Bottom line up front: IUI success rates are 10–15% per cycle. IVF success rates are 40–55% per cycle (under 35). Three failed IUI cycles cost $1,500–$3,000 in Colombia with a cumulative ~35% chance of pregnancy. One IVF cycle costs $3,500–$7,000 with a 40–55% chance. The math often favours going straight to IVF — especially at Colombia's pricing, where the cost gap between IUI and IVF is smaller than in the US.
Success Rate Comparison
| IUI | IVF | |
|---|---|---|
| Success rate per cycle (under 35) | 10–15% | 40–55% |
| Success rate per cycle (35–37) | 8–12% | 35–45% |
| Success rate per cycle (38–40) | 5–10% | 25–35% |
| Success rate per cycle (over 40) | 2–5% | 15–25% (own eggs) |
| Cumulative after 3 cycles | 25–35% | 70–80% |
| Colombia cost per cycle | $500–$1,000 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| US cost per cycle | $1,500–$4,000 | $12,000–$25,000 |
When IUI Is Reasonable
- You are under 35 with unexplained infertility and open fallopian tubes
- Mild male factor (count >10 million motile sperm after washing)
- You have been trying for <2 years and want to start with a less invasive option
- Ovulatory dysfunction responding well to oral medications (letrozole/clomid)
- Single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm with no other fertility issues
When to Skip IUI and Go Straight to IVF
- Age 38+: Time is the most critical factor. IUI's low per-cycle success rate wastes months you do not have
- Blocked or damaged tubes: IUI requires functional fallopian tubes. If they are compromised, IUI cannot work
- Severe male factor: Count below 5 million motile sperm after washing makes IUI ineffective
- Failed 3+ IUI cycles: The diagnostic yield of additional IUI is near zero after three failures
- Endometriosis (Stage III–IV): IUI success rates are very low with advanced endometriosis
- You want to do PGT-A: Genetic testing requires IVF — it cannot be done with IUI
- You need donor eggs: Donor egg cycles require IVF
In the US, the $10,000–$20,000 price gap between IUI and IVF makes trying IUI first financially rational even when IVF has better odds. In Colombia, the gap shrinks to $2,500–$6,000. At that difference, one IVF cycle at 45% success is often a better investment than three IUI cycles at 35% cumulative success.
Not Sure Which Path to Take?
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