IVF Cost vs IUI Cost in India: Which Is Right for You?

IUI and IVF are often mentioned in the same breath, but they are very different treatments — in what they involve, in how likely each is to work per attempt, and in what they cost. Understanding the trade-off helps you plan a budget that reflects your real chances, not just the sticker price of a single cycle.

This guide compares typical Indian prices for both. For city-specific ranges, see our IVF cost by city guide, or get a tailored figure with the IVF cost estimator.

What each treatment involves

IUI (intrauterine insemination) places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation. It is a simpler, less invasive procedure, often tried first for unexplained or mild male-factor infertility. IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieves them, fertilises them in a lab, and transfers an embryo — a more involved process used when IUI is unsuitable or hasn't worked.

IUI cost in India

A single IUI cycle is relatively affordable — commonly in the region of ₹8,000 to ₹18,000 for the procedure itself, depending on the city and clinic. On top of that you may pay for ovulation-inducing medication, monitoring scans, and a semen-preparation charge, which together can add a few thousand rupees more.

IVF cost in India

IVF costs several times more. In metro cities the base IVF package commonly runs from roughly ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh, before medications (often another ₹35,000–₹60,000) and add-ons such as ICSI, genetic testing, or embryo freezing. Smaller cities are usually somewhat cheaper for the base package.

Prices vary meaningfully by market — compare, for example, IVF cost in Delhi with IVF cost in Mumbai, using the full city directory.

Cost per cycle vs cost per baby

The most important cost lens is not the price of one cycle but the likely total to a live birth. IUI has a lower success rate per cycle, so several attempts may be needed; IVF costs more per cycle but has a higher per-cycle chance. For some couples, moving to IVF sooner is actually cheaper overall than many IUI attempts — and for others, IUI is a sensible, lower-cost first step. Your diagnosis and age drive this decision.

Which is right for you?

• IUI may suit unexplained infertility, mild male-factor, or ovulation issues in younger patients
• IVF is often advised for blocked tubes, significant male-factor, low ovarian reserve, older age, or after failed IUI
• Always ask your specialist for your live-birth rate per cycle for each option, at your age
• Budget for more than one attempt of whichever route you choose

Next steps: read our plain-English IVF & fertility treatment guide, estimate your odds with the IVF success estimator, and browse fertility clinics when you're ready to compare.