IVF or ICSI – what is the difference and what suits us?
IVF and ICSI are the two most common procedures of assisted reproduction – and are often confused or equated. Yet there is a decisive difference.
IVF – in-vitro fertilisation
In classic IVF, eggs and sperm are brought together in a petri dish. Fertilisation happens "naturally" – meaning the most active sperm penetrates the egg on its own. Approx. 50,000–100,000 sperm are added per egg.
ICSI – intracytoplasmic sperm injection
In ICSI, a single, carefully selected sperm is injected directly into the egg under the microscope. This procedure is significantly more elaborate and is used when:
- Sperm quality is significantly reduced
- No or very few sperm are present in the ejaculate (then TESE)
- Previous IVF attempts did not lead to fertilisation
What is better?
Neither procedure is fundamentally better. We make the decision together with you on the basis of the findings – above all the partner's semen analysis and your medical history.
Success rates
Both procedures have comparable pregnancy rates per transfer. Egg quality, the woman's age and embryo development in the lab are also decisive factors.