ICSI is a form of IVF and it possesses specific differences from it. This is because in traditional IVF a large amount of sperm is placed next to the egg for fertilization but in ICSI a single healthy sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of the egg to increase the rates of successful conception. After a successful fertilization, the embryo is inserted inside the uterus for further implantation.
ICSI is a highly beneficial treatment option for couples where the chances of conception are reduced due to male-related infertility.
Low Sperm Count
The chances of fertilization through ICSI can be made higher among men who have low sperm counts.
Anejaculation
The inability of a man to ejaculate can also be reduced with ICSI since the sperm will be retrieved directly.
Poor Sperm Quality
Poor sperm quality reduces the chances of fertilizing the egg but with ICSI only the healthy sperm is selected to fertilize the egg.
Using Cryopreservation
ICSI can be used when a couple is using frozen sperm or eggs to conceive.
Retrograde Ejaculation
A doctor can recommend ICSI if you have retrograde ejaculation, where the sperm travels back to the bladder despite coming out.
Blockage
ICSI is also used when conception failure is happening due to certain blockages in the male reproductive system.
Failure of other infertility treatments
If traditional IVF or IUI treatments have failed before then the doctor will use ICSI for a successful pregnancy.
Consultation
The first step of the ICSI procedure is consultation, where the couple meets an experienced infertility specialist. During this state, the doctor will recommend a detailed assessment and examination to determine the fertility issues. Your fitness towards ICSI will also be checked in this process.
Ovarian induction
Ovarian induction or ICSI stimulation is conducted to stimulate the ovaries with certain medications to produce multiple eggs. In this stage, the overall maturation of the eggs will also be done, which will make the eggs ready for retrieval.
Egg and sperm retrieval
The transvaginal ultrasound method will then be used to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. Herein, a thin needle will be inserted through the vagina to collect the eggs. After this method, a semen sample is collected from the man through ejaculation.
Preparing the sperm
After the semen sample is collected, it will be prepared for the injection. Firstly, the sample will be washed and then the healthiest and most viable sperm will be selected.
Fertilization
For fertilization, the selected sperm will be injected directly into the mature egg. Then the eggs will be observed to see any signs of fertilization.
Embryo transfer
Usually after 3-4 of fertilization, the embryos will be transferred into the uterus for implantation. To check the success of the ICSI process, pregnancy testing is recommended after 2 weeks.
ICSI is considered the safest type of ICSI but just like any other medical procedure, it also carries certain risks which may vary from person to person. Some of the potential risks include:
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
This complication is caused due to the medications and injections used for ovarian stimulation.
Multiple Pregnancies
The insertion of more than one fertilized egg to increase the conception rates can lead to multiple pregnancies.
Failed Fertilization
In some instances, none of the eggs with injected sperm will fertilize, which will lead to failed conception.
Psychological Stress
The continuous stress and emotional turmoil associated with ICSI can lead to anxiety and depression.
Bleeding And Infection
The egg retrieval process may be associated with a minimal chance of infection and bleeding.
