Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure often used in cases of severe male factor infertility or when conventional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) has not succeeded. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, significantly increasing the chances of fertilization.
When Might ICSI Be Advised?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure. It involves the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, primarily used in cases of male infertility or when conventional IVF has not succeeded.
ICSI may be recommended for men with a low sperm count to improve the chances of fertilization by injecting a sperm directly into the egg.
For men with poor sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology, ICSI can overcome natural fertilization barriers by directly injecting sperm into the egg, ensuring fertilization.
When sperm cannot be obtained through ejaculation due to obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia, surgical techniques like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or microdissection TESE (micro-TESE) are utilized in conjunction with ICSI to retrieve sperm directly from the testes.
In cases where the cause of infertility is unknown and conventional IVF has not led to pregnancy, ICSI may be employed to guarantee successful fertilization by injecting sperm directly into the eggs.
For older women or those with poor egg quality, ICSI can optimize fertilization chances by directly injecting sperm into the eggs, overcoming potential barriers to fertilization.
If previous IVF or IUI attempts have failed despite the presence of normal sperm and eggs, ICSI may be recommended as an alternative approach to increase the likelihood of successful fertilization.
How ICSI Operates
ICSI is a specialized laboratory procedure performed as part of an IVF cycle, involving precise handling of sperm and eggs to achieve fertilization.
Consultation with Doctor
The doctor will discuss your concerns, conception history, and medical background, then suggest necessary tests.
INFERTILITY TESTS
Based on the preliminary assessment, doctor may recommend various tests. Majorly following tests are recommended-
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Blood tests
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Male fertility tests (semen analysis)
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Ultrasound examinations
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Screening for infectious diseases
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Evaluation of the uterus
TREATMENT PLAN
After analyzing test results, the doctor will recommend a suitable treatment plan and discuss the key steps. An in-house counselor will explain the treatment costs.
Infertility Assessment
Before starting the treatment, the nature and severity of infertility are evaluated through three steps:
ICSI Procedure
Once the assessment confirms the patient is suitable, the ICSI procedure begins:
Checking for Pregnancy
Around 10-14 days after timed intercourse, a pregnancy test is performed to confirm if implantation occurred and pregnancy has begun. If positive, prenatal care starts to monitor the pregnancy.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Egg Collection
Much like in traditional IVF, eggs are collected following ovarian stimulation and a trigger injection to induce final maturation. This is done using transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration around 36 hours after the trigger injection.
Sperm Retrieval
The male partner provides a semen sample, which is then processed to select motile and morphologically normal sperm. If needed, sperm can be surgically retrieved using TESA or TESE techniques.
Direct Sperm Injection
A single sperm is meticulously injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg using a fine micropipette, ensuring precise placement to enhance fertilization chances.
Embryo Culturing
Fertilized eggs, now embryos, are cultured in the lab for 3 to 5 days. Embryologists closely monitor their development to select the healthiest and most viable
Embryo Implantation
The chosen embryos are then implanted into the woman's uterus. The number of embryos transferred is determined by factors such as the woman’s age, the quality of the embryos, and previous IVF treatment outcomes.
Should You Consider ICSI?
Consult a fertility specialist and undergo infertility tests to determine if ICSI is the right treatment for your specific infertility issues.
FAQ’s
ICSI generally has high fertilization rates, typically between 70% to 85%. However, the success rate for achieving a live birth depends on various factors such as the underlying fertility issues and the woman's age.
ICSI is often recommended for severe male infertility, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, previous IVF failures, and other situations where conventional fertilization methods are less effective. It is best to consult a fertility specialist to determine if ICSI is the right option for your particular circumstances.
The actual ICSI procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. The entire treatment cycle, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, and embryo transfer, typically takes 4-6 weeks.
In India, the cost of ICSI treatment usually ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more. This variation depends on factors like the clinic, location, and any additional procedures that might be required.
Freya Fertility is located in Bariatu, next to the Firing Range, Bariatu