What is ICSI?

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a method used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help with infertility. In this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg with a fine needle. The fertilized egg is then grown in a lab and implanted into the woman's uterus.

Who Needs ICSI?

ICSI may be suggested in several situations:

  1. Low Sperm Count: If a man's semen analysis shows a low sperm count, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can help increase the chances of fertilization.
  2. Poor Sperm Motility: If the sperm are not moving well, they may struggle to reach and fertilize the egg. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) allows direct sperm injection into the egg.
  3. Previous Vasectomy: For men who have had a vasectomy, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.
  4. Failed Fertility Treatments: If other treatments, like intrauterine insemination (icsi), haven't worked, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be the next step.
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Why is it done?

When a man's sperm fails to fertilize an egg despite undergoing IVF, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be recommended. This specialized procedure enhances the chances of pregnancy for the couple. ICSI is effective for male infertility issues, including low sperm count, low motility, azoospermia, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained infertility.

ICSI can address:

  1. Insufficient sperm production makes artificial insemination (icsi) or IVF impossible.
  2. Sperm that does not move properly.
  3. Sperm that has difficulty attaching to the egg.
  4. Blockages prevent sperm from leaving the male reproductive system.
  5. Cases where traditional IVF has failed to fertilize eggs, regardless of sperm quality.
  6. Eggs that have been developed in a lab or previously frozen eggs.
ICSI Treatment Step-by-Step

The ICSI fertility treatment involves several steps, starting with the assessment of the couple's infertility issues and ending with the implantation of the fertilized egg into the woman's uterus. Here's a step-by-step guide to the ICSI process:

  1. Initial Consultation: The couple meets with a fertility specialist to discuss their infertility concerns and see if ICSI is a suitable option.
  2. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation with hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to produce multiple eggs. This process may also be referred to as ICSI stimulation.
  3. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from the woman's ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure, usually under local anesthesia.
  4. Sperm Collection: The man provides a semen sample, which is analyzed to select the best-quality sperm for injection. The male partner needs to refrain from sexual activity or ejaculation for two to three days before providing the sample, as this is usually done on the same day as the egg retrieval.
  5. Sperm Preparation: The sperm is prepared for injection by washing and selecting the most viable sperm cells.
  6. Injection of Sperm: A single, healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg using a fine needle.
  7. Fertilization: The fertilized eggs are monitored in the lab for signs of successful fertilization and cell division, allowing embryos to develop for several days.
  8. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus using a small catheter, typically 3-5 days after fertilization.
  9. Pregnancy Testing: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to check if the procedure was successful.
What is the ICSI Treatment Success Rate?

ICSI is involved in approximately 60% of all IVF treatments, and the success rates for achieving pregnancy are similar to those of conventional IVF. When carried out using advanced technology and by experienced fertility specialists, the fertilization success rate for ICSI can range from 50% to 80%.




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