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Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an assisted
reproductive technique used to treat male infertility by directly injecting a
single sperm into an egg. It is often performed as part of in vitro
fertilization (IVF) procedures when there are significant male factor issues,
such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
The process of ICSI typically involves the following steps:
Ovarian stimulation: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation
using fertility medications to promote the development of multiple eggs within
the ovaries.
Egg retrieval: Once the eggs reach maturity, a transvaginal
ultrasound-guided procedure called egg retrieval is performed. A needle is
inserted through the vaginal wall to collect the eggs from the ovarian
follicles.
Sperm collection: On the same day as the egg retrieval, a
semen sample is collected from the male partner. If necessary, in cases where
there are severe sperm issues, sperm may be retrieved directly from the
testicles using a surgical procedure called testicular sperm extraction (TESE).
Sperm preparation: The collected sperm sample is prepared in
the laboratory by removing any surrounding fluids and selecting the most motile
and healthy sperm for injection.
Injection: Using a specialized glass needle called a micropipette,
a single sperm is carefully injected directly into the cytoplasm of each mature
egg under a microscope.
Fertilization and embryo development: After the injection,
the eggs are monitored to assess fertilization. Over the next few days, the
fertilized eggs develop into embryos in the laboratory.
Embryo transfer: Depending on the quality and development of
the embryos, typically after three to five days, one or more embryos are
selected for transfer into the woman's uterus. This involves passing a thin
catheter through the cervix and placing the embryos into the uterine cavity.
Post-procedure: After the embryo transfer, the woman may be
prescribed medications, including progesterone, to support the uterine lining
and potential pregnancy. A pregnancy test is usually performed about two weeks
after the embryo transfer to determine if conception has occurred.
ICSI allows for the fertilization of eggs even in cases of
severe male infertility. It offers high success rates when performed by
experienced fertility specialists. However, it's important to note that ICSI
does not address the underlying causes of male infertility and may not be
suitable for all couples. A comprehensive evaluation by a fertility specialist
is necessary to determine if ICSI is an appropriate treatment option.
