Sperm injection, most commonly known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), is primarily used as an infertility treatment. It's a procedure performed during in vitro fertilization (IVF) where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg in a laboratory setting. This helps create a fertilized egg, also known as an embryo.
Uses of Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is employed in various infertility scenarios, often addressing male factor infertility. Here are some key applications:
- Severe Male Infertility: ICSI is particularly beneficial when a man has severely low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or abnormal sperm morphology (shape). These issues often prevent natural fertilization. [Source: https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings/icsi.html, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9867417/]
- Other Infertility Causes: While initially developed for male infertility, ICSI is increasingly used in cases of unexplained infertility, poor egg quality, low egg yield, or even when using donor sperm. [Source: /practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi-for-nonmale-factor-indications-a-committee-opinion-2020/]
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): ICSI is a crucial component of ART, offering a solution when other IVF methods are ineffective. [Source: https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings/icsi.html]
- Use with Frozen Sperm: ICSI enables the use of frozen or cryopreserved sperm samples, offering a viable option for men who may have undergone treatments like chemotherapy or those preserving fertility. [Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8986687/]
The process involves an embryologist carefully selecting a single live sperm using a microscopic needle and injecting it directly into the egg. [Source: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/faq-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection] Successful fertilization results in an embryo that can then be implanted into the uterus. [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22463-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection]
