ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a specialized procedure within IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) that is used to assist fertilization when traditional methods might not work effectively. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to achieve fertilization.
How ICSI Works
1. Egg Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries after stimulation with medications.
2. Sperm Preparation: A sperm sample is obtained and prepared to select the best-quality sperm.
3. Injection: A single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a fine needle under a microscope.
4. Fertilization: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored in the lab for a few days.
5. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation.
When is ICSI Used?
ICSI is particularly useful in cases of:
- Severe male factor infertility:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia)
- Obstructive azoospermia: No sperm in the ejaculate due to blockages.
- Non-obstructive azoospermia: Minimal or no sperm production, requiring surgical sperm retrieval.
- Fertilization failure in previous IVF cycles.
- Use of frozen sperm or surgically retrieved sperm.
- Genetic testing of embryos (PGT or PGD).
Success Rates of ICSI
- Fertilization Rate: Around 70-80% of eggs injected with ICSI typically fertilize.
Risks and Considerations
- Egg Damage: A small risk of damage to eggs during injection.
ICSI has revolutionized fertility treatment, especially for male infertility.