ICSI vs. IVF: Understanding the key differences
Feeling overwhelmed by fertility treatment options? This guide breaks down the differences between ICSI and IVF – from how they work to what you can expect.
Anne Petersen
There can be a lot of information and words to keep track of when exploring fertility treatment options. Two terms you may have come across are ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and IVF (in vitro fertilisation). But how do they differ from one another?
This guide will walk you through differences, success rates and pros and cons. Whether you're considering ICSI or looking for alternatives to IVF, we’re here to help you make an informed choice on your path to parenthood.
What is IVF?
IVF involves fertilising eggs with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos. One or more embryos are then transferred into the uterus.
Procedure overview:
- Hormone therapy to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval from the ovaries when the eggs are ready.
- Fertilisation of eggs in a laboratory.
- Monitoring fertilised eggs and embryo development.
- Selecting and placing one or more embryos into the uterus.
What is ICSI?
ICSI is a technique used as part of IVF. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation, and the procedure is similar to IVF.
Procedure overview:
- Hormone therapy to stimulate egg production
- Egg retrieval when the eggs are ready
- Injection of a single sperm cell into an egg
- Monitoring fertilisation and embryo development
- Embryo transfer to the uterus
ICSI vs. IVF: Key differences
Fertilisation method
IVF and ICSI differ in the way the sperm fertilise the egg. In IVF, eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish, allowing natural selection to determine fertilisation. In contrast, ICSI involves selecting a single sperm cell and injecting it directly into the egg.
Indications for IVF or ICSI
IVF is usually recommended for individuals with different fertility challenges or advanced maternal age. ICSI is particularly beneficial for couples experiencing fertility challenges related to male fertility or when previous IVF attempts have been unsuccessful.
Success rates of ICSI vs. IVF
Success rates of both ICSI and IVF depend on factors like age, health and fertility challenges. While ICSI can improve success rates in cases of male fertility challenges, it does not necessarily increase overall success rates compared to IVF.
IVF vs. ICSI: Which treatment is right for me?
IVF may be the best option if:
- You are experiencing fertility challenges such as blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS or endometriosis.
- You have a diminished ovarian reserve or advanced maternal age.
- You are starting a family with the help of donor sperm or eggs.
ICSI may be the better choice if:
- You are experiencing fertility challenges related to male fertility.
- You have had previous failed IVF treatments.
Other factors to consider:
- ICSI is usually more expensive than conventional IVF.
- Your doctor or fertility clinic can give you the right recommendation for your situation.
Ready to start your fertility journey? Get in touch with us!
Deciding on the right fertility treatment - whether it’s IVF, ICSI or an alternative type of treatment - can feel like a big step. Talking to your doctor or fertility clinic can help you understand what is right for you.
If you don’t have a clinic yet or need guidance in navigating your fertility journey, we are always here to help you. A fertility consultation can help assess your unique situation, answer your questions and provide tailored recommendations based on your needs.
If you're ready to take the next step, book a fertility consultation here to explore your options and get expert support on your journey to parenthood.
