ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
ICSI is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that is used to treat severe male infertility. Unlike traditional IVF, where sperm and eggs are mixed together in a petri dish and fertilization occurs naturally, ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into the cytoplasm (center) of an egg.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
- Intracytoplasmic: This refers to the sperm being injected inside the cytoplasm of the egg.
- Sperm: This is the male reproductive cell.
- Injection: This refers to the process of using a micromanipulator and microscopic needle to directly insert the sperm into the egg.
Why is ICSI used?
ICSI is typically recommended in cases where:
- Low sperm count: The male partner has a very low sperm count, making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg using traditional IVF.
- Poor sperm motility: The sperm don't swim well or have difficulty moving.
- Abnormal sperm morphology: The sperm have an unusual shape, making it difficult for them to penetrate the egg.
- Previous IVF failure: Fertilization failed in a previous IVF cycle.
- Surgical sperm retrieval: Sperm are retrieved directly from the testicles (e.g., TESA, PESA, microTESE) and may not have the same fertilization capacity as ejaculated sperm.
ICSI Procedure:
- Egg Retrieval: The female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved.
- Sperm Preparation: Sperm are collected and prepared. The best-looking, most motile sperm are selected.
- Injection: Using specialized equipment (micromanipulators), an embryologist holds an egg with a holding pipette and, using a very fine needle, injects a single sperm into the center of the egg.
- Fertilization: The eggs are then incubated to allow fertilization to occur.
- Embryo Transfer: If fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos are cultured for a few days before being transferred to the woman's uterus.
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility, offering couples with severe sperm problems a much higher chance of achieving pregnancy.
