How is ICSI different from IVF?

How is ICSI different from IVF?

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To overcome infertility, advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are designed to help couples. While both procedures involve fertilizing an egg outside the body, they differ significantly in their approach and technique.

In this blog, you’ll learn more about the factors that differentiate ICSI from IVF.

What is ICSI?

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a process where it occurs due to the male factor infertility. The process of ICSI is where a single sperm is injected directly towards the egg to get pregnant.

What is IVF?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an advanced technical process for female infertility where eggs are collected from the female ovaries and sperm are collected from the male for embryo transfer, for those who looking to get pregnant. 

What are the key differences between IVF and ICSI?

IVF ICSI
Definition
IVF treatment is used for female infertility.
ICSI treatment is used for male infertility.
Treatment process
Both the eggs and sperm will be collected together for embryo transfer.
Single sperm is collected and directly injected towards the egg.
Quality of sperm
The sperm has natural penetration. It needs 50 million sperm for one egg for the fertility procedure.
Sperm is picked in tiny glass needles and injected directly towards the egg. It needs only one sperm for the fertility procedure.
Symptoms
Due to infertility, a blocked or damaged fallopian tube, will not allow the egg and sperm.
It is highly affected due to male infertility with low sperm count.
Applicable
It applies to those who face more problems through infertility.
It applies to those who are affected by low sperm count.
Chance for Pregnancy
It allows more eggs at the same time for fertilisation, increasing the chance of pregnancy.
It does not allow more eggs to get fertilised at a single time.

Which one is better, IVF or ICSI?

Both treatments are advanced and technical for infertility. ICSI is a better treatment for male infertility whereas IVF Treatment is better for women’s infertility, so you couldn’t predict them. In some cases, the treatments undergo according to your age, health conditions and reproductive system conditions.

Let’s see in detail to whom it is advisable in the following table:

IVF ICSI
Low Infertility: This treatment is done for couples who have low infertility, so they can prefer IVF to get pregnant.
Severe infertility for males: Low sperm count, poor motility and abnormal shape of the sperm which causes infertility for males, so ICSI is a better treatment.
Blocked fallopian tube: If there is any block or damage in the fallopian tube then the egg and the sperm can’t meet inside the tube and it affects the fertilisation. So IVF helps in treating the damage to the fallopian tube and helps in fertilisation.
IVF failure in the previous cycle: Couples who have faced a previous failure in IVF can choose ICSI for better results.
Disease of ovulation: In normal fertility, the women will have regular ovulation when they produce one egg every day. If they don’t ovulate regularly then it may fail to pregnancy. IVF helps in treating the regular ovulation process.
Low levels of fertilisation: When the egg and sperm do not work in the fertilisation process during the previous IVF can choose ICSI.
Endometriosis: When the lining of the tissue starts growing outside the uterus will be hard and cause infertility. With IVF treatment it can be treated by growing the tissue inside the uterus.
Combining frozen eggs and sperm: When the quality of sperm is not good then the ICSI tries to find a good quality of sperm to inject directly into the egg.
Low male factor infertility: The male will have slight differences in their sperm count and poor motility, and they will be treated with IVF.
Frozen Sperm usage: When using frozen eggs or sperm, ICSI is often recommended to ensure successful fertilization. Frozen sperm might be less motile after thawing, and ICSI helps in bypassing this issue.

Which is more costly: IVF or ICSI?

The cost of the treatment depends on the clinic you chose, the age of the patients, the health condition, and the reproductive condition.

IVF

Level Minimum cost Maximum cost
Low
1,30,000
1,70,000
Average
1,70,000
2,20,000
High
2,20,000
2,60,000

ICSI

Level Minimum Maximum
Low
1,50,000
2,50,000
Average
2,50,000
3,50,000
High
3,50,000
5,00,000

Comparing these two treatments, ICSI is more costlier than IVF.

What are the benefits of ICSI treatment?

ICSI addresses the sperm development issue and also the obstruction-related ejaculation issues. It helps couples dealing with unexplained infertility issues.

Here are some benefits for couples who choose ICSI treatment,

  • High fertilization rates as a single sperm is directly injected into the egg, ICSI bypasses many of the natural barriers to fertilization, resulting in higher fertilization rates compared to conventional IVF.
  • Severe male fertility issues like Low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia), or abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) are easily treated, ensuring fertilization occurs despite challenges.
  •  Men with ejaculatory dysfunction or blockages can adopt ICSI, which enables the use of sperm retrieved through surgical methods such as Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA). 

What are the benefits of IVF treatment?

The benefits of IVF are numerous, providing advanced options such as genetic screening to ensure the health of the offspring. 

There are several benefits for couples who choose IVF treatment:

  • It increases the chances of conception for couples struggling with infertility. This is especially true for older women, those with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, or couples with unexplained infertility.
  • It addresses a variety of fertility issues, including male infertility factors (such as low sperm count or motility), ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, and uterine fibroids. It also helps in cases where other treatments have failed.
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), screens embryos for genetic disorders before implantation. This helps in reducing the risk of passing on inherited conditions and increases the chances of having a healthy baby.

What are the risks associated with IVF and ICSI?

Though these techniques bring the dream of parenthood to numerous couples, like medical procedures, it comes with potential risks and complications if it’s not undergone with proper guidance.

Risks with ICSI

When compared to other reproductive therapies, ICSI carries a higher risk. There is a possibility that needle insertion will damage 5% of the few eggs. While being cleaned for fertilization, the egg will sustain harm. Other associated risks are:

  • Higher miscarriage risk
  • Higher risk of learning disabilities and behaviour
  • Cardiac issues
  • Problems with infertility that the child faced as an adult

Risks with IVF

The needle will harm blood vessels, the intestines, and the bladder if it is done without a proper healthcare provider.

Other common risks are: 

  • Discomfort in the pelvis and abdomen
  • Organ damage close to the ovaries
  • Pelvic infections
  • Premature birth 
  • Low birth weight 
  • Neonatal deaths

If you need to minimize these risk factors of IVF, it is crucial to consult experienced professionals at a best fertility hospital.

Conclusion

Advanced technical fertility therapies, such as ICSI and IVF, are used to treat infertility issues, yet they differ significantly in their approach and applications. From this blog, understanding the differences helps couples select the most appropriate treatment based on specific fertility challenges, thereby optimizing the chances of successful conception and pregnancy.

If you’re worrying about potential risks with these ART techniques,The Hive Fertility Clinic, will be your go-to choice. Book an appointment for the personalized care and cheer to see the little toes you aspire to.

FAQs

It causes certain disadvantages like,

  • Genetic birth issues
  • Costly and complicated treatment
  • May attain stress and difficulties
  • OHSS(Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) problem in mother

Yes, the ICSI babies are genetically normal and in good health. For fertilisation, a single sperm is extracted and inserted straight into the egg.

Under 35 is a good age to obtain ICIS for simple fertilisation. The age range of 30 to 35 has a success rate of 40%, while the age range of 35 to 37 has a success rate of 35% and 40%. 

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