What is IVF ICSI treatment?
IVF ICSI treatment is an advanced assisted reproductive technique. The assisted reproductive techniques, IVF (In vitro fertilization) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) treat infertility.
IVF vs ICSI- what is commonly performed in fertility centers in Bangalore?
Most IVF centers in Bangalore perform ICSI on most embryos to increase the chances of fertilization. Smaller centers with less experienced embryologists or in medically indicated cases perform IVF without ICSI. Hence, ICSI is often considered an optional addon to IVF. In this article, we will refer to both procedures as IVF ICSI treatment.
What is the difference ICSI vs IVF
Both procedures involve retrieving eggs from the female and fertilizing them in a laboratory. The laboratory then transfers the resulting embryos back into the uterus, where they may implant and lead to pregnancy.
IVF and IVF ICSI treatment differ in how the sperm and egg are fertilized.
In IVF, the fertility specialist places the sperm and egg together in a dish, hoping for natural fertilization to occur.
In ICSI, the fertility specialist directly injects a single sperm into an egg, bypassing the need for natural fertilization to occur.
ICSI Benefits. Where should ICSI be used
Male factor infertility is the key indication for IVF ICSI treatment.
Patients with male factor infertility have issues with sperm quality or quantity. ICSI improves the the chances of fertilization in such patients.
A trained embryologist performs ICSI using a special instrument called as a micromanipulator. The micromanipulator allows an embryologist to hold an egg with one needle and inject a single sperm with another under microscopic guidance.
Is ICSI safe for the Baby? Are ICSI Babies normal?
We have over 25 years of experience with the IVF ICSI treatment technique. Studies have shown a small increase in birth defects or congenital malformations in ICSI babies. Normally 4 out of 100 pregnancies in the general population have congenital malformation. In patients undergoing ICSI this risk increases to about 7 out of 100 pregnancies.
After birth, studies have shown no significant differences in mental and developmental characteristics of ICSI babies as compared to their naturally conceived counterparts.
A recent study showed lower sperm counts and motility in adults conceived through ICSI as compared to naturally conceived adults. However this may reflect a genetic predisposition towards male factor infertility passed from father to child rather than an increased risk due to ICSI. Although lower, the sperm parameters were well within the normal limits.
Complications of IVF ICSI treatment. IVF ICSI side effects on the mother
IVF ICSI treatment can cause various complications, both physical and emotional. Some of the most common include:
Physical complications of IVF ICSI treatment process
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a condition in which the ovaries become swollen and painful due to the medications used to stimulate egg production.
- Ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
- Multiple pregnancy: IVF and ICSI increase the risk of having multiple pregnancies, which can lead to health problems for both the mother and the babies.
- Bleeding or cramping: Some women may experience bleeding or cramping after the embryo transfer procedure.
- Birth defects: Although the overall risk of birth defects is not significantly higher in IVF or ICSI pregnancies compared to naturally conceived pregnancies, the risk may still exist.
Emotional complications of IVF ICSI treatment process:
- Stress: The process of IVF ICSI treatment can be stressful and emotionally draining, especially if the procedure is not successful.
- Depression and anxiety: Infertility and the stress of undergoing IVF ICSI treatment can lead to depression and anxiety.
It’s important to discuss the potential risks and complications of IVF and ICSI with a doctor before undergoing the procedure, as well as the potential benefits.
IVF ICSI Treatment Cost in Bangalore
IVF ICSI treatment costs range from Rs. 1.5 Lakh to about 3.2 Lakhs in Bangalore. The cost includes the cost of medicines for ovarian stimulation (Rs. 35000-90000), the cost of the procedure of egg pick up, fertilization and formation of embryos (Rs. 90,000 to 1,30,000) and the cost of additional scans and tests (5000-20,000).
Additionally there may be extra costs in specific fertility centers for freezing embryos, special tests, special procedures and frozen embryo transfer.
The cost also depends on your age, ovarian reserve, cause of infertility and underlying medical conditions.