In vitro fertilisation methods
In vitro fertilisation is a method of combining a sperm with an egg cell in a laboratory to help couples with fertility problems. Infertility affects 15% couples of reproductive age, and for many IVF becomes the only chance to have a child. More than 8 million children have already been born thanks to this technology. There are several methods of in vitro fertilisation - from classic IVF, through ICSI with direct sperm injection, to advanced IMSI and PICSI techniques. The choice of method depends on the cause of infertility and the quality of the gametes. Explore the details of each technique and find out which may be suitable for your situation.
Highlights
- In vitro fertilisation is the fusion of a sperm and an egg in a laboratory setting, which has already helped more than 8 million babies to be born.
- Infertility currently affects 15% couples of childbearing age, for whom IVF is often the only chance of having offspring.
- The ICSI method involves direct injection of a selected sperm into the egg and is recommended for male infertility.
- The IMSI technique uses a microscope that magnifies the image more than 6,000 times to precisely select sperm with the correct structure.
In vitro fertilisation methods
Classical IVF fertilisation
ajwaHistorically the first successfully developed method of fertilisation. It involves the insertion and incubation of sperm with the egg cells. Within a few hours, the sperm penetrates the egg cell by itself and triggers all physiological reactions in a natural way, making this method the closest to the conditions of fertilisation that exist in the body.
The method is most commonly used in cases of mechanical infertility (obstruction or absence of fallopian tubes) and in cases where semen parameters allow its use, i.e. a male factor has been excluded or the parameters are close to normal.
The number and quality of cells collected is also a condition of use.
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ICSI fertilisation
In vitro fertilisation by ICSI is a technique that involves the injection of a pre-selected sperm directly into the egg. Docytoplasmic sperm injection (injection) is most often recommended for couples who experience difficulties conceiving due to male factor infertility, immunology, or a lack of or low conception rate after standard in vitro fertilisation.
IMSI insemination
In vitro fertilisation by IMSI is a technique involving the insertion of a sperm directly into the egg cell after selection of a sperm with a normal structure under a microscope that magnifies the image by more than six thousand times ('ordinary' microscopes normally used to observe the structure and quality of sperm magnify the image by up to one thousand two hundred times).
PICSI® insemination
In the method, spermatozoa are selected on the basis of morphological criteria and a positive and specific sperm-hyaluronate binding reaction.
Normal, motile spermatozoa react with hyaluronan through specific receptors on their head. The binding of the sperm to hyaluronate suggests that the selected sperm has undergone the entire process of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis correctly, is biologically mature, fully functional and competent to fertilise the egg.
Fertilisation by hbIMSI
The hbIMSI method involves the injection into the egg cell of a sperm that has successfully undergone morphological selection using the MSOME technique and selection on the basis of binding to hyaluronic acid (HBA). The two-stage selection of sperm for in vitro IMSI increases the likelihood of obtaining a promising, properly developing embryo.
IN VITRO FERTILISATION METHODS
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Frequently asked questions - FAQ
The cost of one IVF cycle in Poland ranges from PLN 8 000 to PLN 15 000 in private clinics. The NFZ reimburses up to three attempts for women up to the age of 39 if certain conditions are met.
Studies show that the risk of birth defects after IVF is slightly higher than with natural conception (approximately 3-4% vs 2-3%). Most IVF babies are born healthy and develop normally.
A full IVF cycle takes approximately 4-6 weeks. It includes hormonal stimulation (10-14 days), egg retrieval, laboratory fertilisation (3-5 days) and embryo transfer, followed by a two-week wait for the result.
A change of method is worth considering after two unsuccessful cycles of standard IVF or when tests indicate serious problems with gamete quality. The decision is made by the doctor on the basis of an analysis of the reasons for failure.
The medical information presented should be considered as general guidelines and does not replace the individual judgement of the doctor regarding the medical management of each patient. The doctor, after a thorough examination of the patient's condition, determines the extent and frequency of diagnostic tests and/or therapeutic procedures, taking into account specific medical indications. All medical decisions are made in full consultation with the patient.
Author of the article
Invimed editorial team - we serve patients by solving their fertility problems. We use world medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods. We are here to make dreams of parenthood come true. The smiles on the faces of happy parents give meaning to our work.
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