ICSI is recommended to choose the best sperm to fertilise the egg, thereby minimising the risk of an unhealthy embryo.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI is a micromanipulation procedure that involves the careful selection of high-quality well-formed sperm with good motility. Using a microscope, a micro-pipette first immobilises a single sperm by cutting its tail with its point. The spermatozoa is then injected into the egg cytoplasm. ICSI is designed to make fertilization more effective, thus improving IVF success rates. For couples who have trouble conceiving for inexplicable reasons, this procedure can also be a possible option. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly inserted into the oocyte.
ICSI has been shown to improve the fertilization rate in the vast majority of cases. It may be especially helpful in the following cases:
WHERE IS THIS PROCEDURE RECOMMENDED ?
WHERE IS THIS PROCEDURE RECOMMENDED ?
| Low sperm count | Vasectomy |
|---|---|
| - Poor sperm motility | Immunological factors |
| High amount of abnormal sperm | You have had previous failed fertilisationfrom IVF |
| Retrograde ejaculation | Conditions that prevent fertilization of the egg |
What Are The Steps And Duration Of An IVF-ICSI Cycle?
During the initial consultation, an Infertility Specialist will take a full medical history and may perform a check-up that includes an ultrasound scan and blood tests to check hormonal levels. Based on the medical history and clinical exams, a personalized treatment plan is constructed. If the IVF Specialist suspects that infertility may be attributed to a Male Factor, a semen analysis will be conducted before treatment and the protocol will be altered as necessary.
In the case that IVF-ICSI is the right treatment for you, the following will take place over 21-25 days
⦁ Ovarian Stimulation (7 To 10 Days):
On Day 2 or 3 of the Menstrual cycle, medication is prescribed to stimulate the growth of multiple follicles (EGG CELLS) in the ovaries. During this time, follicular growth is monitored through ultrasound as they develop into eggs and hormone levels are tracked through blood tests. Medication protocols are changed as needed. 36 – 40 hours before the scheduled Egg Retrieval, an hCG “trigger” shot is given to induce maturation of the eggs within a scheduled timeframe
Egg (Oocyte) Retrieval :
Eggs are retrieved using a thin ultrasound-guided needle during a short procedure under sedation. The number of eggs retrieved depends on the body's response to the medication.
Sperm Collection And ICSI:
On the day of Egg Retrieval, a semen sample is taken to fertilize the retrieved eggs. To increase chances of fertilization, a single sperm is injected into each egg using a precision needle in a method called ICSI.
Possible Genetic Testing :
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) will be completed to prevent passing on a hereditary disease, 3 to 5 days after the Egg Retrieval, a biopsy is taken from each embryo and tested in Genetics Lab. The healthy embryos are then transferred to the uterus.
Embryo Transfer :
Embryo Transfer is a minor procedure that does not require sedation. Following the procedure, hormone levels are tracked through blood test to confirm pregnancy.
