IVF and ICSI are two ways to improve fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used to treat mainly sperm-related infertility problems. The retrieved oocytes are individually injected with a single sperm cell under a microscope. Fertilization rates are about 90 percent and many factors determine if the transferred embryos will lead to a successful pregnancy.
Is ICSI more successful than IVF?
We resort to ICSI because it is the latest technique for infertility treatment. ICSI can be recommended if there is a reason to suspect that achieving fertilization will be difficult. It is often recommended for couples who have unintentional delayed reproduction as a result of both male and female factors.
Male factors
- Low sperm count for men.
- Poor sperm movement.
- Poor sperm quality,
- Sperm cells that lack the ability to penetrate the oocyte (egg).
Female factors
- Low ovarian reserve (low number of eggs in ovary)
- Damage or blockage of the fallopian tube.
- Ovulation disorders in women.
- Uterine fibroids (here the embryos can be frozen to not waste time and be transferred after a myomectomy)
Conditions that attribute to the success of ICSI
- Accurate assessment of the situation.
- Tailored care that holds into account every detail of the couple’s medical history and that of their families.
- Improve the quality of the eggs and sperm obtained by taking supplements prior to the onset of the ICSI cycle.
- The expertise of the medical team, embryologists and center where the ICSI procedure is done.
- Tailored procedures and treatment plans.
In general, ICSI is more successful than IVF due to the fact that a single sperm cell is injected in each egg for fertilization to occur where in IVF the retrieved eggs are put in a test tube with the partner’s processed semen to allow penetration and fertilization to happen naturally. Bedaya Hospital distinguishes itself from any other fertility center due its state-of-the-art equipment, tailored treatment plans and the expertise of their staff in all departments!
When should we consider IVF?
IVF is an ART that starts the same way as an ICSI process. The couple arrives at the hospital goes through the history taking, blood tests, semen analysis, if needed extra procedures or consultations and then the ovulation induction medication and monitoring. On the day of the ovum pickup the procedure is also no different than and ICSI procedure! It is in the lab where the difference is where in ICSI the oocytes are each injected with a single sperm cell in IVF the good oocytes are put together with processed semen in a test tube for natural fertilization.
IVF costs are high, and many couples wait more than they should before deciding to take this step!
Infertility problems where IVF may be necessary include:
- Blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes.
- Low efficiency of ovarian functions.
- Uterine fibroids.so embryos can be frozen for later transfer after a myomectomy
- Fertility problems in women under the age of 40
- Unexplained infertility.
Couples can also choose IVF if they have a risk of passing a genetic disorder on to their children. The medical laboratory can test embryos for genetic abnormalities. The doctor then implants the embryos in the absence of genetic defects only.
Success of IVF
Pregnancies resulting from IVF are normal pregnancies with no extra risks of abnormalities or birth defects. The success rates of IVF are variable and depend on the maternal age and reasons of infertility. A pregnancy test is done 14 days after the embryos are transferred to the uterine cavity.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
In the IVF procedure, if the sperm count is well, it is processed, and this sample is put together with the retrieved oocytes (eggs) in a test tube for natural fertilization where in ICSI single sperm cells are injected under the microscope in an attempt to improve sperm cell penetration and make fertilization happen.
ICSI is more suitable if the female is older than 35, retrieved a small number of oocytes or if the sperm quantity and quality isn’t well. It requires high expertise from the embryology team and a special microscope therefor costs substantially more than IVF.
