Difference between ICSI and IVF

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI is a type of IVF procedure, in which a sperm is directly placed inside an egg for the fertilization to occur. Almost half of the entire percentage of people suffering from infertility problems goes through an ICSI procedure. This is the most successful treatment when there is a fertility problem in the male partner. Often couples with older male partner are known to go through an ICSI procedure.

Success rates vary from patient to patient, but on an average the intracytoplasmic sperm injection success rate can be counted to 25%. An ICSI procedure fertilizes 50-80% eggs, but fertilization of all the eggs is not guaranteed. But owing to the success rate, you can say that this procedure is fairly successful.

 

It is important to know the intracytoplasmic sperm injection cost before proceeding for this treatment. This procedure alone cost about 700-1500 US Dollar. The medications, ultrasounds, doctor’s fee and others are extra. Is it worth it? Although there has been considerable debate, many couples go for an ICSI procedure when all else fails. No infertility procedure can guarantee a baby. The final decision lies with you, after considering the pros and cons and after detailed consultation with your physician.

 

Difference between ICSI and IVF

The main difference between an IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the method of achieving fertility. Before a sperm can fertilize en egg, the head of the sperm must be attached to the wall outside the egg. Due to male infertility, sperms have difficulty attaching themselves to the egg. Hence, an ICSI treatment is used, where the sperm is directly placed into the cytoplasm of the egg.

In a traditional IVF however, more than thousands of sperms are placed near the egg. Out of all of them, one sperm swims the fastest to achieve fertilization of the egg. The procedure is not assisted, as we see in an ICSI.

Main Causes of Going through an ICSI Treatment

As mentioned earlier, an ICSI treatment is taken only when the male partner suffers from infertility. There can be many causes for infertility in men:

·         A male is unable to produce sperms or produces very few sperms.

·         Sperm immobility.

·         A blockage in the reproductive track which prevents the sperm from coming out.

·         Surgical removal of the testicles.

·         Presence of high level of anti bodies in the semen.

·         Using frozen sperm previously extracted from the male partner.

·         When there has been a previous failure using IVF treatment.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Risks

It is rare, but in general intracytoplasmic sperm injection risks include certain birth defects. They can be Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Hypospadias and abnormalities associated with sex chromosomes. Genetic diseases from the male can also be passed on to the baby. But, not to worry! A successful ICSI procedure and an IVF treatment can always be expected. Healthy babies are born every day and it is only 1% of the couples that faces the rarity.

 

FAQ

 

Is an ICSI procedure painful?

 

ICSI procedure is performed when the patient is sedated. Hence there is minimal or no discomfort. However after the needle insertion, there can be mild pain and swelling in the particular area, which is temporary and fades away after a week.

 

What are the chances of having a twin with an ICSI treatment?

Chances of getting twins and triplets are more in an ICSI treatment.  There is a 30-35% chance of having twins and almost 10% chance of having triplets.

Will all my eggs be used in an ICSI treatment?

It is always recommended to use as many eggs as possible when undergoing an infertility treatment. Although 50-50% eggs are fertilized through this procedure, there are no guarantees that all of your eggs will develop into an embryo. It is only the mature eggs that get fertilized by the sperm.

What is a split ICSI?

Split ICSI is for all couples who want to know their fertilization capacity. In this procedure ICSI is performed only on the mature eggs and the rest is incubated with the sperms. At least eight mature eggs with strong potential are identified for the insemination of sperm. If this fails, then the rest of the eggs are used.

What if my eggs don’t fertilize?

An ICSI procedure is used when a traditional IVF treatment fails. It is very rare that eggs don’t get fertilized with this method. Your doctor and the fertility specialist will make sure you get the right medication and environment where chances are 100% sure.