IVF vs ICSI: Which Treatment Is Right for You? – GDIFR Guide

Choosing between IVF and ICSI is one of the most important decisions for couples planning fertility treatment. Both treatments help achieve pregnancy, but they work differently and are recommended based on the cause of infertility.

This GDIFR guide will help you understand the difference between IVF and ICSI, their success rates, costs, and which treatment is right for your fertility needs.

What Is IVF? (In Vitro Fertilization)

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a common fertility treatment where a woman’s eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to allow natural fertilization.

IVF is recommended when:

• Fallopian tubes are blocked
• Ovulation issues exist
• Unexplained infertility
• Mild male infertility
• Couples trying naturally for 1+ years

What Is ICSI? (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced technique where a single healthy sperm is selected and directly injected into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.

ICSI is recommended when:

• Very low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility
• Abnormal sperm shape
• Failed IVF cycles
• Fertilization failure in previous attempts
• Sperm retrieval from TESA / PESA

IVF vs ICSI: What’s the Difference?

IVF: Sperm fertilizes egg naturally in a lab
ICSI: Embryologist injects one sperm directly into the egg

IVF is ideal for:

• Female-related infertility
• Mild sperm issues
• Unexplained infertility

ICSI is ideal for:

• Male infertility
• Low sperm quality
• Previous IVF failure

Success Rates: IVF vs ICSI (GDIFR 2026)

IVF Success Rates

• Under 35: 45%–60%
• Age 35–37: 35%–45%
• Age 38–40: 20%–35%
• Age 40+: 10%–15%

ICSI Success Rates (Male Factor Cases)

• Under 35: 55%–70%
• Age 35–37: 45%–55%
• Age 38–40: 30%–45%
• Age 40+: 15%–20%

Which Treatment Should You Choose?

Choose IVF when:

• Eggs are healthy
• No major sperm issues
• You prefer natural fertilization
• It’s your first fertility treatment

Choose ICSI when:

• Male infertility is present
• Sperm count is very low
• Poor sperm motility
• Previous IVF cycles failed
• You want maximum fertilization chances

Cost Comparison: IVF vs ICSI (GDIFR 2026)

• IVF Cost: ₹90,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs
• ICSI Cost: ₹1.5 – ₹2 Lakhs

GDIFR Expert Recommendation

GDIFR experts decide between IVF and ICSI based on:

• AMH level
• Egg quality
• Sperm quality
• Hormone levels
• Age group
• Fertility history
• Previous treatment outcomes

When ICSI is preferred:

• Severe male infertility
• Low sperm count
• Failed IVF cycles

When IVF is preferred:

• Good sperm count
• Unexplained infertility
• Healthy ovarian reserve