ICSI Treatments
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) treatment is a highly effective assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat male infertility. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization, particularly in cases where sperm quality or quantity is compromised.
What is ICSI?
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced fertility treatment designed to address male infertility issues by directly injecting a single sperm into an egg to achieve fertilization. This cutting-edge procedure is typically part of an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle, offering a solution to couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally.
When to Recommend Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
- Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia)
- Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratospermia)
- Azoospermia (No Sperm in Ejaculate)
- Previous IVF Failures Due to Fertilization Issues
- Male Infertility Due to Genetic Factors
- Severe Ovarian Factors in the Female Partner
ICSI procedure step-by-step
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone treatment to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Monitoring and Egg Retrieval: The development of eggs is monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the eggs are mature, they are collected from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure.
- Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a sperm sample. In cases of male infertility, sperm may be surgically retrieved directly from the testicles.
- Sperm Selection and Injection: A single sperm is selected and directly injected into the egg using a microneedle under a microscope.
- Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured and monitored for several days to assess their development and quality.
- Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus, where implantation may occur.
- Pregnancy Test: After a couple of weeks, a blood test is performed to confirm pregnancy.
Difference between ICSI and IVF
- Fertilization Method: IVF relies on natural fertilization, while ICSI involves directly injecting sperm into the egg.
- Primary Use: IVF is often used for female infertility or unexplained infertility, while ICSI is specifically recommended for male infertility.
- Sperm Quality: IVF can work with normal sperm count and motility, while ICSI is ideal for severe male infertility cases, like low sperm count or poor motility.