Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialized procedure performed along with IVF for egg fertilization. During this procedure, fertility specialists inject sperm directly into the egg's cytoplasm.

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI procedure is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology used to help couples unable to conceive due to severe male factor infertility. In this procedure, a washed and prepared sperm is directly injected into the ovum (or egg), which assists in fertilization. This procedure is done as a part of an IVF technique.

Who can benefit from an ICSI Treatment?

ICSI IVF procedures are recommended for couples facing specific male factor infertility problems. It is usually advised to individuals having.

Low Sperm Count
ICSI is considered to be an effective option for men with problems related to low sperm count. During ICSI, the strongest and the healthiest sperm are isolated, collected, and cleansed, and one healthy sperm is injected into the egg. ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility. However, as in IVF, many other factors still affect a successful pregnancy, including the woman's age and fertility difficulties.
Reduced sperm motility
Low sperm motility can hamper natural conception. Some men may have a genetic cause, while others may have an undiagnosed medical condition. Poor lifestyle and environmental factors are also significant for unhealthy or reduced sperm motility. ICSI treatment, when combined with IVF treatment, helps in treating male infertility as it helps to bypass the issue of abnormal or lousy sperm motility by directly injecting a single sperm into the egg.
The inability of sperm to penetrate the egg
There are several male infertility cases where there are different or unknown reasons why sperm cannot penetrate the egg, thus affecting natural conception in cases where sperm fails to penetrate the outer layer of the egg due to different causes, thereby affecting the sperm's ability to swim. ICSI is helpful for couples with male infertility.
Previous infertility treatment and IUI failures
ICSI is also considered the best infertility treatment in cases of multiple IUI failures or repeated failures of other infertility treatments. ICSI, when combined with IVF, improves the chances of egg fertilization.ICSI maximizes the chance of fertilization by bypassing any potential problems the sperm will have in getting inside the egg.

ICSI Process

The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection process is divided into several stages before the actual 'ICSI procedure'. These steps include:

Step 01 : Ovarian Stimulation
The female partner is given medication to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovary on Day 2 of her menstruation. The stimulation is done till day 6 or as is deemed appropriate by the specialist.
Step 02 : Sperm Preparation
Sperm are extracted from the male partner and are then washed and concentrated. Healthy sperm are then collected for further examination.
Step 03 : Egg Retrieval
Medication and final stimulation lead to the release of the mature egg. The egg is collected in the clinic by ultrasound guidance under sedation. The retrieved egg is then sent for processing in the ART laboratory.
Step 04 : Egg and Sperm Examination
The retrieved egg and sperm are sent to specialized labs for examination by fertility experts. Prior assessment of the health of the egg and sperm helps in a smooth and successful ICSI treatment.
Step 05 : Introduction of sperm into the egg
The healthy sperm is then directly transferred into the egg's cytoplasm to enhance the chances of fertilization.
Step 06 : Transferring fertilized eggs into the uterus
After confirmation of successful fertilization, the fertilized eggs are transferred into the uterus to allow implantation.