ICSI is an acronym for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a method of fertilization where a single sperm is injected into the centre of a fertile egg.
The test-tube fertilization process has been replaced with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) because of its proven success rates.
ICSI is the process by which one sperm is inserted into one egg, resulting in one embryo.
ICSI is more effective than IVF with a higher success rate because the sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg stimulating the fertilization process.
ICSI requires only one sperm making it a successful treatment method for males with a low sperm count or poor quality sperm.
Stages of IVF with ICSI
The process of IVF with ICSI has three stages:
Stage 1 Egg Collection and Sperm Retrieval
After using fertility drugs to stimulate egg production, fertility specialists insert a very thin needle into the ovary follicles and use suction to remove eggs individually. The needle is attached to an internal ultrasound probe to guide the specialists through the procedure. Sperm is collected, using sperm retrieval methods if necessary, and prepared for use in ICSI.
Stage 2 Fertilization
To fertilize collected ova, a single sperm is selected by fertility specialists and injected into the centre (cytoplasm) of the egg. Using the ICSI methods of fertilization increases the success rates of fertilization as the sperm does not have to penetrate the outer membrane of the egg.
Stage 3 Implantation
Once the embryo as matured and the cells have divided, the embryo will then be transferred into the recipient’s uterus. The embryo transfer procedure involves the embryos being placed into the uterine cavity using a catheter.
A pregnancy test will be given 12-15 days after the embryo transfer.
Success Rates using ICSI
Success rates depend on a number of factors, such as age of the recipient, age of the sperm donor (either husband, chosen donor or anonymous donor), quality of the donor sperm, condition of the eggs (whether they are healthy or not).
IVF with ICSI is often used to treat male infertility.
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