In Vitro Fertilization

At Masfiv we understand that each path to motherhood is unique. That is why we offer the most advanced and personalized techniques, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

IVF-ICSI is a specialized variant of conventional IVF, specifically designed to overcome obstacles related to sperm quality or quantity, maximizing the chances of fertilization.

What is IVF-ICSI and how does it differ from conventional IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where the union of the egg and sperm occurs outside the body, in our specialized laboratory here in Donostia.

  • Conventional IVF: The retrieved eggs are placed in a culture dish along with a processed semen sample, allowing the sperm to fertilize the eggs naturally.
  • IVF-ICSI: We go one step further. Using a high-powered microscope and micromanipulators, our team of embryologists selects a single sperm and microinjects it directly into the interior of each mature egg retrieved.

This technique circumvents possible barriers that prevent the sperm from penetrating the egg by itself, being an effective solution in many cases of infertility.

For whom is IVF-ICSI indicated?

The IVF-ICSI technique is especially beneficial and is recommended in situations such as:

  • Tubal factor: When the fallopian tubes are blocked, damaged or absent (for example, after tubal ligation or salpingectomy). IVF allows bypassing the tubes, joining egg and sperm directly in the laboratory.

  • Endometriosis: Especially in moderate or severe degrees, or when previous treatments have been unsuccessful. Endometriosis can affect ovarian quality, tubal function or implantation.

  • Ovarian Factor / Anovulation: Women with ovulation problems (such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – PCOS) who have not achieved pregnancy with simpler treatments such as ovulation induction or artificial insemination.

  • Uterine Factor: Some uterine conditions that may hinder natural conception.

  • Infertility of Unknown Origin (IOD): When no clear cause is found after studying both partners and pregnancy has not been achieved after a reasonable time or with simpler treatments (such as Artificial Insemination).

  • Mild, Moderate or Severe Male Factor: If semen parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) are altered, but it is considered that the sperm still have sufficient capacity to fertilize the egg. However, if there are doubts or a history of low fertilization, ICSI is often chosen to ensure fertilization.

  • Advanced Maternal Age: When the ovarian reserve or egg quality decreases due to age, IVF can maximize the chances by obtaining several eggs and selecting the best embryos.

A personalized evaluation by our team in Donostia-San Sebastian is essential to determine if IVF-ICSI is the most appropriate option for you.

Specialized Medical Equipment

Extensive experience in fertility treatment in Gipuzkoa

Close and Personalized Attention

We accompany you 24 hours a day in every step of all tests and treatments.

Advanced Laboratory Technology

New, state-of-the-art laboratories and operating room in Donostia, Spain.

The IVF-ICSI treatment, step by step:

IVF-ICSI treatment follows similar steps to conventional IVF, with the key difference being the timing of fertilization:

  1. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Through personalized hormonal medication, we seek to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple follicles (which contain the eggs). We perform regular ultrasound and analytical controls to monitor follicular growth.
  2. Follicular Puncture (Egg Retrieval): This is a simple and minimally invasive procedure, performed under sedation in our operating room. Guided by ultrasound, we aspirate the follicular fluid to obtain the eggs.
  3. Sperm Collection and Preparation: On the same day of the follicular puncture, the semen sample is collected from the partner or donor. In our andrology laboratory, we process it to select the best quality sperm. If a testicular biopsy is required, it is previously coordinated.
  4. Sperm Microinjection (ICSI): This is where the magic of ICSI happens! Our expert embryologists, using state-of-the-art micromanipulation technology, select a motile, morphologically normal sperm and carefully inject it into each mature egg.
  5. Embryo culture: The fertilized eggs (now embryos) are cultured in special incubators that simulate maternal uterine conditions. We monitor their development for several days (usually 3 to 5 days) in our laboratory.
  6. Embryo Transfer: We select the best quality embryo and transfer it to the mother’s uterus through a thin and flexible catheter. It is a quick and painless procedure performed in the operating room.
  7. Embryo Vitrification: If there are leftover viable embryos of good quality, they can be vitrified (frozen) for future attempts without the need for repeat ovarian stimulation and puncture.
  8. Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10-14 days after the transfer, a blood test (Beta-hCG) is performed to confirm if pregnancy has been achieved.

Ready to start your fertility treatment with us?

If you are considering In Vitro Fertilization Convention or IVF-ICSI or have doubts about which treatment is best for you, we invite you to arrange a free first visit at Masfiv. We are a reference center for highly complex reproductive treatments in Gipuzkoa.

Our team will evaluate your case and offer you the best solution to help you achieve your dream.

Arrange a free first visit

A first playback with us lasts approximately 60 minutes.

In addition, an ultrasound and, if necessary, a blood test are performed to assess the ovarian reserve in detail.