Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

The key steps involved in the ICSI procedure are as follows:

1. Initial Phase: The female partner undergoes fertility testing, including an examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes, as well as hormonal assessment.

2. Ovarian Stimulation: The female partner is given hormonal medications. This stimulates the ovaries to produce mature eggs. Once the eggs are ready, a trigger shot is given to allow the eggs to be released from the follicles.

3. Egg Retrieval and Sperm Collection: The eggs are surgically retrieved using a minor procedure. The male partner provides a sperm sample, either through ejaculation or surgical extraction, if needed.

4. ICSI Fertilisation: A single sperm is selected and injected directly into the mature egg using a tiny needle under a microscope.

5. Embryo Development: The fertilised eggs (embryos) are cultured for 3-5 days, allowing them to develop to the blastocyst stage before embryo transfer.

6. Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are selected for transfer based on their quality and development. Using an ultrasound-guided catheter, the selected embryo(s) are placed into the woman’s uterus. This allows the embryo(s) to implant and continue developing.

7. Pregnancy Test: Approximately 2 weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm the success of the treatment.