ICSI Treatment (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is the miraculous game-changer technique where only ONE SPERM is required to fertilize ONE EGG. ICSI changed the fertilization process in IVF and made IVF successful even in otherwise impossible situations.
ICSI is a part of IVF treatment and used for fertilization. Hence, IVF and ICSI are not two different treatments.
Fertilization is the most crucial step in reproduction. In natural fertilization, millions of sperm are required to achieve successful fertilization. Hence, the normal considered sperm count is 15 million per ML.
In conventional IVF, the process of fertilization is done by putting an egg and a few hundred sperm in a droplet/small quantity of culture medium. Then we wait for the sperm to fertilize the egg. Fertilization of the egg by sperm is a very complex process. It requires sperm’s or egg’s capacity to do this process successfully.
Occasionally with conventional IVF, we see fertilization failure or very poor fertilization. Sperm quantity and quality are often severely compromised for use with conventional IVF, and ICSI is required.
After the advent of ICSI, the problem of fertilization is resolved to a very great extent. All good IVF clinic that has the technology and in house skilled embryologist, prefer ICSI for all.
BFI performs “ICSI for all” when it comes to fertilization. Our latest generation of automated ICSI machines gives us precision in microns to help our expert and experienced embryologist deliver the best fertilization rates.
ICSI is a short form for
- Intra – Inside
- Cytoplasmic – Cytoplasm of oocyte- egg
- Sperm – Male gamete – sperm
- Injection – Injection
- Low sperm concentration,
- Poor motility
- Poor morphology
- Frozen sperm
- Very less available quantity
- Previous fertilization failure
- Sperm recovered from testis or epididymis
- Patients with azoospermia
- Patients who have had a vasectomy
Women who may benefit more
- Very less eggs
- Poor quality eggs
- Previous fertilization failure with conventional IVF
- Advanced age
Couples with unexplained infertility also can benefit from ICSI by preventing unexplained fertilization failure.
What happens before ICSI?
1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation
- Medical History Review: A thorough review of the couple’s medical and reproductive history, including previous fertility treatments.
- Physical Examination: Both partners undergo comprehensive health assessments.
- Fertility Testing:
- Male Partner: Sperm analysis to evaluate count, motility, and morphology. Additional tests like hormonal assays or genetic testing might be recommended.
- Female Partner: Hormonal assays (FSH, LH, AMH), ultrasound to check the ovaries and uterus, and other diagnostic tests such as hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy.
- Male Partner: Sperm analysis to evaluate count, motility, and morphology. Additional tests like hormonal assays or genetic testing might be recommended.
2. Preparation and Counseling
- Counseling: Couples receive information about the ICSI process, risks, benefits, and success rates. Emotional and psychological support is offered.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Couples may be advised to make changes in diet, exercise, and avoid alcohol and smoking to improve fertility outcomes.
What happens during intracytoplasmic sperm injection?
1. Egg Retrieval
- Procedure: Following ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs, eggs are retrieved from the female partner’s ovaries through a process called transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. This is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation or anesthesia.
- Process: A thin needle, guided by an ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina, is used to aspirate the eggs from the ovarian follicles. The fluid containing the eggs is collected and transferred to the laboratory.
- Egg Assessment: The retrieved eggs are examined by an embryologist under a microscope to determine their quality and maturity. Only mature eggs in the metaphase II (MII) stage are suitable for ICSI.
2. Sperm Preparation
- Sperm Collection: A fresh semen sample is usually provided by the male partner on the day of egg retrieval. In cases where this isn’t possible, previously frozen or surgically extracted sperm can be used.
- Sperm Processing: The semen sample undergoes processing to isolate the most motile and healthy sperm. This involves washing and centrifugation techniques to separate sperm from the seminal fluid. Additional methods, such as density gradient centrifugation or swim-up techniques, may be used to further refine the sperm selection.
3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Microinjection: A highly skilled embryologist uses a microscope and specialized micromanipulation tools to inject a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of each mature egg. The sperm is immobilized, and then the injection needle is carefully inserted into the egg to release the sperm.
- Incubation: The injected eggs are placed in a culture medium and incubated in a controlled environment that simulates the conditions of the human body. This allows for fertilization and the development of embryos. Fertilization success is typically checked after 12-18 hours, marked by the formation of two pronuclei within the egg.
4. Embryo Development and Transfer
- Embryo Monitoring: The embryos are monitored over several days as they develop. The embryologist evaluates the embryos for quality and viability.
- Embryo Transfer: The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the female partner’s uterus, usually performed three to five days after fertilization. A thin catheter is used to transfer the embryos through the cervix and into the uterus.
- Luteal Phase Support: To enhance the chances of successful implantation, the female partner may receive progesterone or other medications to support the uterine lining.
5. Follow-Up
- Pregnancy Test: Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the procedure was successful.
- Further Care: If the test is positive, follow-up care and monitoring are provided to support the pregnancy and address any complications.
What happens after ICSI?
Embryo Development
- Monitoring: Embryos are observed for 3-5 days for normal development.
- Selection: The healthiest embryos are chosen for transfer; others may be frozen.
Embryo Transfer
- Procedure: Selected embryos are placed into the uterus with a thin catheter, guided by ultrasound.
- Luteal Support: Progesterone or other medications are given to help the uterine lining and support implantation.
Post-Transfer Care
- Rest & Monitoring: Rest is advised for a few days. Blood tests and ultrasounds check hormone levels and early pregnancy signs.
- Pregnancy Test: Conducted two weeks after transfer to confirm pregnancy.
Follow-Up
- Positive Result: Regular monitoring during pregnancy.
- Negative Result: Counseling and discussion of next steps, such as another ICSI cycle or other fertility treatments.
Emotional Support and Counseling
- Support Services: Emotional and counseling support is available throughout the process to manage stress and the emotional impact of fertility treatments.
When should I call the doctor?
- Medication Issues: If you have questions or side effects from medications.
- Health Changes: For severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection.
- Post-Retrieval Concerns: Severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or fever.
- Post-Transfer Symptoms: Severe cramping, heavy bleeding, or fever.
- OHSS Signs: Rapid weight gain, severe abdominal bloating, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
- Pregnancy Confirmation: After a positive pregnancy test.
- Emotional Support: If feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Only one sperm is required to fertilize one egg, not millions!
Risks Associated with ICSI
While ICSI is highly effective, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Overstimulation of the ovaries can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Severe cases may need treatment.
- Infection: Rare but possible risk from the egg retrieval procedure.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Increases the chance of twins or higher-order multiples, which can pose risks like premature birth and low birth weight.
- Birth Defects: Slightly higher risk compared to natural conception, though overall risk remains low.
- Emotional and Financial Stress: The process can be demanding emotionally and financially.
- Long-Term Health Effects: Ongoing research suggests most children conceived via ICSI have normal health outcomes.
Understanding these risks can help in making informed decisions about your fertility treatment.
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Why Choose Bavishi Fertility Institute for ICSI Treatment?
At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we provide a personalized and compassionate approach to your parenthood journey. Here’s why we stand out:
- Expertise: Our team comprises highly experienced fertility specialists and embryologists.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest techniques to enhance your chances of success.
- Tailored Care: We create customized treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
- Comprehensive Support: We offer continuous emotional and medical support from consultation to childbirth.
- Proven Success: Our high success rates reflect our commitment to helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
ADVANTAGE BFI
Get the advantage of our experience of thousands of cycles and perfected technique.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) involves mixing sperm and eggs in a lab dish to achieve fertilization naturally. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a more specialized technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg. ICSI is often used when there are issues with sperm quality or quantity that might prevent successful fertilization through traditional IVF.
Yes, ICSI can be a suitable option if previous IVF attempts were unsuccessful, especially if male infertility factors were involved. ICSI provides a more targeted approach to fertilization and may offer a better chance of success for couples who have not achieved pregnancy with traditional IVF methods.
ICSI can assist in cases of infertility by overcoming specific obstacles to fertilization. It is particularly beneficial for men with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. By directly injecting a sperm into an egg, ICSI can improve the chances of successful fertilization and conception.
Yes, ICSI can be performed using frozen eggs or sperm. The process involves thawing the frozen specimens before proceeding with the injection.
The cost of ICSI can vary depending on factors such as the clinic, location, and specific needs of the treatment. It’s best to discuss the costs with your fertility specialist and check if your insurance covers any part of the treatment.
Your fertility specialist will evaluate your medical history, infertility issues, and previous treatments to determine if ICSI is the most suitable option. They will provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
Yes, alternatives to ICSI include traditional IVF, sperm or egg donation, and other assisted reproductive techniques. Your fertility specialist can help determine the best option based on your specific needs.
ICSI can be used alongside Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to screen embryos for genetic disorders, offering an option for couples with known genetic conditions.
The entire ICSI process, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances.
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