, which is an embryo that’s developed for about five to six days.
Clomid is a common medication used to stimulate the ovaries, especially during IUI. If a patient can’t produce quality eggs, a doctor might suggest using a donor egg from another person.
Egg freezing is another option, allowing women to preserve their eggs for later use. More women are looking into this as a way to keep their fertility options open.
When it comes to embryos, they’re fertilized eggs that can handle freezing better than regular eggs. The embryo transfer process involves placing these fertilized eggs into a woman’s womb.
Follicles are small sacs that hold the eggs, and FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, plays a role in egg development. Gametes refer to reproductive cells, like eggs and sperm.
For those who can’t carry a pregnancy, a gestational surrogate can help. Gonadotrophins are hormones given to stimulate egg production, while hCG helps eggs mature for retrieval.
ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is a lab procedure where sperm is injected into an egg to create a fertilized egg, often used in IVF cases.
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to boost the chances of fertilization. IVF, on the other hand, is all about fertilizing eggs and sperm in a lab setting.
LH, or luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and supports pregnancy. Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman has left, which decreases over time.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) screens embryos for genetic issues before implantation, giving couples a better shot at a healthy baby.
Many people think IVF means twins, but doctors usually aim for a single embryo transfer to reduce risks. There’s a lot to learn about assisted reproduction, and it’s totally okay to ask your doctor any questions you have along the way. They’re there to help!
This article was originally published on April 23, 2023 and has been updated.