ICSI Treatment Procedure Step by Step

When is ICSI recommended during IVF

ICSI cuts down on the percentage of failed fertilizations by helping sperm bypass many of the natural barriers that they would encounter while fertilizing an egg. It is commonly used to increase the chances of fertilization in an IVF cycle. ICSI assists in overcoming fertility problems in situations like:

• Male factor infertility: When there are low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
• Previous fertilization failure: If conventional IVF has failed to achieve fertilization in previous cycles.
• Obstructive azoospermia: When there is a blockage preventing the release of sperm.
• Ejaculatory dysfunction: In cases where ejaculation is impaired or absent.
• Retrieval of sperm from the testes or epididymis: ICSI allows the use of surgically retrieved sperm.
• Blockage in the male reproductive tract
• If male partner previously had a vasectomy or unsuccessful vasectomy reversal
• If Oocytes have thick or hard outer layer which makes it difficult fr spem to penetrate and fertlize the egg via traditional IVF technque.

Other evidence-based reasons for ICSI include:

• Previous IVF cycle had few or no fertilized eggs: If there are few or ne fertilized embryos formed via traditional IVF procedure even though good number of eggs were retried and healthy sperms were used, in the next IVF cycle, ICSI may be tried.
• Frozen sperm are being used: If the thawed sperm don’t appear especially active, ICSI-IVF may be recommended.
• Frozen oocytes are being used: Vitrification of eggs can sometimes cause the hardening of the egg’s shell. This may complicate fertilization, and IVF with ICSI may help overcome this hurdle.
• PGD is being done: PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) is an IVF technology that allows for genetic screening of embryos. There is concern that regular fertilization techniques may cause sperm cells (who have not fertilized the egg) to “hang around” the embryo, and that this may interfere with accurate PGD results.
• IVM (in vitro maturation) of eggs is being used: IVM is an IVF technology where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries before they completely mature. They go through the final stages of maturation in the lab. Some research has found that IVM eggs may not become fertilized by sperm cells at rates comparable to traditional IVF. More research is needed, but it may be that IVM with ICSI is a good option.

What is the IVF with ICSI treatment success rate

In the majority of IVF procedures, 70 to 85% of the eggs injected with ICSI result in fertilized eggs. Some studies have found that in vitro fertilization with ICSI has greater pregnancy success rates than IVF without ICSI. This is due to the female being relatively young and fertile (excellent egg quantity and quality) in many situations requiring ICSI, as compared to some of the women undergoing IVF for other reasons.

In other words, compared to cases of unexplained infertility, the average egg quantity and quality tend to be better in ICSI cases (male factor cases) since it is less likely that there is an issue with the eggs. Reduced egg number and/or quality in certain unexplained situations reduce the chances the successful outcomes of IVF.

Success rates for IVF with ICSI depend on the particulars of each case, the ICSI technique utilised, the expertise of the person executing the process, the overall calibre of the laboratory, the calibre of the eggs, and the embryo transfer abilities of the infertility specialist doctor.

Low ovarian reserve instances, or “egg factor” cases, can require IVF with ICSI. This occurs when eggs are few or of poor “quality,” (or both). The success rates of ICSI fertilisation and pregnancy are often reduced in these situations. This is due to the fact that the quality of the embryos is the primary factor of IVF success.

Traditional IVF vs ICSI: Key Differences

When it comes to fertility treatments, Traditional IVF and ICSI are two popular options, but the way fertilization happens is where they really differ.

Traditional IVF

In IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), the process starts by collecting eggs from the ovaries. These eggs are then combined with sperm in a lab dish, allowing fertilization to happen naturally—just like it would inside the body. The sperm swims toward the egg and, if all goes well, fertilizes it. IVF is often suggested for women dealing with fertility problems such as blocked fallopian tubes or conditions like endometriosis.

ICSI

ICSI(Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a more advanced approach. Instead of letting the sperm fertilize the egg on its own, a single sperm is carefully chosen and injected directly into the egg with a tiny needle. This method is often the go-to for couples dealing with male infertility issues, like a low sperm count or sperm that don’t move very well.
Which One to Choose?

• IVF is typically the go-to option for various fertility challenges and is a great choice when the sperm quality isn’t a concern.
• ICSI, on the other hand, is ideal when male infertility is a factor, helping fertilization succeed even if sperm has trouble on its own.

Need More Information?
Speak with a fertility expert to find out which treatment is right for you.