Author : Dr. Varsha Agarwal

Qualification: MBBS, M.S. Obs & Gynae

Fertility & IVF Specialist

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Process and Success Rates

Today, I want to talk about a very important aspect of fertility treatment known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This procedure has revolutionized the field of assisted reproductive technologies and has provided hope to many couples struggling with male factor infertility.

what exactly is ICSI?

ICSI is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF), where a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. This is done using a very fine glass needle, under the guidance of a microscope. ICSI is typically recommended when there are issues with sperm quality, quantity, or mobility. It can also be used in cases where previous attempts at IVF have failed.

Now, let's understand the step-by-step process of ICSI:

  1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoing ICSI treatment will be given hormonal injections to stimulate her ovaries and produce multiple eggs. This is done to increase the chances of successful fertilization.
  2. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved from the ovaries using a thin needle. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation or anesthesia.
  3. Sperm Collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner is asked to provide a semen sample. If there is a known issue with sperm quality, a surgical procedure called testicular sperm extraction (TESE) may be performed to collect sperm directly from the testicles.
  4. Sperm Selection: The embryologist will then examine the semen sample under a microscope and select the most viable sperm for injection.
  5. Injection: Using a specialized pipette, a single sperm is injected into each mature egg. This is done carefully to avoid any damage to the egg.
  6. Fertilization and Embryo Development: Following the injection, the eggs are monitored for fertilization. The successful fertilized eggs, now referred to as embryos, are cultured in the laboratory for a few days.
  7. Embryo Transfer: After a few days of development, the highest quality embryos are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus. This is typically done on day 3 or day 5 after egg retrieval.

Now, moving on to the success rates of ICSI:

ICSI has proven to be highly successful in treating male factor infertility. The fertilization rates with ICSI can be as high as 70-80%, compared to around 50-60% with traditional IVF. Overall, the success rates of ICSI vary depending on various factors such as the woman’s age, the quality of the eggs and embryos, and the expertise of the clinic. On average, the pregnancy rates for ICSI range from 30-50%, which is comparable to traditional IVF.

Conclusion

ICSI is a highly effective fertility treatment that has provided hope to couples struggling with male factor infertility. With its high success rates and careful laboratory techniques, ICSI has brought joy to many families worldwide.

If you have any further questions or would like to explore ICSI as a treatment option, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Motherhood Fertility & IVF. We are here to support and guide you on your fertility journey.

FAQ’s :

ICSI is an advanced form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. It is often used in cases of male infertility or unexplained fertility issues.
During ICSI, the sperm is carefully selected, and using a fine needle, it is injected directly into the egg under a microscope. The fertilized egg is then monitored and, if successful, transferred to the uterus.
ICSI is recommended for couples facing male infertility (low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape), unexplained infertility, or failed fertilization in previous IVF cycles.
Unlike traditional IVF, where sperm is mixed with eggs in a dish and fertilization happens naturally, ICSI involves the manual injection of sperm into the egg to ensure fertilization.
Success rates vary depending on individual cases, but Dr. Varsha Agarwal’s team at Motherhood IVF Hospital boasts a high success rate, with the clinic offering personalized care and state-of-the-art technology for optimal results.
ICSI is considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and slight genetic risks, especially if male infertility is a factor.