IUI vs. IVF: How We Chose and When We Switched
Written by Sydney Brickey, founder of WeFertility
Last updated: October 14, 2026
IUI is simpler and less expensive. IVF takes more steps and costs more, but it has better odds per cycle. We started with IUI, planned to pivot to IVF if it didn't work, and that's exactly what happened.
What happened to us
Gina has always wanted to carry. I never had that desire. I always pictured adopting one day. So we had a long conversation about reciprocal IVF, where my eggs would be used and Gina would carry. I didn't want to do it, and IUI was the more financially responsible decision anyway. I had to grieve not being genetically related, but I came around: I get a copy of my favorite person.
Our plan was simple: start with IUI, and if it didn't work, pivot to IVF. When our fertility doctor found Gina's stage 3 endometriosis, she told us Gina could still get pregnant, and there was no way to know how it would affect things. So we kept going.
Every round was one chance a month, then two weeks of anxious waiting. After three rounds, Gina said, "I'm done." It seemed like the endometriosis could be why it wasn't working. So we pivoted.
IVF was a bigger commitment. Our clinic warned us it would cost way more than IUI. But Gina will tell you one thing was better: the wait. It was about 10 days instead of a full two weeks, because the embryo was already five days old.
What's the difference between IUI and IVF?
| IUI | IVF | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Sperm is placed in the uterus around ovulation | Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and an embryo is transferred |
| How involved | Fewer appointments and medications | More monitoring, more medications, a retrieval, and a transfer |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive. Our clinic warned us it's way more |
| Odds per cycle | Lower | Higher |
| The wait | About two weeks | Shorter for us, about 10 days |
How do you decide between IUI and IVF?
- Who wants to carry? Does anyone want a genetic connection?
- Is reciprocal IVF something you want to consider?
- Does your diagnosis make IUI less likely to work?
- What does your insurance cover, and does it require IUI first?
- What does each option cost at your clinic?
- How many IUIs would your doctor try before switching? Here's how we knew.
How does WeFertility help when you switch?
Switching from IUI to IVF doesn't just add steps. It changes them: new consults, bloodwork, medication orders, and deposits, many in a certain order. Add each step in WeFertility, assign it to a person, and see what's blocked before it costs you a month. Put every appointment on your WeFertility calendar, and it syncs to the calendar you already use.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between IUI and IVF?
With IUI, sperm is placed in the uterus around ovulation. With IVF, eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and an embryo is transferred. IVF costs more and takes more steps, but it has better odds per cycle.
Should you try IUI before IVF?
Many people start with IUI because it's less invasive and less expensive. We did. Your age, your diagnosis, and your insurance can change that, so ask your doctor.
What is reciprocal IVF?
One partner's eggs are used to create embryos, and the other partner carries the pregnancy. We considered it, but chose IUI with Gina carrying.
This is our experience, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your clinic, attorney, or tax professional.
How WeFertility helps
WeFertility remembers, so you don't have to. Whether you're on IUI round one or switching to IVF, every step, appointment, and bill has an owner. Try it free for 30 days, then it's less than a coffee a month. Download WeFertility on the App Store.
About the author
Sydney Brickey is the founder of WeFertility. She and her wife, Gina, went through IUI and IVF with a known donor and built WeFertility to make the process easier for other families. Read our story.