What’s the Difference Between IVF, IUI and ICSI?
Following your initial consultation and tests, your Doctor will decide on the most appropriate course of treatment. This may be IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
What’s the Difference Between IVF, IUI and ICSI?
IUI is process by which the semen (partner or donor) is prepared in the laboratory to optimize the sperm parameters before releasing the prepared sperm sample into the uterus via a catheter at the point of ovulation. The patient may have a natural cycle, whereby the developing follicles are monitored and the patient tests for ovulation at home using ovulation sticks, or the cycle may be medicated to increase the follicle development and guarantee ovulation occurs. IUI is the least invasive and most natural of the fertility treatments within a clinic, however the chances of a pregnancy from each cycle aren’t greatly increased from a timed sexual intercourse. For IUI to be recommended, the partner must have normal sperm parameters and the patient must have patent tubes.
If the Doctor recommends an IVF or ICSI cycle, this will require ovarian stimulation with hormones to facilitate the retrieval of multiple oocytes (‘eggs’) during one cycle. The egg collection is usually performed under sedation and using a fine needle, the Doctor aspirates each follicle and draws out the fluid within. The Embryologist then uses a microscope to search for and collect the oocytes from the follicular fluid retrieved at the time of the egg collection. The semen is also prepared within the laboratory to optimize the sperm parameters for insemination. IVF is where the prepared sperm sample is mixed in the same culture dish as the eggs and the eggs are allowed to fertilize naturally, whereas ICSI is the physical injection of individual sperm into each egg.
If the oocytes fertilize by IVF or ICSI, it is the role of the Embryologist to monitor their subsequent development and growth. Each embryo is individually assessed for quality (graded), and the Embryologist will keep their patients updated with how their embryos are progressing prior to embryo transfer or vitrification. The best embryo(s) will be selected for embryo transfer and any remaining good quality embryos will be vitrified for future frozen cycles if required.
Victoria Wigley
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.