Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a modified version of the usual IVF process. This procedure involves an additional step of selecting a single sperm and directly placing it into the egg to improve fertilization rates. ICSI has proven to be very helpful in cases of male factor infertility.
In natural conception or routine IVF, tens of thousands of sperms come in contact with an egg, of which one sperm penetrates the outer layer of the egg, reaches the insides and fertilises it.
In certain cases, this penetration of the sperm is hindered if sperms have low motility or inability to break through the outer layer. It could also happen if the outer layer of the egg is unusually thicker.
At such times, ICSI becomes a useful tool to overcome this hindrance and aid fertilization.
ICSI, like IVF, starts with re-tuning the menstrual cycle followed by ovarian stimulation to produce more number of eggs. Egg retrieval is also similar to that in IVF.
Sperm sample is collected from the male partner. It is washed, processed, analysed and the best quality sperm from the sample is selected. This single sperm is loaded into needle. The egg is held in place and the sperm-containing need pierces through the outer layer into the cytoplasm of the egg and the sperm is released.
This process is done using a specialised instrument called a micromanipulator under the microscope.
The needle is gently removed from the egg.
The egg is kept in a temperature controlled environment in a growth medium and is checked for fertilization the day after. Once fertilized, the embryo is grown for 3-5 days under special conditions.
At appropriate time, embryo(s) are transferred into the mother’s womb for pregnancy to occur.
The rest of the process and follow-up occurs as with IVF.
ICSI has proven to be very effective in indicated cases. The rate of fertilization of the egg is about 50-80%, pregnancy rate depends on implantation.
Femcare fertility’s expert doctors, team and use of high-end technology ensure high chances of achieving success in these procedures to help you have your little one.
1. What are the risks associated with ICSI ?
Some studies have shown that male infertility due to genetic defects in Y chromosome can be passed on to the child when ICSI is done. Thus it is essential to get genetic screening done.
Rare risk of the egg getting damaged due to the process, making it unviable.
Other risks are similar to that associated with regular IVF.
2. What are the risks associated with ICSI ?
Some studies have shown that male infertility due to genetic defects in Y chromosome can be passed on to the child when ICSI is done. Thus it is essential to get genetic screening done.
Rare risk of the egg getting damaged due to the process, making it unviable.
Other risks are similar to that associated with regular IVF.
3. What are my options for ICSI if natural means of sperm retrieval is not possible ?
Sperms can be collected through surgical means from the reproductive tubes or testes by MESA or TESA and used for ICSI. Donor sperms can also be used in such cases.
4. Does ICSI require only fresh sperms ?
No, ICSI can also be done using frozen sperms (own or donor) which are thawed before using.
5. Is ICSI always required when opting for IVF ?
ICSI is a form of IVF and is indicated in certain conditions like low motility/ more abnormal forms of sperms or multiple IVF failures.
Your infertility doctor is the best person to guide you about the most appropriate treatment for you.
At Femcare Fertility, we are a team of experienced, dedicated and compassionate individuals with an aim to provide the most appropriate and best infertility treatment in Pune for you.
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