ICSI Treatment

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced fertility treatment where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. This procedure is often combined with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to enhance the chances of fertilization. The female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation with fertility medications to develop multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with a single sperm in the laboratory.

When is ICSI used?

ICSI is often used in cases of male factor infertility or when previous IVF cycles have failed. It is recommended for:

Low sperm count
Poor sperm motility
Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)
Previous vasectomy
Unexplained infertility
Failed fertilization in prior IVF attempts

Steps Involved in ICSI Treatment

Initial Consultation: Meet with a fertility specialist to discuss infertility issues and determine if ICSI is a suitable treatment option.
Ovarian Stimulation: The woman receives hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia.
Sperm Collection: The man provides a semen sample, or sperm is retrieved directly from the testicles if necessary.
Sperm Preparation: Sperm is prepared by washing and selecting the most viable cells.
Sperm Injection: A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg using a fine needle.
Fertilization and Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs are monitored for successful fertilization and allowed to develop into embryos.
Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus using a small catheter, typically 3-5 days after fertilization.
Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is conducted about two weeks after the embryo transfer to determine if the procedure was successful.

Advantages of ICSI

Addresses specific sperm-related challenges
Increases fertilisation potential
Allows use of sperm obtained through advanced procedures