Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Fertility Method: A single sperm is retrieved from the male's semen (an embryologist selects the healthiest-looking one) and injected directly into the egg with a microscopic needle. The embryo is then transferred into the woman's uterus through IVF.

Best Suited For: Men who have extremely poor sperm quality.

Success Rates*: 28.6% of cycles result in a live birth, which is comparable to IVF.

Pros: Men who have very low sperm count -- or no sperm at all -- can become biological parents.

Cons: Costly and involved procedure.

Costs: $500 to $2,000 per cycle (in addition to the cost of IVF).

Emotional Toll: Fears that sperm manipulation may adversely affect embryo. Also, couples must cope with having hopes raised, then dashed if no pregnancy results.

Donor Eggs
Fertility Method: Eggs are obtained from ovaries of another woman (usually younger) and fertilized by sperm from the recipient's partner. Resulting embryos are then transferred into the recipient's uterus.

Best Suited For: Women whose ovaries are damaged by endometriosis, pelvic infections, or chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer. Also, women with premature ovarian failure, older women with poor egg quality, and those who carry genetic disorders they don't want to pass on to children.

Success Rates*: 43% live-birth rate with fresh donor eggs; 23% live-birth rate with frozen fertilized donor eggs that have been stored in a lab.

Pros: Enables older women and those with ovarian problems to become biological parents.

Cons: The procedure is expensive, and the mother isn't genetically related to the child.

Costs: Around $20,000 to $35,000, which includes the cost of IVF plus compensation to the donor for her expense, time, and risk.

Emotional Toll: Mother may be worried about having a child who lacks her genetic makeup.

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