Put simply, an easy way to understand the main difference between the two procedures is that one takes place in the uterus (IUI) and one takes place out of the uterus (IVF).

The process of IVF involves fertilising the egg with the sperm in an incubator outside the body, then transferring the best embryo back into the uterus in the hope of achieving a pregnancy; whereas, IUI is a procedure that involves placing the prepared sperm into the uterus around the time you ovulate.

IVF TREATMENT

IVF is used to treat infertility that has failed to respond to other medical or surgical interventions. Your fertility specialist may suggest IVF as a treatment option if any of the following conditions occur:

• • • • • Ovulation problems due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome
        • Fallopian tube damage/obstruction
        • Endometriosis
        • Pelvic adhesions
        • Low sperm mobility
        • Sperm size and shape are abnormal
        • Unexplained infertility
        • Prolonged infertility
        • You or your partner have a genetic disorder that you do not want to pass on to your child and therefore choose IVF and preimplantation genetic testing

IUI TREATMENT

IUI is a great option for those who need donor sperm to achieve a pregnancy.

IUI treatment is recommended in a number of different situations:

• • • • • Infertility caused by ovulation difficulties
        • Infertility caused by mild endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
        • Reduced sperm quality
        • Unexplained infertility

IUI treatment is not recommended and often not effective when used for the following reasons:

• • • • • Blockage of both fallopian tubes
        • Severe endometriosis
        • Severe pelvic scarring
        • Severe infertility factors

We offer a sperm donor program to give recipients (and their partners, if applicable) who need the assistance of donor sperm the opportunity to become a parent. Choosing a sperm donor is one of the first things a prospective parent undergoing fertility treatment may need to do.

To assist you and your partner/s in this process, we have launched Addam Donor Bank, Australia’s leading donor sperm bank. We have a large and diverse range of donors with a variety of characteristics, ethnicities and backgrounds for you to choose from and most importantly we have made the process as easy as possible for your convenience. For more information, visit www.addamdonorbank.com.au or download the Addam app.

We understand that choosing a donor can be difficult. We have a dedicated and experienced donor team to provide you with guidance and support throughout the process. Feel free to contact our friendly team to learn more about our donor program and the fertility treatment options available to you.

There are legal implications that need to be understood for anyone receiving donated gametes (egg and sperm) or embryos. We recommend all prospective parents to visit our Legal Considerations page and to carefully read the information presented in this section.

All individuals/couples are encouraged to obtain their own legal advice regarding the relevant legislation applying to their circumstances.

Rainbow Fertility has a responsibility to provide Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) based on relevant state or federal laws and guidelines.

In Victoria, under the provisions of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) Act 2008, prior to a treatment procedure being undertaken the patient (and partner if applicable) must undertake counselling with an approved ART counsellor. This counselling session must occur prior to the commencement of treatment and before any medication can be dispensed to the patient.

Both patient and partner (if applicable) will need to attend the counselling session. The duration of the appointment and the number of sessions required will depend on your treatment plan.

For more information, please visit our Legislative Requirements – Victoria page.

All patients are unique, have different medical histories and as such different treatment requirements, therefore your treatment plan is always tailored to meet your needs as an individual or couple.  Once you have seen a Rainbow Fertility specialist, we will provide you with a customised quote that is tailored to your treatment plan.

To get a better understanding of the costs involved we encourage you to speak with our Fertility Advice Centre today on 1300 22 623, or simply visit our treatment costs page.

Currently, Medicare rebates for treatments are only permitted if the individual being treated has an underlying medical cause of infertility. Treatment involving surrogacy does not currently attract a Medicare rebate.

Medical infertility can only be determined by a fertility specialist after an assessment. If your treating specialist provides a diagnosis of medical infertility, Medicare rebates can be claimed for Donor Insemination and IVF cycles, in addition to specialist fees. Without a diagnosis of medical infertility, the cost of treatment will not be eligible for Medicare rebates.

If you are eligible for Medicare rebates, Medicare online claiming is available at all of our clinics. This is a secure and convenient way for patients to claim their rebates without having to visit a Medicare office.

The appropriate level of private health insurance will provide partial or full cover of costs associated with private hospital/day surgery and anaesthetic charges for IVF-related procedures, however gap fees may apply. Private Hospital fees are not claimable with Medicare.

It is important to contact your private health fund to find out if your selected insurance level covers fertility treatment and whether you have served the relevant waiting periods. We recommend you contact your private health fund for an estimate of any excess or co-payments that may be needed.

For further information visit our Health Fund Cover page