ICSI

ICSI ( INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION)

The technique involves very precise maneuvers to pick up a single live sperm and inject it directly into the center of a human egg. The procedure requires that the female partner undergo ovarian stimulation with fertility medications so that several mature eggs develop (IVF).

These eggs are then aspirated through the vagina, using vaginal ultrasound, and incubated under precise conditions in the embryology laboratory.

The semen sample is prepared by centrifuging (spinning the sperm cells through a special medium), this solution separates live sperm from debris and most of the dead sperm.

The micromanipulation specialist picks up the single live sperm in a glass needle and injects it directly into the egg.

Through the ICSI procedure, many couples with difficult male factor infertility problems have achieved pregnancy at Spandan Test Tube Baby Centre.

Fertilization rates of 70-80% (of all eggs injected) are currently being achieved, and pregnancy rates are comparable to those seen with IVF in couples with no male factor infertility.

When is ICSI Suggested?

  • ICSI is recommended in cases of severe male infertility, previous fertilization failures with IVF or situations in which there are a limited number of oocytes available.
  • With the help of ICSI, fertilization is achieved and embryos continue to divide and are transferred into the uterus.
  • Although ICSI is recommended in case of male fertility, the doctor may still recommend it for couples that had not been successful with IVF in previous cycles.

Why ICSI?

  • It has revolutionized the treatment for couples with severe male infertility. ICSI treatments are becoming more common in IVF clinics and have the highest success rate as it guarantees that the sperm penetrates the egg, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy.
  • ICSI treatment benefits if you have the following conditions:
    • Low sperm count
    • Physical blockage
    • Poor sperm motility (movement) or morphology (shape)
    • Having tried IVF without success
    • The desire for pregnancy post-vasectomy

Risks involved in ICSI

Despite the advantages of this treatment, unfortunately, problems could arise during ICSI procedures. Getting a better understanding of ICSI risks and how they may impact you and your family can help you make an informed decision on whether or not to pursue this fertility treatment.

Some of the potential issues that could arise during the process are:

    • Your eggs may become damaged.
    • The embryo might fail to grow after the fertilization.
    • In certain cases, the ICSI process might lead to higher rates of genetic defects compared to other fertility treatments. But, the birth defects associated with ICSI can usually be fixed with surgery.

Precautions to be taken after ICSI

  • Certain precautionary measures have to be taken by the patients even after the surgery, to ensure proper recovery.
  • The following precautions need to be taken post surgery:
    • No heavy exercise like aerobics, jogging, and weight lifting
    • No Smoking or consumption of alcohol