People have a big confusion about choosing IVF or ICSI treatment. Both are well-known fertility treatments that you need to do research before rushing into anything at the last minute.
IVF and ICSI involve a series of medical procedures that can take place over several weeks. When it is handled by experts, they provide extra care and attention, there are no chances for medical complications. Understanding the difference between IVF and ICSI helps you gain sufficient knowledge before having a treatment.
This article covers what IVF and ICSI are, their key differences, and their benefits. Let’s delve into the topic:
What is the Difference Between IVF and ICSI
The two most commonly practiced fertility treatments are IVF (in vitro fertilization) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The primary difference between these procedures is how the sperm fertilizes the egg.
In IVF, both the eggs and sperm are collected from the couples and fertilized in the laboratory. Once, they formed as an embryo, which has been transferred back into the uterus to grow, a process known as embryo transfer.
With ICSI treatment, only the sperm are gathered and directly injected into the middle of the egg in a woman’s womb. This procedure requires only a small number of sperm.
Beyond both of these treatments, people often confuse the procedure with IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination). It takes place by inserting the sperm into the woman’s womb at the most fertile point. When compared with IVF and ICSI, the success rate is below average. It is a simple and non-invasive procedure but not recommended to single women and same-sex couples
Which is Better for You, IVF or ICSI?
IVF is likely to be better for you even if the couples are affected by severe fertility causes. It can handle a variety of problems that occur at different ages and conditions. In comparison with other fertility treatments, IVF has a higher success rate. ICSI is familiar for dealing with male infertility, as the sperm is given with extra assistance. In general, ICSI is recommended to men if they have:
- An abnormal sperm count, sperm shape, or motility
- A low sperm count
- No sperm in semen but can be retrieved from the testicles or epididymis
- The sperm is not sufficiently motile.
Benefits of IVF Treatment
The traditional IVF treatment has increased chances of fertilization and implantation compared to ICSI. It can help women who are having trouble getting pregnant with damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation disorders, and premature ovarian failure. This procedure can even assist older women to get pregnant with low ovarian reserve.
Based on the causes, the series of procedures may change. For maximum, the fertility specialist will try to improve the chances of conception.
Benefits of ICSI Treatment
ICSI treatment is ideal for couples who are struggling to get pregnant because of male infertility causes. During this procedure, the high-quality fertilized eggs are used by men whose sperm count is abnormal or low.
This treatment is suitable for men who have blockages in ejaculating the sperm or for couples not getting pregnant with no clear reasons. It can be done with donated eggs or sperm when the couples are not fertile enough.
Risk Associated with IVF and ICSI
There are no medical procedures without causing any side effects of IVF and ICSI are not exceptional. Here are the lists of common risk factors associated with these fertility treatments.
- It increases the chances of having multiple births, leading to pregnancy-related complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, or early labor.
- Babies may have been born with birth defects, such as digestive problems or heart issues.
- The series of treatment processes create emotional stress and psychological impact on the couples.
- A very small percentage of couples can have an ectopic pregnancy.
Possible Health Effects of IVF and ICSI
Both IVF and ICSI are safe procedures, as the occurrence of medical complications is very rare. But the health condition of men and women matters when undergoing treatment. The health effects of individuals can vary, but the doctors recommend appropriate dosages of medications to improve the result of treatment.
Cost of IVF and ICSI
The cost of fertility ranges from Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. It varies based on the city and the series of treatments that doctors suggest you. The total cost of treatment includes consultations, scans, procedure charges, lab charges, nursing fee, embryo transfer, and pregnancy test.
Patients can ask fertility doctors before going to treatment. Don’t compare your set of treatments with others that are recommended based on your fertility causes.
Success Rate of IVF and ICSI
Every fertility clinic reports the success rate in different ways. The comparison of IVF and ICSI will not help you. It is important to consider your personal circumstances and decide which can help your cause to improve the chances of conception.
The most significant factor is the age of couples, which determines the chances of having a baby through IVF. Hence, you can consult your doctor and understand your health defects to go with the right choice.
Conclusion
Doctors recommend fertility treatment by considering the exact fertility causes. Understanding these procedures helps you prepare physically and emotionally when going through every stage of the process. By following the given instructions, you can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
FAQs
Yes, the cost of ICSI treatment is slightly more expensive than IVF. The series of procedures is completely different from each other. However, it primarily depends upon the patients’ needs and the complexity of individual cases.
No, the success rate of ICSI is not higher than IVF. The fertilization rate is typically around 50 to 80%, which is similar to normal sperm fertilization. The chances of conception can vary from each other based on the age of the couple and their fertility range.
For performing ICSI, it is important to identify at least eight mature eggs on the day of retrieval. If those are not up to the requirement, all mature eggs will be injected. The only goal is balancing the quality and quantity to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
