ICSI

Advancing Fertility Treatment with Precision

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a cutting-edge technique within the realm of assisted reproductive technology, offering hope to individuals and couples facing male infertility or other sperm-related challenges. This revolutionary procedure has transformed the possibilities of fertility treatment by enabling the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Understanding ICSI

ICSI is a specialized form of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where a single sperm is carefully injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using micromanipulation techniques. This precise method bypasses the natural barriers that may hinder fertilization and allows for targeted sperm selection.

Τhe process

  • Similar to IVF, the woman undergoes hormonal stimulation to promote the development of multiple eggs.

  • Mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries through a minimally invasive procedure.

  • A semen sample is obtained from the male partner, and sperm are prepared in the laboratory.

  • Using a microneedle, a single sperm is carefully injected into each harvested egg.

  • The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a laboratory, and one or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy.

  • ICSI is primarily recommended for couples dealing with male infertility, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape. It can also be employed in cases of previous IVF failure or when other sperm-related challenges are present.

  • Success rates can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of eggs and sperm, the age of the woman, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.

    The UK’s National ICSI success rates range between 50% and 80% of eggs being fertilised. While this doesn’t guarantee conception, it is a slightly higher rate of success compared to IVF because it virtually guarantees that the sperm penetrates the egg. There is no significant difference in pregnancy rates between IVF and ICSI.

  • ICSI maximises the chances of fertilisation where there is known to be an issue with sperm quality or quantity. Over 90% of couples having IVF treatment with ICSI will achieve fertilisation of some of their eggs. Fertilisation cannot be absolutely guaranteed because numerous factors affect this, including egg number and quality.

  • The injection technique may sometimes damage individual eggs. The overall damage rate is low (below 5% of eggs injected) but may be higher for individual patients, depending on egg quality.

  • ICSI bypasses many of the processes normally associated with fertilisation, which means that a sperm could fertilise an egg that might not otherwise do so. The risk of miscarriage or a birth defect is slightly higher with ICSI than with IVF. It appears to increase in proportion to the severity of male infertility and it is thought this factor contributes most to any increased risk, rather than the actual ICSI technique itself.

    There have been large multi-centre studies looking at the development of children born after ICSI compared to naturally conceived controls and the data has been very reassuring. According to The Practice Committee for the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, studies to date support the safety and efficacy of ICSI to treat various male factor conditions.

  • ICSI is a delicate and precise technique that requires the use of specialist micromanipulation equipment by highly skilled practitioners.

ICSI has revolutionized fertility treatment, providing a solution for couples facing male infertility or sperm-related challenges. By understanding the ICSI process and addressing common questions, individuals and couples can gain valuable insights into this advanced reproductive technique. By working with skilled fertility specialists such as Dr Chris, couples can receive personalized guidance backed with clinical evidence.

Book your non-obligatory discovery call today to see if we can help you maximize your chances of successful fertilization and ultimately realizing your dream of starting a family.