What is Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
In case of male fertility issues, an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most helpful. It involves injecting live sperm into a person’s eggs in a laboratory which helps create an embryo. A form of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, ICSI promotes fertilization through the direct injection of a single sperm into a single egg. Like IVF, in ICSI as well, the doctor implants the fertilized egg into the uterus. Pregnancy occurs if the embryo attaches to the lining of your uterus.
Success Rate of ICSI
The success rate of ICSI is like that of IVF. Approximately, 6 out of 10 IVF procedures are aided by ICSI. It’s estimated that 50% to 80% of ICSI attempts result in fertilization.
Why ICSI
ICSI is recommended by doctors in cases of male infertility.
You may need an ICSI in the following cases:
- A condition called Anejaculation which is the inability to ejaculate
- Blockage in their male reproductive system
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm quality
- Retrograde ejaculation, a condition where the semen flows backward into the bladder
- If traditional IVF hasn’t led to the creation of embryos
- If the egg donor is above the age of 35
- If cryopreservation is being used for conception
Preparation for ICSI
Before the ICSI procedure, the doctor collects the egg and the sperm using the following processes:
- Ovulation induction: The person supplying the eggs receives medication injections for eight to 14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.
- Egg retrieval: The doctor will use transvaginal ultrasound to insert a thin needle through the wall of the vagina into the ovaries. A suction device connected to the needle draws out and collects the eggs.
- Sperm collection also takes place on the same day as egg retrieval. A semen analysis takes place immediately to check sperm volume, mobility, and quality.
Compared to traditional IVF, ICIS appears to be more successful in helping those experiencing male infertility become parents. Some centers do ICSI for all people, regardless of infertility diagnosis.
