WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROINJECTION AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) METHODS?

In the In vitro fertilization method, collected sperm cells and oocytes are brought together in the laboratory to obtain fertilization. However if sperm cells are of insufficient motility and fertilization capacity, very few in numbers or with serious malformations, fertilization does not take place. In such cases, a single sperm is injected into the oocyte, and fertilization is thus achieved artificially. This procedure is called microinjection.

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES WITH THESE TECHNIQUES?

For the couples on which embryo transfer is performed, the success rate is about 50% if the female partner is under 37. The pregnancy ratio decreases to below 25% for the women over 40. However, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis can be carried out in the latter group (advanced maternal age) to improve the pregnancy rates.

IS IVF THE ONLY WAY OF TREATMENT FOR COUPLES THAT CAN NOT HAVE CHILDREN?

The type of treatment to be followed for the couples who have difficulties in having babies can be determined after the source(s) of the problem(s) are diagnosed by detailed studies. It is possible to achieve a pregnancy by "intra-uterine insemination", which means, injecting the sperm cells into the uterus of the female partner who undergoes controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.