ICSI is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure used to address male infertility issues, particularly when the sperm count, motility, or morphology is compromised. It involves the direct injection of a single sperm cell into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This method bypasses natural barriers to fertilization, such as the need for sperm to penetrate the egg's outer layer (zona pellucida), thus increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of severe male infertility and has helped many couples achieve pregnancy. It offers hope to individuals with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or previous failed fertilization attempts with conventional IVF. However, like any medical procedure, ICSI carries certain risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it's essential for couples to consult with fertility specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific circumstances.
Couples recommended for ICSI are required to go through a number of investigations and procedures:
Medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries over a period of approximately 8 to 14 days, encouraging the production of numerous mature eggs, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success.
In the laboratory, the male, whether an intended parent or a sperm donor, is requested to provide a sperm sample in an ejaculation cup, or the sperm may be retrieved through other methods. Occasionally, the sperm is collected, processed, and then frozen until needed for subsequent procedures. Conversely, multiple eggs are extracted from the ovaries of females using a small needle and ultrasound probe.
Under a microscope, the embryologist meticulously injects the highest quality sperm into each mature egg.
Following fertilization, embryos are closely monitored and permitted to develop for a period ranging from 3 to 5 days, with the goal of obtaining high-quality embryos.
Using an ultrasound-guided catheter, one or two embryos are selected and transferred to the female partner's womb once they have reached a specific stage of development. This transfer may occur either two days or five days after conception.
A pregnancy test is conducted two weeks following the embryo transfer to confirm pregnancy.
At our clinic, we boast top-notch facilities aimed at maximizing your success throughout every phase of the IVF process.
We provide personalized treatment strategies tailored to your unique infertility challenges, ensuring the best possible chance of conception through a comprehensive assessment and understanding of your needs.
ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is specifically tailored to tackle male infertility concerns. It entails the direct injection of a sperm into an egg, enhancing the probability of successful fertilization. Individuals experiencing reduced sperm motility, low sperm count, or abnormal sperm morphology can greatly enhance their chances of pregnancy through ICSI fertility treatment.
In the process of IVF treatment, several sperm are placed adjacent to the egg in a dish to facilitate fertilization. Conversely, in ICSI treatment, a solitary sperm is precisely injected into the nucleus of the egg.
For Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), only a small quantity of sperm is typically required, as each egg only needs one sperm for fertilization. A small semen sample is usually collected, and a single sperm is meticulously chosen and injected directly into the egg using a microscopic needle. This procedure is usually conducted in a laboratory environment and is supervised by a trained embryologist.
Between 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a doctor will arrange for a blood test to assess the hCG hormone levels. The test results will indicate whether the outcome is positive or negative.
The ICSI procedure is generally painless as it involves microscopic handling of eggs and sperm in a laboratory environment. Patients typically do not experience discomfort during or after the procedure. Any slight discomfort usually stems from related procedures such as egg retrieval, which can be effectively managed with medication, thus ensuring minimal discomfort.
If previous IVF attempts didn't result in successful fertilization, ICSI IVF can serve as a promising alternative. By directly injecting sperm into the egg, ICSI infertility treatment addresses specific challenges encountered in traditional IVF, offering improved prospects for achieving pregnancy