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5 Key Steps of ICSI Treatment
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a special procedure of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) for the treatment of severe male factor infertility. Did you know that a single healthy sperm can be enough to create a baby? That's the incredible potential of a treatment called ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection – a component of the IVF procedure that has changed the lives of millions of infertile couples with male infertility.
What is ICSI?
ICSI is particularly beneficial when sperm count, motility, or morphology is severely reduced. In contrast to conventional IVF, in which numerous sperms are released around the egg to facilitate natural fertilization, ICSI comprises injecting the best-quality sperm singly into the egg with the help of advanced instruments.
When is ICSI Recommended?
ICSI is not necessarily the first option for all couples who are going through IVF. Whether ICSI is the appropriate technique for you or not depends on a number of factors, including:
• Sperm count and motility
• Sperm morphology (form and structure)
• DNA fragmentation index (DFI)
• Hormonal profile of the male partner
These factors are assessed by simple tests such as semen analysis, sperm DFI testing, and hormone tests prior to determining the most appropriate treatment.
ICSI Procedure
• Ovarian Stimulation - The process begins with stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This takes about 10 to 14 days, during which you'll receive hormone injections and regular monitoring.
• Egg Retrieval - Once the eggs are ready, they are collected under anesthesia through a minor procedure called egg retrieval. This is usually done on Day 15 or 16 of the cycle.
• Sperm Selection & Injection - On the same day, a semen sample is taken (or a frozen sample is used if the partner is unavailable). A single healthy and motile sperm is chosen and injected directly into each mature egg using micromanipulation tools. After 24 hours, the embryologist checks to see if fertilization has occurred.
• Embryo Development - The fertilized egg is then cultured in an incubator for 3 to 5 days, where it develops into a healthy embryo. The ICSI procedure itself does not affect embryo quality, but poor egg quality or high DNA damage in sperm can impact embryo development.
• Embryo Transfer - If all goes well, the best embryo(s) are transferred back into the uterus. This may happen in the same cycle (fresh embryo transfer) or in a later cycle (frozen embryo transfer), depending on your doctor's recommendation.
Is ICSI Painful?
ICSI is performed entirely in the lab, so you don't feel anything during the sperm injection. However, the IVF-related procedures, like ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, may cause mild discomfort, bloating, or cramping – all of which are temporary and manageable.
Conclusion
ICSI has given hope to countless couples, especially when male infertility is a concern. With the ability to select the best sperm and ensure fertilization, it dramatically improves the chances of conception even when sperm quality is poor. If you've been struggling to conceive and are looking for expert advice, reach out to Vriksh fertility.
