IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) and ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) are the two different assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used for helping infertile couples have a child. Both procedures are effective and have a higher success rate. In both procedures, fertilization takes place outside the body and in a lab.
A couple may be confused about choosing the right fertility treatment for them as there are many things to be considered. But before deciding on the treatment method, it is important to know the difference between IVF and ICSI.
What is IVF?
In the IVF process, the female partner will be given fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries. Once the eggs are matured, they are collected and transferred to a laboratory. The eggs are then combined with the selected sperm in the lab for fertilization. After 16 to 18 hours, eggs will be checked for fertilization. If fertilization takes place, the embryo will be transferred to the woman’s uterus. After two weeks of embryo transfer, the female partner can undergo a blood test to know if the treatment is successful.
What is ICSI?
Similar to the IVF process, the ICSI procedure also involves giving fertility drugs to the woman for stimulating the ovaries. Once the eggs get matured, they will be collected from the woman by giving mild anesthesia. Then, the embryologist selects a single sperm and is directly injected into the egg using a needle for fertilization. The combined egg and sperm will be kept in a lab for 3 to 5 days for fertilization. Once the embryo is formed, it is transferred to the woman’s uterus and she can take a pregnancy test after two or three weeks.
How is IVF Different From ICSI?
Though both IVF and ICSI are fertility treatments where fertilization of the egg takes outside the body, they differ in the way how sperm fertilizes the egg. In the IVF process, multiple eggs are combined with sperm to let fertilization take place. Whereas in the ICSI process, a single sperm is injected into the egg for fertilization.
ICSI is suitable for you if you have sperm-related fertility issues and it has a higher success rate for male infertility. This is because the sperm is given more assistance and is suitable if the male partner has:
- Low sperm count
- Abnormal shape of sperm
- Low motility of the sperm
- If the sperm needs to be collected using a surgical process
IVF procedure is recommended in the following conditions:
- Unexplained fertility in women
- Endometriosis
- Tubal factor infertility
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tube
- If other fertility treatments have failed
- Advanced maternal age
Are You Confused Whether You Need to Undergo IVF or ICSI? Visit Angels Fertility Today
If you and your partner have been trying for pregnancy for more than six months and are unsuccessful, Angels Fertility can help you. We have a team of fertility specialists who can handle fertility issues in both males and females. We carefully evaluate your condition before deciding the right fertility treatment for you. We are well equipped with the latest tools and effective staff to ensure you are in the right hands. To know more about your treatment options, call us or visit us today.