What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) that can be used to help couples with male factor infertility have children. During ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a very fine glass needle. This allows for successful fertilization even when the sperm has difficulty reaching and penetrating the egg on its own. This article will explain what ICSI is, how it works, and when it might be recommended as part of an infertility treatment plan.
What Does ICSI Involve?
During an ICSI cycle, eggs are harvested from the female partner during an IVF cycle and then placed in a laboratory dish along with her partner’s semen sample. A single sperm is then selected under a microscope and injected directly into an egg using a very fine glass needle. The fertilized eggs are then incubated until they develop into embryos which can be transferred back into the uterus or frozen for future use. It’s important to note that while ICSI increases the chances of successful fertilization, it does not guarantee success—nor does it increase the chances of having a healthy baby.
When Might ICSI Be Used?
ICSI may be recommended if there are known issues with male fertility including low sperm count or motility, abnormal sperm shape or size, or poor semen quality. It may also be recommended for couples who have previously experienced failed IVF cycles due to poor egg/sperm interaction or if assisted hatching (AH) is required due to advanced maternal age or thickened zona pellucida (the outer membrane surrounding the embryo). In addition, some couples opt to use ICSI simply as an additional step in their IVF procedure in order to reduce the risk of failed fertilization and increase their chance of success overall.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used as part of an infertility treatment plan when there are known issues with male fertility or if assisted hatching is required due to advanced maternal age or thickened zona pellucida.
While ICSI increases the chances of successful fertilization, it does not guarantee success nor does it increase the chances of having a healthy baby. ICSI should always be discussed thoroughly between couples and their fertility specialist so they understand how this procedure works and when it might be necessary based on their individual situation. With proper education and support, those facing male factor infertility can find hope in knowing that treatments like ICSI exist which may help them achieve their dream of parenthood.
