IS IVF DIFFERENT FROM ICSI?

PROCEDURE

IVF (In Virtro Fertilization) and ICSI (IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection) are both forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology. They are a bit similar to each other but there are also some important differences you should know about if you are considering either one of them.

       The most significant difference between IVF and ICSI is their procedures. In both cases fertilization takes place outside the womb in the lab. The process of fertilization is different.

       During an IVF procedure, the egg is placed in a sperm culture and fertilization takes place naturally.

       For ICSI, a single sperm cell is injected directly into the middle of the egg. This greatly increases the chances of fertilization.

WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

       Some fertility clinics do not offer ICSI and IVF as separate procedures. ICSI is considered as a possible option with IVF. It is normally recommended if the underlying cause of infertility lies with the male. When the sperm count is low, or the sperm cells lack motility or are of poor quality, ICSI can greatly improve the success rate of fertilization. The success rate of fertilization with ICSI is between 60%-80%. Although some studies has shown that normal IVF procedure without ICSI has a slightly higher success rate than with ICSI.

PRICING

       ICSI is a bit pricier than IVF. The difference in price is as a result of the direct fertilization process.

AT Procare

       After consulting with one of our fertility experts, our patients are advised on which option would be best suited to then.