ICSI
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is an advanced assisted reproductive technique designed to help couples facing male factor infertility or repeated IVF failure. It involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into a mature egg to improve fertilization chances.
Indications
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm morphology
- Previous IVF failure
- Obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia
- Use of surgically retrieved sperm
Process
- Initial Evaluation: Detailed fertility assessment, hormone tests, ultrasound, and semen analysis
- Ovarian Stimulation: Medications to stimulate ovaries for multiple egg development
- Egg Retrieval: Ultrasound-guided procedure to collect mature eggs
- Sperm Collection & Preparation: Selection of the healthiest sperm in the laboratory
- ICSI Procedure: A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg
- Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs are monitored for healthy development
- Embryo Transfer: Selected embryo is transferred into the uterus
- Luteal Support: Medications to support implantation
Success Rate
- Depends on female age, egg quality, sperm quality, and cause of infertility
- Average success rate per cycle: 40–60% in suitable candidates
Follow-ups
- Ultrasound monitoring after embryo transfer
- Blood tests for hormone levels
- Pregnancy test after 12–14 days
- Ongoing counseling and treatment planning
Risks & Complications
- Generally safe with minimal risks
- Mild bloating or discomfort after stimulation
- Risk of multiple pregnancy if more than one embryo is transferred
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (rare)
Benefits of ICSI
- Higher fertilization rates in male infertility
- Effective even with very low sperm count
- Reduces fertilization failure
- Enables use of surgically retrieved sperm
