Dickinson Cowan

reproductive medicine · gynaecology · obstetrics

IVF and ICSI

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. ICSI stands for Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

IVF and ICSI are very similar. With IVF, egg and sperm mix naturally. With ICSI a single sperm is injected into each mature egg.

IVF/ICSI consists of four phases:

1. Stimulation

Daily injections for 10-12 days.

2. Egg Collection

Eggs are removed vaginally by needle aspiration under sedation. Following union of sperm and egg an embryo is created.

3. Embryo replacement

Embryos are replaced 2,3, or 5 days after egg collection.

4. Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing may be suggested if there are embryos in excess to immediate need. Frozen embryos may be thawed and replaced, in a subsequent cycle.