What is IVF? IVF v.s. IUI
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs and sperm are retrieved and fertilized outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then cultured for 3 to 5 days before being transferred back into the woman’s uterus. This method is especially helpful for couples facing complex fertility issues.
In contrast, intrauterine insemination (IUI) - also referred to as artificial insemination -involves washing and preparing the partner’s sperm to isolate high-quality, motile sperm. The sperm is then directly inserted into the uterus during ovulation, aiming for natural fertilization within the body.
The difference between In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, and Artificial Insemination, or IUI, lies in the way they are performed.
IVF vs. IUI Comparison Table
Feature
| IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
|
Fertilization Process |
Eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body in a lab under the supervision of embryologists
|
Sperm is injected directly into the uterus to fertilize the egg naturally
|
Embryo Development
|
Embryos are cultured for 3–5 days before transfer
|
No embryo culture; fertilization occurs inside the body |
Government Subsidy
|
Eligible for government subsidies in Taiwan (learn more in the next section) |
Not eligible for subsidies |
Success Rate |
Higher pregnancy success rate compared to IUI |
Generally lower success rate than IVF |
Average Cost in Taiwan |
Higher, but significantly supported by government IVF subsidies |
Lower, but no financial aid
|
Currently, the government only subsidizes the cost of IVF, not IUI, so the difference in cost between the two is almost the same, but the average pregnancy rate between the two treatments is several times higher!
Who is Suitable for IVF Treatment?
Who is suitable for IVF treatment? If you meet the following criteria, it is recommended that you seek professional advice.
- Poor sperm quality
- Obstruction or edema of the fallopian tubes
- Moderately severe endometriosis
- Women over 38 years old
- Premature ovarian failure or extremely low AMH values
- Recurrent IUI failure
- Unexplained infertility
If you are under 34 years old and have not been able to conceive for one year, or 35 to 38 years old and have not been able to conceive for six months, or over 38 years old and still trying to conceive, and if you fall into any of these three categories, NUWA Fertility Center may suggest seeking professional help as soon as possible.
IVF Success Rate in Taiwan
The success rate of IVF is closely related to egg quality, uterine environment, embryo quality, etc., and varies according to each individual's physical condition. According to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Summary 2021 National Report of Taiwan, the pregnancy rate for implantation cycles was 44.3%; the pregnancy rate for treatment cycles was 22.5% (commonly referred to as the "pregnancy rate,") the cumulative live birth rate for treatment cycles was 27.9%, and the cumulative live birth rate for treatment cycles before the age of 38 years was 43.5%. The results of the survey showed that both pregnancy and live birth rates decreased with the age of the treated women.
NUWA Healthcare has a large number of expert Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians and reproductive medicine physicians, professional embryologists, and high-quality equipment, which boasts the team’s ability to pay attention to small details. These are key factors for NUWA Healthcare’s high fertility rates and success.
IVF Cost in Taiwan
Wondering about the IVF cost in Taiwan? Compared to other countries, Taiwan offers high-quality fertility treatment at a more affordable price. On average, IVF treatment costs start at NT$150,000 to NT$180,000, with additional costs for medication.
The main cost items of IVF treatment include:
- Egg Retrieval
- Fertilization
- ICSI if necessary (no additional charge)
- Embryo culture (including time-lapse photography)
- Freezing and thawing of embryos (including the first year of cryopreservation)
- Embryo implantation
Government Subsidies for IVF
To encourage childbirth, the Taiwanese government launched an expanded IVF subsidy program starting July 1, 2021. If either spouse is a Taiwanese national, the wife is under age 45, and a medical diagnosis of infertility is provided, the couple may be eligible for financial support.
IVF Subsidy Amounts
General Applicants:
- First IVF cycle: up to NT$100,000
- Second IVF cycle: up to NT$60,000
Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Households:
- Up to NT$150,000 per cycle
Number of Subsidized Cycles
- Women under 39 years old (inclusive): up to 6 subsidized IVF cycles until a live birth
- Women aged 40–44: up to 3 subsidized IVF cycles
- After a successful IVF birth, the number of subsidies resets based on the woman’s age for future pregnancies
At NUWA Fertility Center, we are proud to be an approved artificial reproduction institution in Taiwan. Our team will guide you through the application process for IVF subsidies and help you make the most of available financial resources.
The IVF Treatment Process at NUWA
Each IVF journey at NUWA Fertility Center is carefully guided by our medical professionals. Here's a general overview of the treatment steps:
Step 1: Start Treatment
Book a consultation on the second to fourth day of the menstrual cycle and undergo relevant tests, such as blood tests and an ultrasound. According to the doctor's recommendation, ovulation medication will be used to stimulate the ovaries to produce more follicles.
Step 2: Inducing Ovulation
According to your doctor's recommendation, you should continue to use ovulation medication for follicle development. You should also return to the clinic routinely to have your blood drawn and ultrasound exams done to track changes in blood hormone values and monitor follicle maturity to determine when the best time to retrieve your eggs is.
Step 3: Egg and Sperm Retrieval
The doctor will determine the appropriate window of time for egg retrieval, and an injection will be given 34-36 hours before egg retrieval.
Step 4: Sperm Collection
- Egg Retrieval
- Abstain from sexual intercourse for 2 to 4 days before sperm collection
- Surgery is short and non-invasive, so there is no need for hospitalization
Step 5: Embryo Implantation
According to your doctor's recommendation, you can choose to implant fresh embryos or frozen embryos. The date of implantation will be adjusted according to the number of days of the embryo, the lining of the embryo, and the physical condition of the individual. The actual course of treatment should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor.
Step 6: Follow-up Pregnancy Test
The blood test for pregnancy is the chorionic gonadotropin β-hCG value. Generally, a follow-up visit will be arranged about 14 days after implantation, so you can follow the doctor's schedule to return for the blood test.
Are There Side Effects of IVF?
Are there any risks associated with IVF? Any side effects? Some women may experience discomfort from ovulation injection or overstimulation of the ovaries after egg retrieval. However, everyone reacts differently to hormone injections and may experience mild nausea, bloating, and edema. These side effects will subside within 1 to 2 weeks after stopping the medication.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a common complication that occurs after ovulation is induced. Depending on the severity, it can be mild, moderate, or severe, with symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, weight gain, and in severe cases, shortness of breath and even a decrease in urine output. Several things can be done to minimize the chances of OHSS, such as: lowering the dosage of gonadotropins or suspending their use for a few days to minimize the stimulation of the ovaries; freezing the embryos instead of implanting them fresh; and changing the egg-broken egg injections, etc. The doctor will observe and decide on the appropriate course of action, and it is recommended to respond immediately and seek professional help if any of these conditions arise to help reduce the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. The physician will observe and determine the appropriate course of action for any condition.
FAQs
Q1: Can I choose the gender for IVF?
According to Article 16 (3) of The Artificial Reproduction Law of Taiwan, the sex of IVF embryos cannot be chosen unless the couple has genetic diseases, such as color blindness and hemophilia. The doctor will then use PGT-A genetic screening to discover the sex of the fetus, to reduce the chances of the fetus suffering from genetic diseases and additional risks.
Q2: Is it better to have more embryos implanted during IVF treatments?
The Taiwan Society of Reproductive Medicine (TSRM) has published a "Guideline on the Number of Embryos to be Implanted." Generally speaking, the younger the mother, the higher the chance of success. Therefore, it is recommended that women younger than 35 years old have 1 or 2 embryos implanted; women between the ages of 35 and 37 are recommended to have 2 embryos implanted; women between the ages of 38 and 40 are recommended to have 3 embryos implanted; and women over the age of 41 can consider placing a "maximum" of 4 embryos.
The number of embryos cannot avoid the problem of multiple births, which may cause premature labor and pregnancy complications. Therefore, the number of embryos to be implanted needs to take into account the age and physical condition of the mother, and it is recommended that you consult a professional doctor for a detailed discussion.
Why Choose NUWA Fertility Center?
Do you have questions about IVF treatment but don't know where to go? If this has been on your mind, we recommend a visit to NUWA Fertility Center. Here are some of the things we do to help make prospective parents more comfortable to leave this important task to us!
👍 Major Fertility Chain in Taiwan
NUWA Healthcare has 3 high-quality IVF centers and 2 TCM centers in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung, with a total of one hundred healthcare professionals providing comprehensive fertility treatments.
👍 Expert Infertility Team
A crew of doctors with more than 10,000 successful in vitro fertilization procedures, including 15 reproductive medicine physicians, 5 Chinese medicine physicians, and 21 embryologists, stands as invaluable teammates for a successful pregnancy.
👍 International-Grade Embryology Laboratory
We have several advanced time-lapse Embryoscopes that use AI to accurately select embryos and create an environment suitable for embryo culture, and are committed to increasing pregnancy success rates!
👍 Professional Service
We prioritize each person's experience in the clinic and provide expecting parents with a sincere and trusting consultation, as well as a comfortable and private clinic environment.
👍 Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integration
NUWA Healthcare includes the NUWA Fertility Center and the NUWA TCM Center, where traditional Chinese and Western physicians work together to help you achieve your fertility goals.
If you have any questions about IVF, you are welcome to come to the clinic to consult with the doctors 👉 Make an appointment online
Contact Us for Your IVF Consultation
If you're considering IVF in Taiwan, NUWA Fertility Center is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your family.
Author's Information
NUWA Fertility Center
With many infertility experts and more than 10,000 doctors with successful IVF experience, the company has 5 clinics, including 3 high-specification IVF reproduction centers, 2 TCM centers, and 3 international embryo laboratories, which are located in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung.
Main Services: Infertility treatment, IVF, artificial insemination, egg freezing, egg borrowing, and pregnancy preparation. In 2021, NUWA Healthcare will formally cooperate with Dianthus Medical Group to provide one-stop integrated services from preparation, pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care, which will bring the greatest convenience to the patients.👉Learn more about NUWA online