Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, known as ICSI, is a type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that is primarily used to treat severe cases of male infertility. In the ICSI procedure, a single sperm cell is directly injected into the cytoplasm of an egg. This approach is especially beneficial when the male partner has a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. ICSI is also beneficial when previous IVF cycles have failed or when there are issues with sperm penetration of the egg.

The ICSI procedure begins similarly to a traditional IVF cycle, where the female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and placed in a culture dish. Instead of placing many sperm cells around each egg and waiting for one to fertilize the egg naturally, a skilled embryologist selects a single healthy sperm and injects it directly into the egg with a fine glass needle.

While ICSI does not guarantee fertilization, it increases the likelihood of conception. After the ICSI procedure, a fertility doctor will implant the fertilized embryo into the uterus. If the procedure is successful, the implanted embryo will attach to the uterine lining, and pregnancy will occur.

If you’re considering your options for fertility treatment, it’s important to understand the differences between traditional IVF and ICSI. While ICSI is a form of IVF, there are several differences to keep in mind.

In traditional IVF, multiple sperm cells are placed in a laboratory dish with an egg, and fertilization occurs naturally, meaning the sperm must penetrate the egg on its own. Most commonly, the traditional IVF approach is recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, tubal issues, mild male factor infertility, or female infertility factors, such as ovulation disorders or endometriosis.

On the other hand, in ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, bypassing many natural fertilization barriers. This type of IVF is used when there are significant male infertility concerns, such as low sperm count, abnormal morphology, or poor motility. In addition, ICSI may be recommended in cases with previous IVF failures, or when sperm must be retrieved surgically from the testicles or epididymis.

The success rates of ICSI versus traditional IVF depend on several factors, such as the root cause of infertility, the age and health of the female partner, and the quality of the eggs and sperm. For couples affected by severe male factor infertility, ICSI significantly improves the chances of fertilization and successful embryonic development.

Overall fertilization rates with ICSI are generally higher than with traditional IVF, as the procedure ensures that sperm penetrates the egg. However, once fertilization occurs, the success rates of pregnancy and live births with traditional IVF and ICSI are quite similar.

To determine whether traditional IVF or ICSI is the better approach in your circumstances, schedule a visit to Conceptions Fertility Center. It’s important to keep in mind that while ICSI can enhance fertilization rates, it does not necessarily improve the overall outcome in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates compared to IVF for couples without male infertility issues.

The cost of ICSI can vary widely based on geographic location, clinic, and specific patient circumstances. On average, the cost of ICSI ranges from $800 to $3,000 per cycle, in addition to the base cost of IVF, which can be between $12,000 and $15,000 per cycle. Therefore, the total cost of an IVF cycle with ICSI can range from around $13,000 to $18,000.

For a full breakdown of your fertility treatment costs, you will need to come in for a consultation session with a fertility doctor specializing in IVF and ICSI. The dedicated professionals at Conceptions Fertility Center in Provo and North Logan, Utah, are here to provide top-quality care to help you grow your family. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Provo UT, Orem UT, Mapleton UT, Vineyard UT, Highland UT, North Logan UT, Hyde Park UT, Smithfield UT, Benson UT, Logan UT, and surrounding areas.