IVF vs ICSI vs IUI: What should you choose?

Some of the common ways to conceive a child via medical aid are by IVF, ICSI, and IUI. Today, many metro cities such as Hyderabad has some of the best fertility centers offering these treatments. However, these are very different treatments and come with their own unique procedures. Still, without the right knowledge, one may often confuse one to the other.

In this article, you will understand what makes these treatments and which one should you opt for.

What is IVF?

In-Vitro Fertilization, also known as IVF, is predominantly a medical procedure that helps in conceiving a child. It involves the use of fertility drugs which are used for stimulating the ovaries to produce quality mature eggs gently. The eggs from the mother are retrieved in a special dish and are fertilized with the fathers’ sperm. The father can be a partner or a donor.

In the laboratory, the fertilized eggs are monitored, and a suitable embryo is selected for transfer to the uterus, which can then proceed towards pregnancy.

• What are the benefits of IVF?

One of the benefits of IVF is the maximization of the chances of fertilization by placing the eggs with the sperm. Most IVF treatments in Hyderabad insist on choosing the embryo with the highest potential for pregnancy. With the help of advanced embryo selection techniques such as time-lapse monitoring and Preimplantation Genetic Screening, the best fertility centers in Hyderabad ensure they place a healthy embryo in the uterus. Additionally, with an IVF treatment, it is possible to freeze the embryos in case someone has more than one good embryo in their cycle.

• Why is IVF advised?

IVF helps to overcome issues that prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg in the body. These issues could vary from fallopian tube damage to blockages. IVF may be advised if there are any unexplained infertility or a mild case of male infertility.

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, aka ICSI, is primarily a more advanced and refined form of the IVF technique. Unlike the IVF, in ICSI, the best single and healthy sperm is extracted from the sample. Then, it is injected directly into the egg to fertilize it.

• What are the advantages of ICSI?

This treatment helps to conceive when the partner’s sperm may have problems. Since the sperm is injected, it bypasses the other stages of early fertilization. An embryologist selects the best quality of sperms for fertilization.

• Why is ICSI advised?

ICSI treatment helps overcome male fertility issues which include low sperm count or reduced sperm mobility or problems, which may prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg naturally. ICSI is also used to surgically-retrieved sperm. For men whose sperm has high levels of DNA damage, ICSI can be used in such cases too.

What is IUI?

An abbreviation of Intrauterine Insemination, IUI involves inserting the sperm of either a partner or donor into the uterus. This happens at the time when a woman is ovulating. This procedure is done in the hope the egg will fertilize in the womb for pregnancy.

• What are the pros of IUI?

Generally, IUI is administered without using fertility drugs. The procedure solely relies on the egg which a woman naturally ovulates in the month. The outcome of IUI closely mimics natural conception; thus, there may be a need for more than one insemination attempt to achieve pregnancy.

• Why is IUI advised?

This treatment is generally advised to patients who may need donor sperm to conceive. However, for this treatment to work, the fallopian tubes must be clear. Additionally, there needs to be enough healthy sperm and a mature egg for proper fertilization.

Which treatment is the best?

Some of the best fertility centers in Hyderabad advice a treatment depends on the initial fertility tests of the patient. In such treatments, an individualized approach gives a higher chance of success. Hence, any treatment which works, given the patient’s medical history, age, and response to any previous cycles, is the best for that patient.

Now that you’re aware of what’s the difference between these three treatments, visit the best fertility centers in Hyderabad to know more about the possible outcomes of the treatment, costs, and other details.