Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI procedure is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology that is used to help couples who are unable to conceive due to severe male factor infertility.
In this procedure, a washed and prepared sperm is directly injected into the ovum (or egg) which assists in fertilization. This procedure is done as a part of an IVF technique.
ICSI IVF procedures are recommended for couples who are facing certain specific male factor infertility problems. It is usually advised to individuals having:
ICSI is considered to be an effective option for men with problems related to low sperm count. During ICSI, the strongest and the healthiest sperm are isolated, collected, and cleansed and one healthy sperm is injected into the egg. ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility. However, as in IVF there are still many other factors affecting a successful pregnancy, including the age of the woman and her fertility difficulties.
The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection process is divided into several stages before the actual ‘ICSI procedure’. These steps include:
The female partner is given medication to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovary on Day 2 of her menstruation. The stimulation is done till day 6 or as is deemed appropriate by the specialist.
Sperm are extracted from the male partner and are then washed and concentrated. Healthy sperm are then collected for further examination.
Medication and final stimulation lead to the release of the mature egg. The egg is collected in the clinic and is done by ultrasound guidance under sedation. The retrieved egg is then sent for processing in the ART laboratory.
The retrieved egg and sperm are sent to the specialized labs for examination by fertility experts. Prior examination of the health of egg and sperm helps in a smooth and successful ICSI treatment.
The healthy sperm is then directly transferred into the cytoplasm of the egg to enhance the chances of fertilization
After confirmation of successful fertilization, the fertilized eggs are then transferred into the uterus to allow implantation to occur.
ICSI Success Rate varies from 50 - 70%.
The success rate of IVF with ICSI procedure is around 50-70%, however in women more than 35 years of age, the success rate is lesser. The success of an ICSI procedure depends upon several factors such as:
Fact: Going by the research ICSI is an infertility treatment that is considered as effective and successful as In Vitro Fertilization because sperm is directly injected into the egg so it helps to bypass certain reproductive health-related conditions.
Fact: ICSI treatment is considered to be a successful procedure for male infertility and especially in cases where repeated failures of IUI and treatments were observed. Fertilization, however, is guaranteed, neither in IVF nor in ICSI. There are various factors on which the success rates of ICSI and IVF depend.
Fact: While some people perceive babies born out of IVF or related treatments and procedures aren’t normal, it is important to state that pregnancy conceived out of these treatments can be treated as a normal pregnancy after successful pregnancy results.
Fact: In ICSI treatment, only one healthy sperm is enough is required for successful egg fertilization
ICSI is considered to be helpful in conditions related to male infertility where abnormal semen analysis is diagnosed. You can go for ICSI if you have:
The major difference between IVF and ICSI procedures is the process of sperm fertilization with the egg. In IVF, the egg and sperm are left in a petri dish to allow fertilization to occur on its own. In ICSI, the selected sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.
The consulting infertility specialist may prescribe certain investigations for both male and female partners. For the female partner, investigations may include checking for integrity and/or blockages in the fallopian tubes and hormonal levels such as FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone), Estrogen, and Progesterone. For male partners, a sperm analysis may be recommended along with tests for infectious diseases.
Some of the risks associated with ICSI treatment are:
IVF or ICSI procedures in some cases may lead to twin pregnancies. However, the advancement in technology has led to the introduction of the transfer of a single embryo to prevent the occurrence of multiple or twin pregnancies.
Opt-in For WhatsApp Update
From infertility basics to right fertility treatments to chances of your fertility treatment, the fertility experts at
Crysta IVF are always available to answer all your queries.
From infertility basics to right fertility treatments to chances of your fertility treatment, the fertility experts at Crysta IVF are always available to answer all your queries.
Pay in Easy EMI @ 0% Interest Rate
