ICSI- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
For people experiencing infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may lead to a successful pregnancy. This type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is most helpful when there are male infertility issues. Your healthcare provider injects sperm into an egg to aid conception. Pregnancy may happen after an embryo transfer.
What is Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Who needs ICSI?
ICSI may be recommended in the following cases:
1. Low sperm count: If the man’s semen analysis shows a low sperm count, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection may be recommended by fertility doctors to increase the chances of fertilisation.
2. Poor sperm motility: If the sperm are not moving properly, they may have difficulty reaching and fertilising the egg. ICSI can be used to bypass this issue by injecting a single sperm directly into the egg.
3. Abnormal sperm shape: Sperm with abnormal shape or morphology may have difficulty penetrating the egg. ICSI can be used to overcome this issue by directly injecting a single sperm into the egg.
4. Previous vasectomy: If the man has had a vasectomy, ICSI can be used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.
5. Other fertility treatments have failed: If other fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), have failed to result in pregnancy, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection may be recommended as a next step.
ICSI Treatment Step by Step
The ICSI treatment for fertility involves several steps, from the initial assessment of the couple’s infertility issues to the implantation of the fertilised egg into the woman’s uterus. Here is a step-by-step guide to the ICSI treatment:
1. Initial consultation: The couple meets with a fertility specialist to discuss their infertility issues and determine if ICSI is a suitable treatment option.
2. Ovarian or ICSI stimulation: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, using hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is also sometimes called ICSI stimulation.
3. Egg retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from the female partner’s ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure, typically under local anaesthesia.
4. Sperm collection: The man provides a semen sample, which is analysed in the laboratory to select the best quality sperm for injection. It should be emphasised that the collection of sperm and retrieval of eggs typically occur on the same day, and in preparation for the sperm collection, the male partner will be instructed to refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation (with no ejaculation) for a period of two to three days beforehand.
5. Sperm preparation: The sperm is prepared for injection by washing and selecting the most viable sperm cells.
6. Injection of sperm: Using a fine needle, a single sperm (healthy and viable one) is injected directly into each mature egg.
7. Fertilisation: The fertilised eggs are observed in the laboratory for signs of successful fertilisation and cell division. The embryos are allowed to develop in the laboratory for several days.
8. Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus using a small catheter, typically 3-5 days after fertilisation.
9. Pregnancy testing: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer process, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if the procedure was successful.
Success Rates at Virukcham Icsi
Our clinic continuously monitors advancements in reproductive technologies and employs evidence-based practices to enhance outcomes for our patients undergoing ICSI treatment.
If you’re considering Icsi or have questions about your fertility options, contact us today for a consultation!
