Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI stands for "Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection". It's an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure used in cases of severe male infertility or when previous attempts at fertilization through in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been unsuccessful. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of an egg to facilitate fertilization. This technique can bypass many barriers to fertilization, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.

Who is ICSI suitable for?

• Severe Male Infertility: ICSI is commonly recommended for couples with severe male factor infertility, including low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), or abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia).
• Previous IVF Failure: When conventional IVF procedures have failed to achieve fertilization, ICSI may be attempted as an alternative method.
• Obstructive Azoospermia: In cases where sperm cannot be naturally ejaculated due to a blockage in the reproductive tract, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis for use in ICSI.
• Frozen Sperm Samples: ICSI can also be used with frozen sperm samples, which may have lower quality or viability compared to fresh sperm.

What does ICSI involve?

• Ovarian Stimulation: The woman typically undergoes ovarian stimulation with fertility medications to produce multiple eggs.
• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the woman's ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration.
• Sperm Collection: If using fresh sperm, a semen sample is collected from the male partner or donor on the day of egg retrieval. If using frozen sperm or in cases of obstructive azoospermia, sperm may be obtained through testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or epididymal sperm aspiration (TESA).
• ICSI Procedure: Using a specialized microscope and micromanipulation equipment, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into each mature egg.
• Embryo Culture and Transfer: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in the laboratory for a few days until they reach a suitable stage for transfer. One or more embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus through a catheter.
• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is typically conducted about two weeks after embryo transfer to determine if the procedure was successful.

What are the symptoms of ICSI?

• Physical Discomfort: Women may experience mild discomfort or cramping after the egg retrieval procedure, similar to menstrual cramps. This discomfort is usually temporary.
• Emotional Stress: As with any assisted reproductive technology, undergoing ICSI can be emotionally challenging due to the uncertainty of the outcome, the invasive nature of the procedures, and the financial investment involved.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, ovarian stimulation can lead to OHSS, characterized by severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. This complication requires medical attention.