What Is the Difference Between IVF, ICSI and IUI? A Simple Guide - Bharati Fertility
When you're exploring fertility treatment, you may come across three terms repeatedly: IUI, IVF and ICSI . IUI works by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. IVF involves retrieving eggs and fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory. ICSI goes one step further during IVF by injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. So, what is the actual difference between IVF, ICSI and IUI ? And how do fertility specialists decide which option may be appropriate? Let's break it down. IUI vs IVF vs ICSI: The Basic Difference The easiest way to understand these treatments is to look at where fertilisation takes place and how much laboratory assistance is involved. Treatment What happens? Where does fertilisation occur? IUI Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus Inside the woman's reproductive tract IVF Eggs are retrieved and combined with sperm in a laboratory In the laboratory ICSI A single sperm is injected directly into an egg duri...