If you’re considering your options for fertility treatment, it’s important to understand the differences between traditional IVF and ICSI. While ICSI is a form of IVF, there are several differences to keep in mind. In traditional IVF, multiple sperm cells are placed in a laboratory dish with an egg, and fertilization occurs naturally, meaning the sperm must penetrate the egg on its own. Most commonly, the traditional IVF approach is recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, tubal issues, mild male factor infertility, or female infertility factors, such as ovulation disorders or endometriosis. On the other hand, in ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, bypassing many natural fertilization barriers. This type of IVF is used when there are significant male infertility concerns, such as low sperm count, abnormal morphology, or poor motility. In addition, ICSI may be recommended in cases with previous IVF failures, or when sperm must be retrieved surgically from the testicles or epididymis.