Many couples are finding it difficult to have a baby naturally in these days. For those couples, fertility treatments have become a beacon of hope. There are different types of fertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI, etc. Both fertility treatments are effective at helping you have a child. However, it is important to know about each process so that you can make the right choice while deciding on a fertility treatment.
What is IVF?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization and it is a popular assisted-reproductive technique. In IVF, fertilization of an egg with sperm takes place outside the body in a laboratory. In IVF, eggs are collected from females and are then fertilized with sperm in a lab. Once fertilization takes, the doctor will select the most viable embryo. The selected embryo will be transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation.
What is ICSI?
ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg instead of the natural penetration of sperm. The embryologist will choose the most viable sperm for a successful pregnancy. Once fertilization takes place, the embryo will be transferred back to the woman’s womb. This procedure is suitable if the male partner has fertility issues.
How Does IVF Differ From ICSI?
Both IVF and ICSI involve harvesting eggs with sperm in a lab. Both procedures involve collecting eggs and sperm and then fertilizing them in a laboratory. But the key difference is how the sperm fertilizes the egg. In IVF, eggs are combined with sperm in a petri dish for fertilization. Whereas, in ICSI, the embryologist selects a single sperm and it is inseminated into the egg. This will bypass the stage of natural penetration of sperm into the egg.
When is IVF Recommended?
IVF fertility treatment is suitable for almost all patients. The following are some of the indicators to consider IVF:
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Severe endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Poor semen quality
- Unexplained fertility
- Past vasectomy
- Genetic disorders
- Unsucsessful insemination due to undetermined fertility reason
To know if you are suitable for IVF, it is best to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. He or she can evaluate your situation and can provide the best treatment.
When is ICSI Recommended?
ICSI is suitable if the male partner has issues with sperm. ICSI is suitable in the following cases:
- Low sperm count
- If the sperm has an abnormal shape and motility
- If the sperm needs to be collected surgically
- If the sperm cannot move properly
- If semen contains high levels of antibodies
- Previous failed IVF treatments
Which One Should I Choose – IVF or ICSI?
As mentioned earlier, the ICSI procedure is the right choice for you if the male partner has sperm-related infertility issues. ICSI is successful at treating male fertility issues, which IVF cannot. But if there are no issues with sperm quality and quantity, then IVF can be a choice. An experienced fertility specialist can perform a proper evaluation to determine the ideal treatment for you.
Difficult to Choose Between IVF and ICSI? Visit Angels Fertility Center Today
If you and your partner have been struggling to have a baby naturally, then consider visiting Angels Fertility Center today. We have a team of gynaecologists and fertility specialists who can address fertility issues in both men and women. We have a huge success rate for our fertility treatments such as IVF, ICSI, and IUI. We understand infertility can be a challenging and emotional thing. Hence, we make ourselves available to answer all your concerns and help you have a child. If you are ready to discuss your concerns and issues with one of our specialists, call us or fill out the online form.