IVF / ICSI

What is IVF?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation and literally means: fertilisation in a glass dish. In IVF, eggs are combined with sperm cells outside the body — around 100,000 sperm cells per egg — after which fertilisation happens naturally. The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus after a few days.

What is ICSI?

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a refinement of IVF. The embryologist injects one carefully selected sperm cell directly into the egg using an extremely fine needle. ICSI is used when male fertility is reduced: a low sperm count, limited motility, or an abnormal shape. It's also often the method of choice after an unexplained low fertilisation rate with previous IVF.

The difference in one sentence

With IVF, the sperm cell finds its own way to the egg; with ICSI, the embryologist selects the best sperm cell and places it directly into the egg. The medical team decides which method suits you based on semen analysis and your history.

How does the treatment work?

1. Hormone stimulation — you use hormones so multiple follicles mature at once. This can start at home if you wish.
2. Check-ups — the team monitors follicle growth through ultrasounds and bloodwork; a brief appointment every two to three days.
3. Trigger injection — once the follicles reach the desired size, you receive the dual trigger injection.
4. Egg retrieval — exactly 36 hours later, the eggs are retrieved under light sedation at the hospital.
5. Fertilisation in the lab — via IVF or ICSI; you're kept informed daily on how your embryos are developing.
6. Embryo transfer — after 3 to 5 days, one or two of the best-quality embryos are transferred. Assisted hatching is included as standard.
7. Pregnancy test — around 10 to 14 days after the transfer, simply at home.

What does an IVF/ICSI treatment cost?

The medical treatment costs €2,800, including doctor's fees, semen analysis, ultrasounds, follicle aspiration, laboratory work, insemination, assisted hatching and embryo transfer. On top of that you pay for journey coordination (€430), medication (roughly €900–€1,500) Travel and accommodation you arrange yourself, or we send you a quote on request. You'll find all prices on the pricing page.