If you are going through infertility, often you will hear the word (IVF) In Vitro Fertilization, and the new popular word (ICSI) Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, in these methods the eggs are made to fertilize with sperm in the laboratory. Getting into the journey of parenthood becomes one of the toughest jobs in this fast-moving world. Among the diverse treatment options for infertility, both IVF and ICSI play a major role in treating infertility nowadays. Also, you will have that one common doubt about whether both IVF and ICSI same, read on to know the difference between these two fertility treatments.
What is IVF?
Simply, (IVF) In Vitro Fertilization is one of the most famous fertility treatments. Typically, in IVF, your egg will be fertilized in the labs. IVF stands as a reliable treatment for infertility between couples. In this treatment procedure, the ovaries of the woman will be stimulated to produce more eggs to start the treatment. Further, let’s see, how IVF works in steps:
1) Ovarian stimulation: In the initial stages of these fertility treatments, women are prescribed to take some pills to trigger their ovaries just to produce more eggs than normal. This is the primary step that helps for a successful outcome.
2) Egg retrieval: When the eggs reach the matured stage, those eggs will be drawn out from the ovary with the help of a needle guided by ultrasound.
3) Fertilization: Further, in this fertility treatments the eggs will be placed in a lab dish with sperm, there “in glass” the fertilization happens.
4) Embryo culture: Those fertilized eggs will become embryos, and will be under observation for wise development.
5) Embryo transfer: The healthy embryos will be placed in the woman’s uterus, further among those several implants at least one will turn into a healthy pregnancy.
Simply, before choosing between IVF and ICSI treatment, prefer how the triggering phase influences the overall success rates.
What is ICSI?
This (ICSI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is one of the forms of IVF fertility treatments. Doctors will prescribe this method when there are issues with male infertility, like low sperm count or sperm mobility issues. Numerous processes are involved in this fertilization approach. Further, let’s see how it works:
1) Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval: Like in traditional fertility treatments like IVF, trigger egg production count and those eggs will be drawn out using ultrasound.
2) Sperm preparation: Further, the sperm will be collected and specially prepared to ensure the fertile and most motile sperm are chosen.
3) Injection of sperm: Unlike mixing sperm and eggs, just one sperm is directly injected into the center of each mature egg employing a small needle. This needs to be passed by several natural barriers to fertilization.
4) Embryo culture and transfer: Like IVF, the embryos are closely observed and then placed into the uterus.
Based on your condition you choose IVF or ICSI fertility treatments, but keep in mind that Coimbatore fertility hospital offers the best treatments at affordable costs.
How does IVF differ from ICSI treatment?
Both IVF and ICSI are similar fertility treatments, the actual difference between ICSI and IVF lies in the fertilization process. Simply, in IVF, the sperm and eggs are placed in a glass to be fertile naturally. While in ICSI, only one sperm will be injected into each egg, for a more controlled process.
When will doctors suggest IVF?
We can say that, IVF is one of the versatile fertility treatments suggested for women in various situations, like:
- Sudden infertility: There will be no specific cause of infertility.
- Ovulation disorders: When women face irregular or no ovulation.
- Tubal factor infertility: When the fallopian tube is completely blocked or damaged.
- Endometriosis: When similar tissues to the lining of the uterus develop outside the uterus, disturbing fertility.
- Male factor infertility: When the issue is from the male partner that is a problem with sperm quantity or quality, even in mild cases the traditional IVF method will be used.
When is ICSI used?
Simply, when there is a major fertility problem from the male partner, these fertility treatments will be suggested, like:
- Low sperm count: When there is less amount of sperm for natural fertilization.
- Poor sperm motility: When there are issues with sperm swimming.
- Unusual sperm shape: When there is an unusual sperm shape that prevents them from penetrating the egg.
- Prior IVF failures: When they have faced failed IVF in previous attempts.
- Frozen sperm: Using already frozen sperm may result in reduced motility.
What is the success rate of IVF and ICSI?
Several factors will influence the success rates of IVF and ICSI fertility treatments, like the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the egg and sperm quality. Simply, ICSI has little more fertilization rates due to its controlled nature. Also, once fertilization starts, the success rates for embryo growth and pregnancy are the same for both treatments. Whenever you undergo some treatment it’s normal to face a few risks, likewise, there are also certain risks in undergoing these treatments. Also, you should have some considerations like:
- Multiple pregnancies: Both IVF and ICSI can result in multiple pregnancies like twins, triplets, etc. Which will pose a certain level of risk for both the infant and the mother.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: In some rare cases, the medications you consume may over-trigger the ovaries, making them inflame and become painful.
- Egg retrieval risks: There is a mild risk in retrieving eggs like bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel or bladder.
- Emotional stress: At times, fertility treatments can pose emotional stress on you, also nobody can assure you that all the fertility treatments will turn into a successful pregnancy.
You may think that ICSI will give 100% results, but even this treatment can also fail in certain cases. Simply, when a healthy sperm is directly fused with a healthy egg, fertilization is not guaranteed. Also, whether it can be IVF or ICSI treatment once the egg gets fertilized, your pregnancy journey will start.
What are the benefits of IVF treatment?
There are numerous benefits of IVF treatments like the chances of fertilization are high, and it also helps to treat infertility issues in women. Further, it helps women with endometriosis, ovulation disorders, damaged fallopian tubes, PCOS, and premature ovarian failure have a baby. Also, helps elderly women with low ovarian reserve conceive. It helps partners who cannot find the fertility issue control over the timing of the procedure.
What are the benefits of ICSI treatment?
ICSI will greatly help couples who are facing issues with infertility in men. The high-quality fertilized eggs will be used by men whose sperm count is low or who have problems with sperm motility. This method will also help men who experience blockages that stop them from ejaculating, helps couples who have trouble conceiving for no proper reason, and can be done with donated eggs or sperm.
What to choose: IVF or ICSI?
Simply, based on your fertility issue you should choose IVF or ICSI fertility treatments. To choose the suitable treatment for you consider the following scenarios:
- Male factor infertility: When there are issues with sperm quantity or quality, you should choose ICSI.
- Prior IVF failures: If you have failed IVF experience, you can choose ICSI for better success rates.
- Unexplained infertility: If you cannot find a clear reason for your infertility, try traditional IVF treatment.
Typically, ICSI treatment requires more processes, which shows that it is more time-consuming and expensive, thus we also recommend ICSI as a suitable fertility treatment in a few cases. Also, ICSI is highly helpful for couples with male-factor fertility issues.
Is ICSI more effective than IVF?
We cannot define whether ICSI is more effective than IVF, because it completely depends on the root cause of infertility. In the ICSI procedure, a single sperm will be directly injected into the egg, mainly effective when there is male infertility, like poor sperm count, sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape. This method comes across several natural barriers to fertilization that sperm might face. In certain cases, ICSI increases the fertilization rates when compared with traditional IVF treatments, where eggs and sperm are fused in a lab dish for natural fertilization.
Also, once fertilization is done, the success rates of embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy will become the same for both ICSI and IVF. Notably, everyone should remember that ICSI is not recommended for couples without male fertility issues and will not be suggested unless specific conditions warrant its use. Simply, the decision between choosing IVF or ICSI should be guided by the doctor, depending on your condition and circumstances.
ICSI or no ICSI?
Nowadays in the infertility treatment field, most people started to choose ICSI even when they don’t need it. Also, we need to agree that in ICSI, you can select the most active and attractive sperm. In normal conditions, the average rate of fertilization is 70 to 80%. Further, there is another artificial step that could be linked to health issues that could be a concern. Notably, ICSI may increase the risk of some imprinting disease. Also, the natural fertilization of sperm consists of low risk for the offspring and there is no need for the alteration of the eggs as well as fertilized sperm. Even in some cases, the normal sperm may not fertilize with the eggs, so doctors can try ICSI treatment only in half of the eggs that are retrieved. Further, doctors will also use fertilized embryos in the traditional ways in the beginning and then use them in ICSI treatments.
Are babies born with IVF and ICSI normal?
The basic difference between these two treatment methods is that IVF fertilization will take place in glass by placing eggs and sperm in it, while in ICSI the healthy single sperm will be fertilized separately. It is a manual process, thus certain risk factors will be avoided, like no fertilization by multiple sperm or the failure of male gametes to get into the cells of the egg. Simply, embryologists often use both methods to give their patients the desired outcomes. Doctors will suggest IVF or ICSI treatment when you’re facing the:
- Unexplained fertility
- High sperm DNA fragmentation
- Past IVF failures
- Using frozen sperms
- Using frozen eggs
- Poor sperm motility, count, or shape
When it comes to babies born after undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment, they live a normal life like babies born naturally. Even studies have proven that there is no conclusive evidence of behavioral or physiological things. Further, the babies born after taking this treatment also have the same level of IQ, weight, growth, and development as the babies born naturally. Just remember that, whenever you decide to get ICSI or IVF treatment, reach out to the best fertility hospital in India for better outcomes.
What will be the future of fertility treatments?
However, like all the fields, fertility treatments will also evolve. Treatments such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) will be used in the future along with IVF and ICSI. It will also help in a healthy pregnancy, further, research is in progress to improve the success rates and reduce the risk of these treatments.
Important takeaway:
In conclusion, we can say that both IVF and ICSI share similar steps but greatly differ in how fertilization is achieved. Understanding the differences helps individuals to make informed decisions about their fertility treatment options. Also, it is crucial to remember that everyone’s fertility journey is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. Reaching out to a healthcare professional can help in getting personalized advice depending on your condition. Also, in the future advancements will come in the infertility treatment field, with the help of doctors couples can make appropriate decisions for their specific needs and aspirations.
