Fertility treatment options before IVF – spotlight on intratubal insemination (ITI)

When you’re trying to conceive (TTC) and it’s not happening as quickly as you hoped, we know from personal experience that the suggestion of seeking help via treatment can feel like a whole lot. 

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known fertility treatments out there, but it’s intensive and expensive – and far from the only option, especially as a first step.

Searching for fertility treatment options before IVF? We get it. Of course we want to understand every route available before moving forward. 

That’s where newer innovations like intratubal insemination (ITI) can offer a gentler, more targeted approach.

The leading option here is FemaSeed®, developed by Femasys, which is helping to shift the conversation around accessible fertility care. Dive into our expert-led guide to intratubal insemination with FemaSeed, in partnership with their team of experts, if you haven’t already.

Then, read on for the lowdown on this targeted and less invasive fertility option, and why (and when) it could be the right next step for you.

Why you might want to look at other fertility treatment options before IVF

IVF is often positioned as the gold standard in fertility treatment, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right first step. 

There are several valid reasons why you might want to explore other options first:

• Cost: IVF is one of the most expensive fertility treatments, especially when you factor in medications, egg retrieval, embryo transfers, and potential storage fees. Many people find the price tag prohibitive, especially in cases where insurance doesn’t offer full coverage.
• Time and physical demands: IVF can be physically and emotionally demanding, particularly for the person going through ovarian stimulation, retrieval, and recovery. There are also time-consuming appointments, lab visits, and recovery periods that can disrupt daily life and work schedules.
• Insurance prerequisites: Some insurance providers require patients to try other first-line treatments, like IUI, before they’ll authorize IVF coverage. 
• Personal preference: You might just prefer a less invasive and more natural approach to conception, especially in the early stages of treatment.

In any case, speaking with your doctor or fertility specialist is the best way to get clear on what’s best for your journey.

What is ITI?

ITI is a next-generation fertility treatment that helps deliver sperm directly into the fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place.

This significantly reduces the distance sperm must travel, increasing the chances of conception. 

ITI vs IVF

IVF and ITI are two very different approaches:

• IVF involves stimulating your ovaries to produce eggs, removing those eggs through a surgical procedure, combining them with sperm in a lab, and transferring an embryo back into your uterus. It’s high-tech, highly controlled, and high-effort.
• ITI is a simpler, in-office procedure. There’s no surgery or egg retrieval. Instead, sperm is delivered closer to the egg inside your body, helping your natural reproductive process do the rest.

What makes ITI a standout ‘before IVF’ option to try?

1. It has higher success rates than IUI

If you’ve heard of IUI (intrauterine insemination), ITI might sound similar. But the key difference is where the sperm ends up.

With IUI, sperm is placed inside the uterus. With FemaSeed ITI, sperm is guided closer to the fallopian tube, where fertilization actually happens. For many people, especially those with male factor infertility, this difference can be significant.

In fact, studies show that ITI has nearly double the success rates of IUI in these situations. That’s a major step forward for anyone who wants a minimally invasive option that still moves the needle on success.

Read more about intratubal insemination vs IUI here, if you’re curious. 

2. It is a great accessible option for many

You may be a strong candidate if you:

• Have male factor infertility in the picture (like low sperm count or motility)
• Are using donor sperm, as part of a same-sex female couple or pursuing solo motherhood
• Have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility

You must also:

• Have at least one open fallopian tube
• Be ovulating regularly

Because ITI still relies on your body to complete fertilization, it’s important to ensure your fallopian tubes are open and that ovulation is occurring. Your doctor or fertility specialist can walk you through testing and confirm whether ITI is right for you.

3. It costs much less than an IVF cycle

FemaSeed is priced slightly above IUI, but well below the cost of a full IVF cycle. 

That means it’s a more cost-effective option for many, especially if you’re paying out of pocket or navigating partial insurance coverage.

Exact pricing may vary depending on the clinic and any bundled services (like monitoring or sperm prep), but in most cases, you can expect ITI to be a significantly more affordable choice than IVF.

4. The procedure is minimally invasive in contrast to IVF

Here’s how a typical ITI with FemaSeed procedure is carried out:

1. Timing: You’ll schedule your procedure for the first half of your menstrual cycle, around the time of ovulation.
2. Insertion: Your clinician will gently insert the FemaSeed device into your uterine cavity, usually with ultrasound to ensure placement.
3. Delivery: Sperm is delivered into one or both of your fallopian tubes (depending on ovulation) using a soft, comfortable catheter.
4. Removal: The device is removed, but the sperm stays in place to do its job.
5. Recovery: You might experience mild cramping afterwards, but most people are able to resume normal activity the same day.

The entire process is typically quick and well-tolerated.

Wondering if ITI might be your next step?

If you’re a candidate for ITI and you’ve been feeling unsure about your fertility treatment path, start by speaking with your doctor or fertility specialist. 

Ask if ITI might be a fit for you – and whether FemaSeed could be an option based on your personal fertility profile and goals.

Because you don’t have to jump straight into the most intensive treatment available. Exploring fertility treatment options before IVF is a smart, empowered move, and innovations like ITI with FemaSeed are making it easier to confidently take that first (or next) step.

Want to learn more? Jump over to FemaSeed’s FAQs for further expert insight, and bookmark their resources page and handy diagnostic sheet to take with you to your appointment.