IVF-ICSI.

Bringing Dreams to Life

“IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) are both advanced fertility treatments designed to help couples overcome infertility and achieve pregnancy. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two procedures..”

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus, with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Who can benefit from IVF?

IVF is a viable option for couples facing various fertility challenges, including:

  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

  • Endometriosis

  • Unexplained infertility

  • Low sperm count or quality

  • Genetic disorders

The IVF Process:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

  2. Egg Retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration.

  3. Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a sperm sample, which is then prepared for fertilization.

  4. Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish for fertilization to occur.

  5. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs develop into embryos over a few days in a controlled environment.

  6. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus, usually 3 to 5 days after fertilization.

  7. Pregnancy Test: A blood test is conducted about two weeks after the embryo transfer to determine if pregnancy has occurred.

Success Rates and Factors:

IVF success rates vary depending on factors such as age, cause of infertility, and previous fertility treatments. Generally, younger women have higher success rates compared to older women. Additionally, factors like embryo quality and uterine health also play a role in IVF success.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a groundbreaking fertility treatment that has revolutionized the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This advanced technique offers hope to couples facing male factor infertility and has significantly improved their chances of achieving pregnancy. Let's delve deeper into what ICSI entails and how it can be a game-changer in the journey to parenthood.

Understanding ICSI:

ICSI is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg using micromanipulation techniques. This precise method ensures fertilization by bypassing potential barriers that may hinder natural fertilization.

Indications for ICSI:

ICSI is commonly recommended for couples facing male infertility issues, such as:

  1. Low sperm count (oligospermia)

  2. Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia)

  3. Abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia)

  4. Previous failed fertilization attempts with conventional IVF

  5. Use of frozen-thawed sperm samples with lower viability

The ICSI Procedure:

  1. Sperm Selection: High-quality sperm is selected from the male partner's semen sample or retrieved directly from the testicles (testicular sperm extraction - TESE) in cases of severe male infertility.

  2. Egg Retrieval: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, similar to traditional IVF.

  3. Micromanipulation: A skilled embryologist uses a specialized microneedle to immobilize and inject a single sperm into each mature egg.

  4. Fertilization: The injected eggs are monitored for fertilization, and embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days.

  5. Embryo Transfer: Healthy embryos are selected and transferred to the woman's uterus for implantation.

Success Rates and Benefits of ICSI:

ICSI has significantly higher fertilization rates compared to conventional IVF, making it a preferred choice for couples with male infertility factors. The success of ICSI depends on various factors, including the woman's age, egg quality, and overall reproductive health.

Benefits of ICSI include:

  1. Increased fertilization rates, especially in cases of severe male infertility.

  2. Enhanced embryo development and implantation potential.

  3. Improved chances of achieving pregnancy for couples with previous IVF failures due to fertilization issues.

  4. Ability to use frozen-thawed sperm samples with lower viability.