Assisted Reproductive Technology Explained: A Comparison of IVF and Artificial Insemination Procedures and Suitable Candidates

Artificial insemination (AI), also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), involves aiding fertilization inside the body. The male partner's sperm is collected, washed, and filtered to remove impurities and select the healthiest sperm, which is then concentrated. Once the female partner is ready, a doctor will use a fine needle or catheter to deliver the sperm directly into the uterus. To increase the chances of success, ovulation-stimulating drugs are administered beforehand to boost the number of eggs released. Artificial insemination is often considered a precursor to the first generation of IVF. If artificial insemination fails after three attempts or if the couple is older, IVF treatment should be considered.

IVF, on the other hand, involves stimulating the ovaries to release eggs, which are then retrieved. On the day of egg retrieval, the male partner usually provides sperm. The eggs and sperm are then fertilized in a lab, and the resulting embryos are cultured before being transferred into the uterus. Modern IVF technology is highly advanced, allowing for PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) and PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) to select the healthiest embryos before implantation. This not only increases the chances of success but also allows for the screening of embryos for genetic diseases. In the U.S., it's even legal to determine the sex of the embryo before implantation.

The success rate for artificial insemination is about 20%, making it suitable for younger patients with milder fertility issues. If sperm count and quality are sufficient, ovulation is possible with the help of medication, and the fallopian tubes are clear, artificial insemination can be a good option. Additionally, having intercourse after insemination while the ovulation drugs are still in effect can further improve pregnancy chances. Dr. Oum, a pioneer in artificial insemination technology and a North American expert in embryo culture, currently leads the embryo lab at RSMC.

The world’s first IVF baby was born in 1978, and the technology has since become highly refined. The U.S. currently leads the world in IVF pregnancy and live birth rates, thanks to its advanced and open medical environment. The success of IVF is closely tied to the quality of the lab. RSMC is a global leader in IVF technology and equipment. We use genetic screening techniques like PGD, which can detect over 200 genetic diseases, and PGS/PGT-A to ensure embryos are free from chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, we employ time-lapse embryo monitoring systems with AI-powered data analysis to identify the best-quality embryos, significantly increasing the success rate of IVF. The pregnancy rate for IVF with a woman’s own eggs at RSMC is as high as 80%, and with donor eggs, it reaches 87%.

The main difference in success rates comes from the continuous advancements in IVF technology. Artificial insemination is typically recommended for patients with minor issues or difficulties with sexual intercourse. However, for couples with a family history of genetic disorders, we recommend opting for IVF along with PGS/PGD, as artificial insemination can only filter out poor-quality sperm and cannot detect problematic embryos. To avoid future regrets, carefully consider which treatment is best for you or consult us for personalized advice based on your situation.

Restrictions on Artificial Insemination and IVF in Singapore

In Singapore, artificial insemination and IVF are restricted to heterosexual married couples. Same-sex couples and single individuals are not eligible for these treatments. In contrast, undergoing artificial insemination and IVF in the U.S. has no such limitations. This allows same-sex couples to have biological children, and single individuals can pursue sperm or egg donation for IVF, breaking free from traditional relationship constraints.

Additionally, in Singapore, there are regulations that prohibit the selection of specific embryo genders for implantation during IVF. However, the more liberal reproductive policies in the U.S. permit gender selection as long as the health of the embryo is ensured. For women who are born without a uterus or cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons, artificial insemination and IVF may not be viable solutions. They may need to turn to surrogacy. Since surrogacy is not yet legalized in Singapore, many individuals opt to seek assistance in the U.S., where surrogacy laws are well-established, and the technology is advanced.

RSMC Fertility Center has helped many clients from Asia successfully return home with their babies. Regardless of your identity or gender, we are confident in helping you achieve your dream of parenthood.

To provide safe, convenient, and comprehensive services, RSMC offers a one-stop solution for infertility diagnosis and treatment, IVF, elite egg selection, and third-party reproductive assistance. With our own egg bank and surrogacy agency, we maintain strict quality control. Our team includes leading specialists in infertility, obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology, along with PhD-level embryology lab staff, who develop customized treatment plans based on each client’s needs. Clients from Singapore can submit fertility assessment reports from local hospitals and complete our client intake form to enjoy a complimentary one-on-one consultation with a doctor, gaining insights into their specific fertility conditions.

The U.S. is one of the few countries where surrogacy is legal. Our database of surrogates is robust and thoroughly vetted: candidates undergo rigorous medical testing, criminal background checks, and psychological evaluations, with only 4% of applicants accepted, ensuring the highest standards.

RSMC's Professional Medical Team

Our team includes top fertility specialists with over 30 years of experience, one of North America’s top three egg banks, and a surrogacy center. We also provide full management with six major medical insurance plans and expert legal support to handle all documentation needed before your baby’s birth certificate is issued. From your initial consultation to your baby’s arrival, our dedicated team manages every detail, including assistance for returning home with your baby during the pandemic, to ensure a smooth and complete experience.