How is ICSI Different from IVF?

For couples out there who are facing infertility challenges, there are techniques available like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which can offer them hope. Whilst it’s true that they both offer the same ultimate goal (to help couples have a baby), their methods, applications and outcomes are different. Let’s break down the differences to help you understand what sets them apart.

Procedural Differences

IVF treatment involves retrieving eggs and sperm and allowing fertilization to occur in a laboratory dish. Sperm swim towards the egg allowing fertilization to happen naturally. Embryos can then be monitored for several days before they are transferred into the uterus. IVF will work best when sperm function and motility are normal.

ICSI on the other hand, will directly inject the single sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg using a very fine needle. This bypasses any natural barriers to fertilization, making ICSI ideal for cases where sperm quality is poor, which includes a low sperm count, motility or abnormal morphology. This can be very useful for couples with severe male infertility. If you would like to learn more about ICSI’s efficacy, I would like to refer you to this study on PubMed.

Applications of IVF and ICSI

IVF would be typically used when the female partner is experiencing fertility issues. Anything from blocked Fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders or endometriosis. It can also work quite well in cases of unexplained infertility where both the egg and the sperm quality appear to be normal.

ICSI is mainly used when the male partner is having trouble with their fertility, so it’s often used in situations where prior IVF attempts have failed, or when frozen eggs or sperm are involved. There is research available such as this study published on ScienceDirect which shows that ICSI can improve fertilization rates in cases where sperm abnormalities would otherwise prevent conception.

Outcomes & Risks

Despite both IVF and ICSI having high success rates when they are used in the correct cases, there are studies available that caution the inappropriate use of ICSI for non-male-factor infertility. Research referenced in the study mentioned above from ScienceDirect also suggests that using ICSI when its unnecessary could lead to a lower embryo quality compared to natural fertilization techniques used in IVF. You also need to take into account that even though ICSI overcomes significant sperm barriers, there is a slight increase in the risk of chromosomal abnormalities compared to IVF.

Making the Right Choice

To find out whether IVF or ICSI is right for you, you and your partner should undertake a fully comprehensive fertility evaluation. Remember, when battling infertility, every case is unique, and success will depend on addressing your specific reproduction challenges.

At our DHC IVF Centre in Bangkok, our team specialises in personalised fertility care and offer the latest assisted reproductive technology (ART) solutions. You can Contact Us Today to schedule an appointment and take an extra step towards parenthood.