ISCI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an infertility treatment, part of in vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly used when male infertility affects conception. ICSI involves injecting live sperm directly into a person’s eggs in a laboratory, creating embryos for later implantation in the uterus.
Procedure Details:
Ques 1 What is Intracytoplasmic?
Ans. Intracytoplasmic refers to the sperm injection occurring inside an egg’s cytoplasm, the gel-like substance in the center of an egg.
Difference from IVF:
- ICSI is a type of IVF. While traditional IVF leaves fertilization to chance, ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into a single egg, increasing the chances of fertilization.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):
- ICSI, like IVF, falls under assisted reproductive technology (ART), using lab-based fertility treatments with eggs and sperm outside the body.
Success Rate:
- ICSI has a 50-80% fertilization success rate, similar to traditional IVF. Approximately 6 in 10 IVF procedures use ICSI.
Ques 2 Who Needs ICSI?
Ans ICSI is recommended for male infertility cases, including issues like low sperm count, poor sperm quality, blockages, or retrograde ejaculation.
- Also used when traditional IVF doesn’t create embryos, the person supplying eggs is older than 35, or when using previously frozen eggs or sperm.
Ques 3 Who Performs ICSI?
Ans An Ob/Gyn, often a reproductive endocrinologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating infertility.
Before ICSI:
- Egg Retrieval: Ovulation induction stimulates egg production, followed by egg retrieval using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.
- Sperm Collection: Abstaining from ejaculation for 2-3 days, the person supplies sperm through masturbation on the same day as egg retrieval.
During ICSI:
- The mature egg is held in place, and a single sperm is injected directly into its cytoplasm using a pipette and a thin needle.
After ICSI:
- The fertilized egg (embryo) is monitored for signs of successful fertilization. An embryo transfer into the uterus typically occurs on the fifth or sixth day.
Benefits:
- ICSI is more successful in male infertility cases compared to traditional IVF. Some centers use ICSI for all cases, regardless of infertility diagnosis.
Risks:
- Complications may include egg damage, failed fertilization, or embryo developmental issues.