Understanding the Difference between ICSI and IVF Fertility Treatments

Fertility procedures offer a variety of acronyms and initials that define procedures, and that goes for ICSI and IVF.

The term ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This medical fertility procedure focuses on male infertility issues, classified as  assisted reproductive technology or ART.

The ICSI approach is a popular one in regard to treatment for those with a low sperm count, and is often used in conjunction with IVF procedures.

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. The in vitro fertilization process is a procedure that attempts to fertilize eggs and sperm in a special dish outside of the woman's body, within a laboratory environment.

An egg from the woman's body and a sperm from the man's body is placed in a petri dish or other laboratory device to fertilize. Following fertilization, the egg develops into an embryo.

In an IVF or in vitro fertilization procedure, the embryo is implanted into the uterus.

ICSI technology specifically focused on men who have poor sperm quality, poor sperm mobility and/or low sperm concentrations. In this process, a fertility doctor will inject one sperm into an egg, increasing the chance of fertilization.

This process is  often used in conjunction with IVF procedures, offers an increased chance of successful fertilization.

Which process is best for me?

As mentioned above, the ICSI procedure is geared to help couples dealing with male infertility issues.

The focused ability to inject a single sperm into a single egg, followed by in vitro fertilization processes, can increase the chance of a couple successfully conceiving.

ICSI technologies, combined with IVF procedures, increase the chance of fertilization by approximately 75%.

Couples undergoing this technology typically enjoy a 25% increase in the chance of a successful conception.

How much does it cost?

Fertility treatments in the United States are extremely expensive.

A single cycle of a ICSI treatments in the US costs between $10,000 and $17,000. Individuals traveling to other countries may enjoy vast savings.

In India, couples may pay an average of $1,200 for each ICSI cycle.

Such fertility treatments are also available in other countries such as Hungary, where costs average $6,000, while in Mexico and South American destinations, travelers may save up to 50% on those costs.

The cost of in vitro fertilization procedures in the US average $12,500 for one cycle.

Women are often required to undergo several cycles before an embryo is successfully implanted into the uterus.

Visitors to Thailand or even the Czech Republic may enjoy the same procedure for approximately $4,500.

Who Performs ICSI and IVF procedures?

Certified obstetricians, gynecologists and fertility experts provide ICSI and IVF procedures.

Such individuals will ideally be certified in reproductive technologies as well as endocrinology.

When choosing fertility clinics, do your homework and research not only the facility success rate, but information regarding their quality control procedures, both in the facility itself and in their associated labs.