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Birla Fertility & IVF
Birla Fertility & IVF

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI at Birla Fertility & IVF

ICSI is a form of fertility treatment used in case of male infertility. In this procedure, a single healthy sperm is individually selected from the semen sample with the help of an advanced micromanipulation station and injected into the centre of an egg (cytoplasm). The fertilised egg is then transferred to the female partner’s uterus.

Why ICSI

When the male has an infertility factor such as low sperm count, poor sperm morphology and poor sperm motility

When previous attempts of IVF treatment were unsuccessful or had unexpectantly low fertilisation rates (none or few eggs were fertilised)

When sperm was obtained surgically through TESA or PESA

When sperm quality on the day of egg collection was not suitable for IVF due to natural variations in semen

When frozen sperm is used, from men with a history of vasectomy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy

The ICSI Process

Before you begin your IVF-ICSI cycle, you and your partner will undergo an individual assessment to identify the most suitable fertility treatment. An IVF-ICSI cycle involves the following procedures/steps:

Similar to a conventional IVF cycle, you will need to undergo hormone therapy to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. During this phase, you will be closely monitored with routine ultrasound scans and blood tests to check how the follicles (fluid filled sacs in which eggs develop) are growing.

After the scan indicate that the follicles have grown to an adequate size, your doctor will schedule the egg retrieval procedure 34 to 36 hours after the final injection and before ovulation. During this procedure, you will be sedated with general anaesthesia and an ultrasound probe is inserted into your vagina to identify follicles. The eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries using a fine needle or catheter. Multiple eggs may be harvested as not all eggs can be successfully fertilised.

The male partner is also required to provide a semen sample on the day of the egg retrieval procedure. In some situations, surgical sperm retrieval through TESA or PESA may be required.

The collected eggs are screened, and each egg is injected with a single sperm to promote fertilisation. The resulting embryos (fertilised eggs) are cultured in the lab and classified according to their growth rate (ability to divide).

Additional procedures such as assisted laser hatching, and preimplantation genetic testing may also be recommended depending on your situation.

The most viable embryo(s) is selected and deposited into the uterus using a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. Excess embryos from the cycle can be frozen to be transferred in a later cycle without the need for further ovarian stimulation.

Experts Speak

A brief about ICSI

Dr. Meeta Sharma

Fertility Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

ICSI is the acronym for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It is an advanced IVF treatment that involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg using a fine glass needle.

ICSI is recommended for couples with male infertility such as low count and poor-quality sperm or if the sperm was surgically retrieved. It is also recommended when conventional IVF therapy is ineffective or when genetic tests (PGS/PGD) are required.

Apart from the risks that come with conventional IVF treatment, there is a risk that the eggs may be damaged when they are cleaned or injected with sperm during an ICSI-IVF cycle.

ICSI is very successful in helping sperm fertilise the egg. However, like IVF several factors affect the success rate such as maternal age and cause of infertility.

Patient Testimonials

The Birla Fertility team is very helpful with every step of the IVF treatment. After discussing and a few check-ups, the doctor suggested an intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. The whole process was so smooth. Thank you for all your support!

Ratan and Rahul

All the staff members of the Birla Fertility & IVF are genuinely good and honest. Everyone in the hospital is very caring. Their friendliness and helpful nature are very much appreciated! Thank you, Birla Fertility.

Payal and Sunil

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