Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a micromanipulation procedure by which a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an oocyte and the fertilized egg(embryo)is transferred into the uterus. It is the advanced assisted reproductive technology done to help fertilize the egg because sometimes the sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of egg due to a variety of reasons.

ICSI can help couples who struggled with infertility, especially when the infertility issues are male related.

WHO BENEFITS FROM ICSI?

ICSI is done for
Men with little or no sperm
Men who have sperm motility issues
Whose sperm is not able to attach to the egg
Blockage in the male reproductive tract that prevents the sperm from being ejaculated
When TESA/MESA samples are used
Poor oocyte quality
Invitro matured (IVM) eggs are used
When frozen eggs are used
Previous failed IVF cycles
Couples planning to test embryos for certain genetic problems (PGT).

Ovarian stimulation, egg pick up

Couple are given a detailed tour of the fertility center and the procedure first.

Women are advised to come on day 2 of the menstrual cycle, when all the follicles are synchronous i.e. all the follicles size between 2-7mm. Women are given hormonal therapy in the form of injectables for a period of 10-12 days depending upon the response, frequent monitoring of the follicular sizes is done and the dose is adjusted accordingly. Once the desired numbers and sizes are attained trigger injection is given and egg/Oocyte pick up is scheduled after 36 hours of the trigger injection.

During this process, men are advised to give a back up semen sample on Day 5 of the stimulation with three days abstinence.

On the day of the oocyte pick up, Men are advised to give one more fresh semen sample 2 hours before the egg pick up. Women are put in lithotomy position, under aseptic precautions, Egg retrieval is performed under mild sedation, local anaesthesia or, in some cases, general anaesthesia, most commonly by ultrasound guided fine needle (aspiration). The mature follicles are identified using ultrasound, and then a needle is passed through the vaginal wall into the follicle and the fluid withdrawn from the mature follicle with gentle suction.

Side Effects of egg pick up

Post procedure, women will be kept under observation for a couple of hours.
Ovarian hyperstimulation
Slight tenderness in abdomen
Vaginal spotting in red or brown colour.
Anesthesia side effects like Giddiness, nausea and vomitings are other common side effects.

HOW IS ICSI DONE?

Once the follicular fluid that carries eggs are retrieved they are closely examined to separate the eggs from the fluid. Once the eggs(oocyte cumulus complex) are successfully identified in the IVF laboratory they are rinsed in culture media and mature eggs are separated and placed in culture dishes containing special media and placed in specialized incubators with controlled environmental conditions.

The semen sample from the partner is collected and processed and kept ready for the ICSI procedure. In this procedure, a small needle (micropipette)is used to inject a single sperm into the centre of the egg. After incubating for a night they are checked to see if they have been fertilized. The fertilized egg (now called embryo)is cultured in special media in lab for 1- 3 days or 5days before it is transferred into the uterus.

FAQ's

What is ICSI treatment?

ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a form of assisted reproductive technology where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we offer ICSI as an option for couples facing male infertility or other fertility challenges, providing personalized care and support throughout the process.

How successful is ICSI treatment?

ICSI has high success rates, particularly for couples with male infertility issues or previous failed fertilization attempts. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we provide personalized assessments and support to optimize your chances of success with ICSI, guiding you with empathy and expertise every step of the way.

Is ICSI treatment painful?

ICSI treatment itself is not painful as it’s performed under anesthesia. However, some may experience mild discomfort or cramping afterward. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we prioritize your comfort and provide support throughout the process, ensuring minimal discomfort and a positive experience.

Who is a suitable candidate for ICSI treatment?

ICSI is recommended for couples facing male infertility issues, low sperm count, or previous failed fertilization attempts. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we offer personalized consultations to determine if ICSI is the right option for your specific fertility challenges, providing compassionate support and guidance throughout your journey.

Is ICSI costly?

ICSI treatment may incur additional costs compared to standard IVF due to the specialized technique involved. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we provide transparent pricing and discuss financial options to ensure you receive the care you need without undue financial burden.

Can I get pregnant after ICSI?

Yes, many individuals successfully conceive after undergoing ICSI treatment. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we offer personalized care and support to optimize your chances of pregnancy with ICSI, guiding you through every step of the process with empathy and expertise.

Who needs ICSI treatment?

ICSI treatment is recommended for couples facing male infertility issues, including low sperm count or poor sperm motility. Additionally, it may be used if previous IVF attempts have resulted in fertilization failure. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we provide personalized assessments to determine if ICSI is the right option for your specific fertility challenges, offering compassionate support and guidance throughout your journey.

Is ICSI better than IVF?

ICSI is a specialized technique used within the IVF process to address specific fertility challenges, such as male infertility. While both IVF and ICSI have high success rates, the choice between them depends on individual circumstances. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we offer personalized consultations to determine the most suitable treatment option for your fertility needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care and support.

How ICSI can help in infertility?

ICSI is a specialized technique that addresses male infertility by directly injecting a single sperm into the egg, increasing the chances of fertilization. At Felicity IVF and Fertility Center, we offer personalized ICSI treatment, providing effective solutions for couples facing male infertility issues, ensuring compassionate care and support throughout the journey to parenthood.

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