ICSI Treatment
What is ICSI?
ICSI, or Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a fertility treatment used to help couples struggling with infertility, particularly male-factor infertility (low sperm count, weak motility, or abnormal shape).
Similar to IVF, but Different:
Like IVF, ICSI involves collecting eggs and sperm. However, fertilization happens differently. In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into a single mature egg using a specialized tool called a micromanipulator.
The ICSI Process:
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected from the female partner through a transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedure.
- Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a sperm sample on the same day. If no sperm is found, a specialist can extract sperm from the epididymis (PESA) or testicle (TESA).
- Donor Sperm: Couples can choose donor sperm from a bank if needed.
- Injection: Using ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg.
Why Choose ICSI?
Standard IVF relies on sperm to naturally fertilize the egg. ICSI is chosen when:
- Sperm count or motility is low.
- Sperm morphology (shape) is abnormal.
- Other factors prevent natural fertilization.
Preparing for ICSI:
Both partners can improve their chances of success by focusing on a healthy lifestyle:
- Balanced diet and hydration
- Regular exercise
- Reduced processed foods
- Increased fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI)
- Avoiding laptop use on lap (Men)
By optimizing health and using ICSI, couples facing male-factor infertility can increase their chances of achieving pregnancy.
The ICSI Journey: A Patient's Perspective
Thinking about ICSI treatment? It might feel similar to IVF since many steps overlap.
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is often recommended for low sperm count, abnormal sperm motility, or when sperm retrieval is needed (MESA/PESA, TESE/TESA). In some cases, sperm may even be obtained from urine after electroejaculation.
Here’s what makes ICSI unique: unlike IVF where millions of sperm try to reach the egg, ICSI uses just one healthy sperm directly injected into each egg.
After fertilization, the embryo is placed in your uterus for development. While embryos can stay in the lab for up to 6 days, transfer typically happens 2-3 days after fertilization, or at the blastocyst stage (around 5 days). Blastocyst transfer can improve pregnancy chances. Usually, only 1-2 embryos are transferred, though single embryo transfer is an option.
Results and Aftercare
ICSI often boasts higher success rates than traditional IVF after one cycle. While 50-80% of eggs fertilize with ICSI, it’s important to remember that fertilization doesn’t guarantee a full-term pregnancy.
ICSI is a great choice for couples who haven’t had success with IVF, or who face challenges like low sperm motility or a desire to conceive after vasectomy.