Conquering Infertility: Your Guide to IUI, IVF, and ICSI

For the infertile couples, the path to parenthood may be long and challenging. But it would help if you never lost hope, as there are multiple infertility treatments available that can help you in completing your family. Some of the common treatments include IVF, IUI, and ICSI. Although all these three treatments can help you in conceiving, often most parents have questions about which treatment will be the best for them.

In this blog, we will learn all about IVF, IUI, and ICSI, which will suit your case. Remember, each couple will have a different journey of infertility. What will be suitable for one may not be suitable for you.

What is IVF?

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which fertility medicines are given to stimulate ovaries to produce mature eggs. These eggs are later on retrieved in the laboratory and fertilized with the sperm of your partner or donor. Both sperm and eggs are kept in a special dish, and eggs are monitored for fertilization.

A high-quality embryo is then selected for transfer. It is placed in the uterus to implant and grow to conceive.

IVF benefits

With the help of IVF treatment for pregnancy, your chances of conceiving increase, as fertilization happens by placing an egg with sperm. Through advanced embryo selection techniques like preimplantation genetic screening and time-lapse monitoring, the highest potential embryo is selected for transfer. If you have more than one good embryo from a cycle, your fertility specialist can freeze one embryo for the next cycle.

When IVF is recommended

This infertility treatment procedure is recommended when the sperm is unable to fertilize the egg due to a ruptured fallopian tube. This treatment can also be advised in cases of unexplained infertility or mild male infertility.

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, or ICSI fertility treatment, is a refined version of IVF. In this treatment, instead of mixing the egg with the sperm in a laboratory, the sperm is extracted from the sample and directly injected into the egg for fertilization.

ICSI benefits

ICSI is usually preferred when your partner is facing male infertility issues. As the sperm is directly injected into the egg, it bypasses the rest of the early fertilization process. Your embryologist will pick only the best-quality sperm for fertilization.

When is ICSI recommended?

ICSI is recommended in cases of male infertility when the sperm count is low or in cases of low sperm mobility. Such issues prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg naturally. This treatment is also advised in cases of high-level DNA damage in men. In cases where there are no issues with sperm, it is recommended to go with IVF.

What is IUI?

IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is all about the insertion of the partner’s or donor’s sperm into the egg at the time of ovulation. It will increase the chances of a pregnancy.

Benefits of IUI

IUI is carried out without taking any fertility medicines, as it relies on the natural process of conceiving when you ovulate. Although IUI fertility treatment in Meerut mimics the natural process of pregnancy, you may need to undergo multiple cycles to conceive.

When is IUI recommended?

Some patients prefer to conceive through donor eggs, and for them, IUI is highly recommended as this process is quick and simple. For IUI to work, there should be no issues in the fallopian tube, and the sperm should be healthy. If the patient has irregular ovulation, doctors can suggest medications with IUI. Otherwise, IVF is the most suitable option.

IVF, IUI, or ICSI: Which one is the best option?

The outcome of the fertility treatment for women will let your doctor know which test will be suitable for you. The individualized approach is important to attain maximum success. Some factors, like medical history, the reason behind the failure of the previous cycle, and age, are considered before choosing the treatment method for the patient.

Your doctor may suggest the option of IUI if your egg and sperm are healthy. You can straightaway go with IVF or ICSI if your partner is facing an issue of semen disorder. Your doctor’s main goal will be to make you conceive in any possible manner.

Your doctor will decide after consulting with you. Hence, you will be fully aware of the treatment path and the cost involved in that treatment.

Bottom Line

Today, there are various treatment options available for infertile couples that can complete their family. If you are unable to conceive after one year of regular intercourse, you must consult your doctor and know which infertility treatment option will be suitable for you.

You must also inquire about the possible side effects of fertility drugs, if any, and the cost required for the complete treatment.