Comparison of Clinical Outcomes, Risks, and Costs for 20,910 Donor In Vitro Fertilization and 16,850 Donor Artificial Insemination Treatment Cycles: A Retrospective Analysis in China

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of donor in vitro fertilization (IVF-D) and donor artificial insemination (AI-D) in clinical outcomes, risks, and costs. Methods: This study analyzed the cycle changes and clinical outcomes in 20,910 IVF-D and 16,850 AI-D cycles between 2013 and 2021 in the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to evaluate the costs per couple and per live birth cycle in the two treatment groups. Results: IVF-D had higher pregnancy and live birth rates than AI-D (p < 0.001). The cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates for three AI-D cycles were 41.01% and 32.42%, respectively, higher than the rates for one or two AI-D cycles. The multiple birth and birth defect rate of AI-D was lower than that of IVF-D significantly. IVF-D mean cost per couple was higher than that of AI-D (CNY32,575 vs. CNY11,062, p < 0.001), with a mean cost difference of CNY21,513 (95% confidence interval, CNY20,517–22,508). The mean costs per live birth cycle for IVF-D and AI-D were CNY49,411 and CNY31,246, respectively. Conclusion: AI-D is more cost-effective and poses a lower risk for infertility couples than IVF-D, and patients should undergo three AI-D cycles to obtain the highest success rate.