What is the difference between artificial insemination and eco. Eco and ixi are the main differences. How ixi is made

In this section you will learn:

Perhaps every married couple has a desire to become happy parents. However, unfortunately, not every couple has the opportunity to realize this dream in a natural way. In cases where a woman fails to get pregnant within a year in the presence of a constant sexual life, most likely she will hear such a diagnosis as infertility. Or this diagnosis will be made to her partner.

Fortunately, the possibilities modern medicine, if not unlimited, then very wide. A procedure such as IVF, or its varieties - ICSI / IMSI, can help a woman become pregnant.

What is it and how does IVF differ with ICSI / IMSI: what is the difference between the procedures and how is each of them done?

IVF is in vitro fertilization. Literally, this term can be deciphered as fertilization outside the (extra) body (corpus) of a woman. The essence of the technique is that a suspension of prepared, actively motile spermatozoa is added to the resulting egg. Then the natural process of fertilization begins - the strongest of the spermatozoa penetrates the egg, as a result of which an embryo is formed. After successful fertilization and the beginning of the development of the embryo, it is placed in the woman's uterus and the pregnancy is expected.

What if natural fertilization does not occur? In such cases, embryologists are involved in the work and microsurgical fertilization methods are used - ICSI or IMSI.

First, let's look at the reasons for the lack of natural fertilization.

They may be as follows:

• Reduced sperm count in semen
• In semen, spermatozoa have reduced motility;
• Many spermatozoa have pathology;
• Semen contains antisperm antibodies (ASAT).

Now back to the essence of the ICSI technique. So, ICSI is intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The specialist-embryologist selects one with the best morphological characteristics from the set of received spermatozoa. For this, a microscope is used, which allows you to achieve a 400-fold increase in the image. Then, with the help of a special microneedle, this spermatozoon moves into the cavity of the egg. Within a day after this manipulation, fertilization should occur. Further actions when using the ICSI conception method are the same as with conventional IVF: culturing the embryo, transferring it to the uterine cavity and waiting for the onset of pregnancy. With poor performance of the female biomaterial, ICSI can be performed and fertilization can be done with a donor egg.

With reduced spermogram parameters (low sperm motility, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, pathological sperm morphology), a complicated ICSI method, namely IMSI, is used to obtain an embryo. To do this, it is necessary to use a special optoelectronic device that will allow you to study the resulting material (sperm) with an image magnification of 6000-6600 times. Such an increase allows you to see the smallest changes in the structure of spermatozoa and exclude from selection those whose morphological characteristics even slightly differ from ideal ones.

Infertility treatment and fertilization by IVF, ICSI / IMSI in St. Petersburg: an experiment or a reliable way to deal with infertility?

No matter what myths IVF has overgrown, it is this method that has already given life to more than 5 million people. Of course, they do not resort to it when it is possible to conceive a child in a natural way. No one is trying to prove that test tube babies are better, stronger, smarter and healthier than those who were born without the intervention of modern medical technology. However, if for a number of reasons a woman cannot become pregnant on her own, IVF is a real chance for her to become a mother.

The IVF procedure (as well as the additional manipulations carried out as part of this procedure - ICSI / IMSI) will be the most effective and safe if:

• Before the procedure, all necessary studies and analyzes will be carried out. Specialists examine the biological material of a woman and a man, assess the predisposition to various diseases(including genetic), the causes of miscarriages, termination of pregnancy, if this has already happened in a woman's life, are being studied. There is a sufficient amount of research at the preparation stage - future parents need to be patient and follow all the instructions of the doctors.
• Before the procedure, all possible contraindications. By the way, there are quite a few of them, but not all of them are absolute. Postponing, temporarily rescheduling the IVF procedure can be caused by such diseases as hepatitis, tuberculosis, infectious, inflammatory processes. In such cases, it is first necessary to carry out therapy aimed at eliminating precisely these pathologies, and then to deal with the problem of infertility. Absolute contraindications to IVF are serious blood diseases, mental disorders, severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
• The procedure will take place in a modern center staffed by experienced reproductive specialists, gynecologists, embryologists, and so on. The technological equipment of the center is also important (for example, for the IMSI procedure, as mentioned above, special equipment is required, which is not available in every clinic).

Successful fertilization, embryo transfer and even its proper attachment and implantation in the uterine cavity is only the first step on the way to happy parenthood. Pregnancy resulting from IVF should be monitored as well (perhaps even more carefully) as the one that occurred naturally - to perform periodic screening examinations, ultrasound, CTG, and so on.

How to prepare a woman and a man for the IVF-ICSI procedure?

Before starting the IVF-ICSI program, the reproductive specialist, after talking with the patients (male and female) and studying their medical history, will assign both a series of examinations for preparation. The list of examinations is regulated by the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 107n "On the procedure for using assisted reproductive technologies, contraindications and restrictions on their use."

Tests for a man

Analyzes with a shelf life of 12 months:

• microscopic examination of a smear from the urethra;
• PCR diagnostics for chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, herpes, cytomegalovirus (sexually transmitted diseases - STDs);
• blood for antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2.

• Spermogram, MAR test.

Before these examinations, sexual rest is required for 3-5 days, as well as abstinence from alcohol, sauna baths for 1 week.

Analysis for a woman

Analyzes with a shelf life of 12 months (or are given once in a lifetime, such as, for example, on the Rh factor):

• blood group and Rh factor;
• blood for antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2;
• fluorography;
• Ultrasound of the heart (ECHO);
• ultrasound thyroid gland followed by a consultation with an endocrinologist;
• Ultrasound of the breast for 5-11 days monthly cycle for women under 35, women over 35 need to undergo a mammogram followed by a consultation with a mammologist;
• blood for rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis.

Analyzes with a shelf life of 6 months:

• cytological examination of a smear from the cervix, cervical canal;
• PCR diagnostics for chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, herpes, cytomegalovirus, HPV 16.18 type.

Analyzes with a shelf life of 3 months:

• Blood test for antibodies to syphilis, HIV 1.2 (IgG and IgM), hepatitis B, C.

After passing through the above procedures, a woman needs to receive a conclusion from a therapist about her general state of health and the possibility of infertility treatment, as well as further pregnancy. Be sure to include in the conclusion: “Conducting assisted reproductive technologies and surgical interventions, bearing pregnancy are not contraindicated. The validity period of such conclusion is 6 months.

All of these examinations and analyzes can be done at our center. Additionally, other studies may be prescribed based on the individual health picture.

How is the egg fertilization procedure carried out with the IVF-ICSI method and how long does it take?

ICSI is a microsurgical manipulation within IVF, which becomes necessary when natural fertilization (conception) is impossible even under artificially created ideal conditions. ICSI is used if the spermogram of a man has poor performance - low sperm count, their small number and pathology of the morphological structure. Also, the use of the ICSI method is justified in cases where IVF has already been performed, but fertilization did not occur or occurred, but the embryo turned out to be not viable.

Consider the stages of IVF-ICSI fertilization.

1. For IVF (including using ICSI), one egg is not enough - 5-10 eggs are needed. In this case, the chances of getting a healthy embryo increase significantly. In this regard, IVF begins with the stimulation of superovulation. In order for the maturation of eggs in the follicles to occur, at the end of stimulation, the patient is prescribed hCG preparations, which trigger the processes of egg maturation. As a result, instead of one egg in the body of a woman, several mature. In some cases, the ICSI-IVF procedure is carried out in a natural cycle, that is, without ovarian stimulation. This option is suitable for women who do not have impaired physiological processes in the ovaries. In other words, they have regular periods with normal ovulation, confirmed by research results, or women with a reduced ovarian reserve, when stimulation is contraindicated, and the use of donor oocytes is premature or the woman is not morally ready for this. The duration of the menstrual cycle should not go beyond the average values ​​- 26-32 days.
2. After the eggs have matured, the next manipulation is performed - transvaginal puncture. For this, a special needle is used, which is used to puncture through the posterior and lateral fornix of the vagina. By vacuum aspiration under ultrasound control, mature eggs are extracted from the follicles and placed in test tubes.
3. The resulting eggs are sent to the laboratory. Embryologists examine them under a microscope and evaluate the general external parameters: size, structure, and so on. Then the eggs suitable for fertilization are transferred to a nutrient medium, in which they must be kept for several hours in a special CO2 incubator. We can say that this is how the eggs “rest” and adapt, because they were removed from their familiar environment.
4. While the egg is adapting to new conditions, embryologists work with male germ cells - spermatozoa. The biomaterial is placed on the microscope stage, and its study begins. From the total mass of spermatozoa, the embryologist must select the most viable, having normal morphological characteristics. The sperm must have a well-shaped head and tail. A disproportionately large head may mean that there are chromosomal abnormalities - such an instance of a male cell is not suitable for fertilization. In addition, the sperm must move in a straight line, at a speed of at least 25 microns / sec. After the embryologist has selected the best spermatozoon, he draws it into the cavity of a special glass needle.
5. The next stage is directly artificial insemination. A cup with an egg is placed on the microscope stage. With the help of a special microscopic suction cup, the egg is fixed. Then, a needle containing the prepared spermatozoon is used to pierce the outer layer of the egg. The sperm is then injected into the cavity of the egg. The needle is removed, the egg is dropped from the suction cup. This completes the fertilization process.
6. A fertilized egg is placed in a CO2 incubator for 3-5 days. On each of these days, specialists monitor the development of embryos and can already preliminarily assess which of them will be viable and which will not. Viable embryos, if indicated, are subjected to an additional examination - preimplantation genetic diagnosis PGD - it is necessary to determine whether there are cell mutations. The probability of a child developing with a chromosomal pathology or other genetic abnormalities is revealed.
7. On the 3-5th day of development, the highest quality of the embryos is transferred to the uterine cavity. This is a critical period, because after it the membrane covering the embryo breaks, and it must attach to the wall of the uterus. Naturally, this should happen already in the body of a woman.

How is embryo transfer done in the IVF-ICSI program, where does the procedure take place and how long does it take?

Our experts are inclined to believe that it is more correct to implant only one, because this is what is inherent in nature, which means it is more natural, moreover, multiple pregnancy, which can develop when transferring more embryos, is fraught with negative consequences and IVF is a complication.

Embryo transfer must be carried out in a strictly defined period of the cycle. There is such a thing for the uterus as the "window of receptivity". At this time, the endometrium lining the inner cavity of the uterus is ready to receive the embryo inside. The difficulty lies in the fact that the period of receptivity does not last long - about 2 days.

The replanting procedure itself is painless for a woman, it is technically simple and takes no more than 15-20 minutes in duration. Replanting is carried out under sterile conditions of the operating unit under ultrasound control on a gynecological chair. Previously, a woman is given a sedative, which will help to endure some discomfort from medical manipulations with ease and without worries.

It is possible to determine the result of embryo replanting, that is, to find out if pregnancy has occurred, after about 12-14 days. To do this, a woman can do a regular pregnancy test. Also, to confirm the result, blood is taken for analysis for hCG.

What can affect the effectiveness of IVF-ICSI?

1. The first factor affecting the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization is the woman's age. It is the health of the expectant mother and her reproductive age are decisive, since she will not only have to pass the biomaterial, but also undergo the replanting procedure and, if the outcome is successful, endure the pregnancy. Women under the age of 38 are more likely to get pregnant with IVF.

2. The second factor is the genetic features of future parents. More chances for successful IVF are those couples who do not have serious problems with health - no hereditary pathologies, hormonal disorders.

3. The third factor is willingness female body accept an artificially obtained embryo. It often happens that until the moment of replanting, everything goes fine: there are many eggs, many healthy, mobile spermatozoa, fertilization occurs quickly and even a few healthy embryos are obtained. However, after planting long-awaited pregnancy does not come.

This can happen for the following reasons:

• too thin or thick endometrium in the uterus;
• inflammatory diseases female reproductive system;
• the presence of scars on the uterus or polyps in its cavity.

It is possible to avoid such difficulties during implantation only by carrying out thorough preparation and preliminary examinations before IVF-ICSI. Perhaps, if any problems of an inflammatory nature or other are identified, the in vitro fertilization procedure will have to be postponed. The patient will need to undergo a course of treatment, eliminate the disease, and only then begin to solve the problem of infertility. In such cases, it is very important to be patient, which can be quite difficult, especially for those couples who have been dreaming of a child for a long time.

4. Another factor influencing the success of in vitro fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the right time for infusion. Here it is important to correlate the most successful period of embryo cultivation with the most successful period in the woman's cycle, when the endometrium is maximally ready for embryo implantation. Let's analyze this issue in more detail. Cultivation is the process of artificially growing an embryo. Its maximum duration is 5-6 days, but replanting can be carried out already on the second or third day of cultivation. Everything is very individual here and it is rather difficult to name specific dates for replanting - the decision is made jointly by reproductologists and embryologists, who mainly rely on practical experience.

Now about the readiness of the endometrium. Unfortunately, the implantation window, the period when the endometrium is maximally ready to accept the embryo, is very narrow - on average it is only two days. What happens in these two days:

• The endometrium thickens and loosens. Due to this, the embryo seems to sink in its villi, securely fixing itself on the wall of the uterus.
• Endometrial cells store nutrients that the embryo really needs.
• Increases in the endometrium blood vessels, thanks to which enhanced nutrition with oxygen and useful substances is provided.

So, the task of reproductologists and embryologists is to correlate the most successful period of endometrial maturity with the most successful period of embryo development and it is during this period to carry out replanting.

5. Of course, the qualifications and experience of embryologists have a great influence on the success of the IVF-ICSI procedure, because it is they who should choose the best sperm for fertilization. Often, embryologists cannot even explain why they choose one or another sperm - just experience tells them which of them can correctly and in full transfer the DNA to the female egg. It is also important how skillfully the embryologist captures the sperm with a microscopic instrument and then implants it into the egg. You can't even call this work jewelry - it is much more difficult and responsible. And the specialists of the Genesis reproduction center successfully cope with it.

IVF or ICSI / IMSI: where are the chances of success and the likelihood of pregnancy after the first attempt?

Perhaps the step-by-step description of the IVF-ICSI process seems very complicated and the question arises of how often the effectiveness of this procedure is achieved. The statistics of conventional IVF protocols indicate that the proportion of successful procedures is approximately 30-38%. We are talking about those cases when not only cultivation is successful, but also replanting, and then pregnancy and childbirth.

As for ICSI specifically, after it the probability of survival of embryos and fertilization of eggs from the first time (if done with good sperm) varies from 60 to 100 percent of cases (what specific% depends on many other factors). These are very high indicators that prove the effectiveness of this technique. Such performance indicators are primarily due to the fact that the program selects spermatozoa with the best morphological characteristics. In other words, what nature was supposed to do (natural selection of spermatozoa, their delivery to the egg, and so on) is done by the hands of specialists and with the help of equipment.

These statistics do not unequivocally indicate that ICSI (or its complicated version IMSI) is better and more effective than IVF, although the likelihood positive result the first procedure has more. Statistics indicate the chances of pregnancy, and which of the methods of fertilization is suitable in each case, experts must determine. If male germ cells are able to fertilize an egg on their own, why interfere with this process using ICSI? If they are not able to do this, why try to repeat a simple IVF, knowing in advance that it will not end with a pregnancy?

How much does IVF cost using the ICSI / IMSI method in St. Petersburg: factors affecting the price

The cost of the in vitro fertilization procedure will depend on the specifics of the infertility problem that exists in a particular couple.

To understand how much the in vitro fertilization procedure will cost at the Genesis Reproduction Center, you need to sign up and come for an initial consultation with our specialists and learn more about our capabilities and special offers. The specialists of the clinic will tell you what specific procedures may be needed in your individual case. They will study your medical history, analyze the infertility diagnoses, and then draw certain conclusions.

What does the cost depend on?

When it comes to the cost of IVF by ICSI or IMSI, it should immediately be noted that this procedure requires significant financial investments. Many specialists are involved in the process of artificial insemination, expensive equipment, specific medicines are used, and this, of course, requires appropriate payment. Also, all future parents who are looking for a clinic where they will undergo IVF should remember that this is not a procedure that is worth saving on. First of all, you need to look for highly qualified specialists, and not super-cheap offers.

However, not everything is so sad. Today, various social programs are being developed for couples, and it is possible to undergo IVF-ICSI / IMSI at the expense of the state (if there is a CHI policy). By contacting the Genesis reproduction center, you can take advantage of this chance.

Our prices for in vitro fertilization are affordable for many categories of the population. They are lower than the average European ones, and the total cost of the complex of procedures does not exceed the insurance limit, if we are talking about the possibilities of a medical policy.

We are always focused on results and make every effort to bring the joy of motherhood and fatherhood to as many couples as possible.

In vitro fertilization is a reproductive technology in which conception is carried out in vitro, that is, outside the body of a woman. After fertilization and selection, the strongest embryos are transferred back to the uterine cavity - if the treatment is successful, a long-awaited pregnancy occurs.

There are different IVF protocols. For example, depending on the health of the partners, the doctor may choose to use natural cycle or hormonal stimulation, which makes it possible to obtain more oocytes for fertilization and increases the chances of conception.

The "classic" IVF protocol with hormonal preparation is carried out in several stages:

1. Having studied menstrual cycle patients, the doctor prescribes a course of admission hormonal drugs. They create conditions for superovulation, when a large number of eggs mature in a woman's body in one cycle.
2. When the oocytes mature, a puncture is prescribed. It is necessary in order to extract eggs for in vitro fertilization. This operation is performed under anesthesia. On the same day, the partner donates sperm.
3. The resulting eggs after a special treatment are placed in a nutrient medium. Next, fertilization is carried out using the partner's or donor's sperm.
4. After maturation in the incubator, the healthiest and strongest embryos, which have undergone rigorous testing, are transferred back to the uterine cavity.
5. Further, a number of measures are taken to support the pregnancy that has come due to in vitro fertilization.

There are cases when at stage 3, when in vitro fertilization should occur, the sperm cannot penetrate the egg. It is under such circumstances that the protocol ECO include a procedure ICSI.

IVF with ICSI helps to cope with male infertility

ICSI - what is it and how is it done

The essence of the ICSI procedure is reflected in its name. The English abbreviation ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) translates as intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Simply put, at IVF ICSI The spermatozoon is injected directly into the egg using an ultra-fine needle. The embryologist controls every step under the microscope and performs actions with a micromanipulator that “calibrates” the movements of the hands and microscopic instruments. Step by step, this process is carried out as follows:

• the embryologist studies the biological material of the partner and selects the strongest and healthiest spermatozoon;
• the doctor interrupts the "tail" of the spermatozoon, immobilizing it;
• the sperm is drawn into a special needle;
• the doctor pierces the shell of the oocyte with a needle, fixed with a special microscopic “suction cup”, and injects the spermatozoon directly into its cytoplasm.

It is in the peculiarities of the process of conception that the answer to the question lies: what is the difference between IVF and ICSI? In conventional IVF, the sperm enters the egg on its own, while in IVF with ICSI, part of the sperm is injected into the oocyte by an embryologist.

In ICSI, the sperm is injected into the egg

Significant advantage IVF ICSI is the possibility of overcoming the complex factors of male infertility. The main indications for the use of such ART include:

• congenital pathologies in the structure of the patient's genital organs;
• previous vasectomy;
• unsatisfactory indicators of spermogram;
• detection in semen of antibodies that interfere with conception;
• low quality of frozen donor material;
• unexplained infertility.

Besides, ECO With ICSI shown to couples in which one or both partners are carriers of HIV. Also, this technique can be recommended if there have been unsuccessful IVF attempts in the past.

Children born as a result IVF+ICSI are no different from babies conceived naturally.

Children born in IVF ICSI are no different from others

3 main questions about IVF and ICSI

1. IVF or ICSI - which is better?

   This popular question has no answer since ICSI is part of the IVF protocol and not an alternative. Such a method of treatment can be recommended by a reproductive specialist if there are indications when a spermatozoon, for one reason or another, cannot independently penetrate into the oocyte.

2. IVF procedure with ICSI will it really help you get pregnant?

   Due to the peculiarities of the IVF procedure with ICSI, it is highly effective: fertilization occurs in more than 50% of cases, the birth of a healthy baby - in more than 35%. It is worth remembering that the effectiveness of such ART is influenced by many factors: from the age of the parents to the number of embryos implanted in the uterus. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to give an accurate prediction of a successful pregnancy in each case.

3. Is it possible to carry out fertilization With ICSI without hormonal stimulation?

   One of the main indications for ICSI is male infertility and the failure of other IVF protocols. For many patients, the question often arises: is it possible to do without hormonal stimulation, which creates high stresses on the body? In general, this is possible, but this option is chosen in exceptional cases.

The fact is that in the absence of hormonal stimulation of superovulation, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient number of eggs for IVF. The ICSI procedure is expensive, which means that with a shortage of oocytes for in vitro fertilization, the costs of patients increase, and the chances of successful conception decrease. That is why ICSI is often performed in conjunction with hormonal stimulation.

Video: close-up ICSI procedure

Today, the problem of infertility is not uncommon, and an increasing number of couples are forced to resort to the procedure of artificial insemination. The most commonly used options for solving the problem are IVF and ICSI.

Differences

To understand how IVF differs from ICSI, you need to understand that the fundamental difference between these procedures lies in the very method of insemination. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is considered the main method, and ICSI is an auxiliary, that is, it is only part of the procedure. IVF is a general procedure (fertilization technology), and ICSI is a method of selecting spermatozoa in IVF. In ICSI, the egg is fertilized artificially using a puncture under a microscope.

After puncturing the egg, the doctor places the best sperm inside - this is how fertilization occurs with ICSI.

The IVF procedure goes through the following steps:

1. Comprehensive examination. Holding hormone therapy.
2. A man donates sperm from which spermatozoa (active and viable) are extracted.
3. A follicle puncture is performed in a woman and about 20 oocytes (undeveloped eggs) are removed.
4. The process of insemination is carried out in a test tube. Oocytes are placed in a nutrient medium, where a suspension of spermatozoa is added. The most active spermatozoon comes close to the egg and natural (independent) fertilization occurs.

In fact, this process is practically no different from the usual conception. It also has a natural selection of sperm. ICSI uses a completely different fertilization scheme.

ICSI procedure:

1. One egg is retrieved from the patient.
2. From the sperm that the man donated in advance, the most active and viable spermatozoon is selected.
3. Using a special glass needle, the oocyte is pierced and sperm is injected into it. The further process of insemination takes place under the direct control of embryologists and reproductologists.

The difference between embryo replanting during ICSI and IVF

Now let's look at the main differences between ICSI implantation and embryo transfer with standard IVF. In simple IVF, several 3- or 5-day-old embryos are transferred into a woman's uterus. In ICSI (intracytoplasmic injection), one egg is placed in the uterus with a sperm inside.

There is also a difference between them in the indications for use. ICSI manipulations are recommended when infertility is due to problems with spermatozoa. The most common are sedentary spermatozoa, aspermia, low sperm count in the ejaculate.

With problems with sperm, it is difficult for them to get inside the egg. Thanks to the ICSI procedure, the spermatozoon will definitely be in the right place. Often, ICSI and IVF procedures are carried out together, as this increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Watch this helpful video, a female geneticist talks about ICSI:

How much does ICSI cost?

The financial side of the issue is also of interest to future parents who, before the procedure, try to study all available information about artificial insemination. Artificial insemination is a rather expensive procedure, but in order to get a chance to become parents, many infertile couples are ready for this.

IVF (in vitro fertilization) includes three separate paid stages, the prices are average, in order to roughly understand how much IVF and ICSI cost:

• preparation, a course of hormonal therapy - the price is about 15,000 rubles;
• follicle puncture and transfer procedure - from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles;
• also, about 25,000 rubles will cost medical support throughout the treatment.

The ICSI procedure is carried out mainly in parallel with IVF, so about 20,000 rubles should be added to its total cost. The price of artificial insemination will vary depending on the clinic. So abroad, the amount will be two or even three times higher.

Sometimes, to reduce the cost of the procedure, clinics offer to save on hormonal stimulation. Pregnancy in such cases is less likely, but still possible.

IVF and ICSI procedures are interconnected. Directly ICSI cannot be carried out without the beginning of the protocol. With the parallel implementation of both methods, the likelihood of pregnancy is much higher. But they should be used only according to the testimony of a doctor.

How much did your IVF cost? Did you do ICSI? Write about it in the comments. Share the article with your friends on social networks using the buttons below the article. Do not forget to rate, there are asterisks under the article. Thanks for visiting.

IN modern world relatively high percentage of childless marriages. In some cases, the abandonment of children is a conscious step by both spouses in favor of other interests. But most couples, with a great desire to become parents, cannot conceive and give birth to a child due to reproductive dysfunction.

And here the spouses have two options for solving the problem: adopt a child from a children's institution or contact specialists in reproductive medicine. If the last option is chosen at the family council, then the couple goes to a specialized clinic, where they are offered promising methods of artificial insemination.

There are several methods of assisted reproductive technologies. The most promising of them are the IVF method and the ICSI method. Let's consider what is the essence of these technologies, and how ICSI differs from IVF.

The most common method of reproductive medicine. It is used in violation of the reproductive function in women with sufficient quality sperm from the husband. The essence of the IVF method is the selection of mature eggs from the woman's ovaries and their subsequent fertilization with the husband's spermatozoa in the laboratory. Simply put, fertilization occurs outside the woman's body. A few days later, if the egg begins to divide (fertilization has occurred), it is planted in the woman's body for further gestation.

As a rule, ICSI is carried out as part of the IVF program, and is prescribed if the husband's sperm quality is low. At the same time, the highest quality and viable spermatozoon is selected from the sperm sample and injected directly into the mature egg with a special needle. Further procedures are carried out in the same way as in in vitro fertilization. Usually, the ICSI method is carried out after unsuccessful IVF attempts.

The difference between IVF and ICSI

The main difference between ICSI and IVF is the conception procedure. In the classical IVF method, the sperm and egg are in a test tube, where fertilization occurs in a free mode. Simply put, the process of conception itself is not much different from the natural one - the egg is fertilized by the strongest of the spermatozoa that have penetrated into it. Unlike IVF, with ICSI, one spermatozoon is injected into the egg with a special instrument, and this procedure is fully controlled by a specialist. There are no longer conditions as close to natural as possible, only a well-defined technical procedure - this is the main difference between IVF and ICSI.

The reason for using a particular method is also an indicator of how ICSI differs from IVF. In the case of male infertility, when sperm has low quality and viability characteristics, ICSI is used. In case of violation of reproductive functions in a woman - female infertility, the IVF technique is relevant. If it is important for the IVF program to have a large number high-quality spermatozoa, then for the successful implementation of the ICSI method, it will be enough to isolate only one of the most viable male cells.

In the event that both spouses have problems with reproductive function, then the doctors suggest going through both procedures so that the IVF plus ICSI complex gives the long-awaited result.

More and more couples are forced to use the artificial method of conception in order to be able to take their long-awaited bundle of happiness in their hands. ICSI and IVF - options for solving the problem. But which of them is the most suitable, you can understand only by understanding what is the difference between them.

Main differences

IVF is the main method of artificial insemination of eggs in infertility, and ICSI is an additional method, which is only part of the procedure.

How is IVF different from ICSI? The most important differences are: insemination technique and indications for use. In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing an egg by artificial means.

Manipulation for the purpose of conception occurs as follows:

1. hormonal therapy is carried out;
2. a man collects his biological material - sperm. It is cleansed of seminal fluid. From there, only mobile and viable sperm are extracted;
3. extract up to 20 oocytes by puncturing the follicle;
4. oocytes and sperm are placed in a test tube, where the process of insemination takes place, when the strongest sperm comes very close to the egg, and they combine into a new cell of the future small organism.

The embryologist only observes, because the procedure does not differ from the usual conception. There is a natural selection of spermatozoa - one in a million will come close to the oocyte and unite with it. ICSI is part of the protocol where a completely different fertilization scheme is used.

How ICSI works:

• one oocyte is removed from a woman;
• from the sperm of a man, choose the most viable, strong and fast;
• Using a special needle, the egg is pierced and the sperm is injected into it.

How is ICSI different from implantation? The difference is that during implantation, several embryos are transferred into the uterus of a woman, and with intracytoplasmic injection, one oocyte, with sperm inside.

The difference between IVF and ICSI can also be seen in the indications for manipulations. IVF with ICSI is an opportunity to become pregnant if the cause of infertility is a disease of a man (aspermia, a small amount of sperm in the ejaculate, low sperm motility).

In other words, it is difficult for the sperm to find the desired oocyte or penetrate into the middle, and with ICSI, it is already inside. The difference between IVF and ICSI is obvious, but sometimes they are carried out at the same time so that there is a greater chance of success.

Price policy

Before deciding on a piece conception, you should study the information on this issue as best as possible, including its financial side.

In vitro fertilization is not a cheap method. But it is worth it, because infertile parents will have a chance to raise and educate their child.

IVF consists of three paid stages:

• hormone therapy, preparation - $ 300;
• follicle puncture, replanting - $ 500-700;
• medical support - $ 400-500

How much does ICSI cost? Since itracytoplasmic injection is an addition to the main protocol, $ 300-400 must be added to the total amount. The price for IVF with ICSI is different in each clinic, and even more so in other countries. Abroad, the amount can double, and sometimes even triple.

It happens that in order to attract clients of the fertility clinic, they offer an economical version of the protocol, in which there is no preliminary hormonal stimulation, and one oocyte is fertilized. Getting pregnant in such cases is much more difficult.

It is impossible to say which is better than ICSI or IVF - they are interconnected.
It is impossible to carry out an intracytoplasmic injection without starting the protocol. The use of IVF with ICSI will increase the likelihood of pregnancy in male infertility. But there is no point in resorting to this without evidence.