Definition of IVF and AI
Test tube baby and artificial insemination are both means of modern medical technology in the field of fertility, but they have some essential differences. IVF refers to the process of fertilizing eggs and sperm in vitro, and then transferring the fertilized eggs to the female uterus to develop into a fetus. Artificial insemination means that sperm is directly injected into a woman's uterus through a special method to naturally fertilize and combine sperm with eggs.
1. In vitro fertilization and in vivo fertilization
The biggest difference between IVF and AI lies in the location of fertilization. In vitro fertilization is to implant the fertilized eggs into the mother's uterus after a few days of in vitro culture and development, while artificial insemination is to inject sperm directly into the uterus. The advantage of IVF is that it can bypass some irreversible fertility obstacles, such as fallopian tube obstruction or poor quality of male sperm. Artificial insemination is suitable for infertility caused by many reasons, but it may not work well for some specific cases, because the sperm needs to swim to the egg for fertilization.
In addition, IVF technology has also broadened the choice of fertility methods, including single women, homosexual couples and couples with genetic disease risks, who can achieve their wishes of fertility through IVF technology.
2. Different preparation process
There are also differences in the preparation process between IVF and AI. Test tube babies need hormone treatment for women to promote the development of follicles, and then determine the maturity of eggs through ultrasonic examination, and finally conduct egg collection. Artificial insemination, on the other hand, dispenses with these steps and injects sperm directly into a woman's uterus.
This means that IVF needs more medical resources and equipment in the preparation process, including the support of doctors' operating technology and laboratory equipment. Therefore, IVF surgery is relatively expensive, while artificial insemination is relatively cheap.
3. Difference in success rate
There are also significant differences in the success rate between IVF and AI. The success rate of IVF is generally high, which can reach about 30% to 50%. However, the success is also affected by many factors, such as female age, egg quality, sperm quality and uterine environment. The success rate of artificial insemination is relatively low, generally between 10% and 20%.
IVF is technically more complicated, but also relatively more reliable, because the fertilized egg has been cultured and developed for a period of time, and the healthiest embryo is selected to be implanted into the uterus, thus increasing the possibility of success. While artificial insemination is more dependent on the quality of sperm and self swimming to the egg for fertilization, so the success rate is uncertain.
4. Psychological and moral considerations
There are some psychological and moral differences between IVF and AI. IVF surgery requires a long preparation and monitoring process, which may bring more pressure and anxiety to couples. Artificial insemination is relatively simple, reducing unnecessary psychological burden.
In addition, IVF involves the process of embryo culture and selection, involves the selection and discard of embryos, and has certain moral and ethical problems. However, artificial insemination is less controversial and more in line with the process of natural pregnancy.
summary
To sum up, IVF and AI are two different fertility assistance technologies. IVF can make infertile couples realize their fertility desire through IVF, which is more widely applicable, but the operation is complicated and expensive. Artificial insemination directly injects sperm into women's uterus, which is relatively simple, but the success rate is relatively low. The choice of the method should be based on the specific situation of the couple and the doctor's advice.
