IVF-ICSI
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, more commonly known as ICSI, is a procedure where the sperm is directly injected into the egg, unlike IVF treatment where the sperm and eggs are left in a petri dish to fertilise on their own.
Around half of infertility cases are caused by sperm-related issues; ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility.
What is the difference between IVF & ICSI?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The key difference between IVF and ICSI is how the sperm fertilises the egg. In IVF, the egg and sperm (of which there are multiple) are left in a petri dish to fertilise on their own. In ICSI, one sperm is directly injected into the egg.
It is important you do not confuse these treatments with Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI); the process whereby a sperm is inserted into a woman’s womb at the most fertile point in her menstrual cycle. Whilst IUI has lower success rates than IVF and ICSI, it is much more simple and is a non-invasive theatre procedure.
Which is better for you, IVF or ICSI?
ICSI will likely be better for you if you are affected by sperm-related infertility, this is because ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility, as the sperm is given extra assistance. Hence, your doctor may recommend ICSI if the male has:
- a low sperm count
- an abnormal sperm shape or motility, or
- the sperm to be collected surgically (for example, if you have had a vasectomy)
IVF is one of the most commonly used and successful fertility treatments, and is suitable for a wide variety of people and a wide variety of fertility issues. Hence, there are different types of IVF for different ages and conditions.
