IVF Types and Tailoring Your Experience to your Needs
Choosing the right IVF treatment is a decision that depends on various individual factors, including the specific causes of infertility, past treatment results, and personal health considerations. As your IVF abroad guide advisors, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these choices. We provide expert advice and insights to assist you in identifying the most suitable IVF option for your unique situation, ensuring that you are well-informed when selecting a clinic for your fertility journey.
Centers Close to Comfort and Excitement
Conventional IVF is often the go-to choice for many couples experiencing infertility. This method is typically recommended when infertility issues stem from ovulatory disorders, fallopian tube damage, or unexplained infertility. In conventional IVF, multiple eggs are harvested and fertilized with sperm in a lab setting. It’s ideal for couples where sperm quality is not an issue, as the strongest sperm naturally fertilizes the egg.
ICSI: A Solution for Male Infertility
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of IVF particularly effective for couples dealing with male infertility factors, such as low sperm count or poor sperm mobility. During ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg, bypassing natural fertilization barriers. This method significantly increases the chances of fertilization for couples who have had unsuccessful conventional IVF cycles or where male infertility is a known issue.
PICSI: Advanced Sperm Selection
PICSI stands for Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) is a refined version of the standard ICSI technique, particularly useful for cases involving male infertility factors such as poor sperm quality. In PICSI, sperm are selected based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the outer layer of an egg. This binding is indicative of sperm maturity and genetic integrity. Using PICSI, we can increase the chance of successful fertilization by ensuring that only the most viable and healthy sperm are used for injection into the egg.
Understanding and differentiating ICSI from PICSI
Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) is an advanced modification of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and it distinguishes itself primarily in how sperm are selected for injection into the egg:
Sperm Selection Method:
ICSI:
In standard ICSI, sperm selection is typically based on morphology (shape and structure) and motility (movement). A fertility specialist visually examines the sperm under a microscope and chooses one that appears the healthiest for injection into the egg.
PICSI:
In contrast, PICSI involves a more biomimetic approach to sperm selection. It uses a dish coated with hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found around the egg in the female reproductive tract. The sperm that bind to the hyaluronic acid are considered more mature and with fewer DNA abnormalities. These sperm are then selected for injection.
Assessment of Sperm Quality:
ICSI:
The assessment is predominantly visual, relying on the experience and judgment of the embryologist.
PICSI:
Provides an additional layer of selection based on a physiological response (binding to hyaluronic acid), which is thought to be indicative of higher quality and genetic integrity.
Suitability for Different Cases:
ICSI:
Is often used in cases of severe male infertility, including low sperm count or motility, or when previous IVF attempts have failed.
PICSI:
Is particularly beneficial for couples with a history of failed fertilizations, recurrent miscarriages, or where there is a concern about the genetic quality of the sperm.
Discover Your Ideal IVF Path
Curious about which IVF method fits your unique situation best? Let’s find out together. Answer a few brief questions and connect with leading fertility specialists to begin your personalized journey.