What Are the Differences Between Artificial Insemination and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)?

There are differences in concepts and applicable populations between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF refers to the process of extracting eggs and sperm separately, placing them in a test tube for fertilization, and then transferring the embryo precursor - the fertilized egg - back to the mother's uterus for development into a fetus. IVF uses artificial methods to allow eggs and sperm to be fertilized outside the body and undergo early embryonic development, and then the embryos are transplanted into the mother's uterus for birth. On the other hand, artificial insemination involves extracting sperm or eggs from the body, processing or cultivating them into embryos, and then implanting them into the human body. Artificial insemination is more natural than IVF, as it involves extracting sperm from the male, processing it by technical personnel, and then injecting it into the female's uterus by a doctor. However, the success rate is generally low. In contrast, IVF involves extracting sperm and eggs from both parties, forming embryos outside the body, and then transplanting them into the female's uterus, which is more expensive and time-consuming.

IVF is not developed and matured in a test tube, but rather, after in vitro fertilization, when the sperm and egg develop to the stage of morula, they are transferred back to the mother's uterine cavity to implant and continue developing until maturity. For couples who are infertile due to blocked fallopian tubes, IVF is currently the only viable treatment option. Artificial insemination is suitable for cases where the male's sperm quality is poor. In this case, male sperm is screened in vitro, and high-quality sperm is selected and injected into the female's body during ovulation to improve the pregnancy rate.