Everything You Need to Know About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Byshaheen shaikh

Globally, around 48.5 million couples are affected by infertility. Among these, males are responsible for 20-30% cases alone, according to data released by National Center For Biotechnology Information. A few common issues leading to male infertility include low sperm count and poor motility.

There are many ways to treat this infertility, including in-vitro fertilization procedures.  One of them is ICSI injections used to treat severe male infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can fertilize 50-80% eggs and help overcome the barriers to conception.However, if you are considering the shot along with your conventional IVF process, you must understand the basic facts. This will help prevent any surprises down the way.

How Does ICSI Work?

ICSI is the non-traditional method to fertilize the egg during In Vitro Fertilization. An embryologist uses a micropipette to inject a single live sperm into the center of the human egg. Next, it is left to grow in the laboratory for at least 2-5 days before placing it in the uterus.Before performing the process, the eggs are developed with ovarian stimulation for optimal outcome.

Should I Consider ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a special kind of IVF procedure, used for treatment of severe cases of male infertility, where sperms are low in terms of volume, motility and abnormally shaped.  Have a look at the circumstances under which one can benefit from this technique.

  • Often the desired number of eggs is retrieved and the sperms turn out healthy. But, no eggs get fertilized for unknown reasons. In this case, an ICSI can be administered.
  • The traditional IVF method has failed in fertilizing the egg properly, in past IVF attempts.
  • If the egg shells have been hardened due to vitrification, sperms are unable to penetrate. An ICSI can prove beneficial here.
  • If you desire pregnancy even after vasectomy, this process can be a viable option. 
  • If you have defects like abnormal sperm morphology or mostly dead sperms, doctors will suggest an artificial process.
  • In case of thawed sperms which have weakened abilities to perform fertilization.  
  • Lastly, all unexplained male infertility issues can be corrected with this method.

Get in touch with the best ICSI center in Bangalore and get a semen analysis done. Consult the doctor in case frozen eggs are being used or if there’s a blockage in the male reproductive tract. These factors also determine the necessity and outcome of the treatment.

Risks Associated with ICSI

There could be an increased risk of birth defects in the fetus, with ICSI, but chances are extremely rare. Anomalies like Down syndrome can occur due to increase in maternal age, hereditary factors, and lifestyle habits and not due to ICSI. However, the specialists must inject the needle extra carefully to avoid egg damage. Ask your gynaecologist or fertility expert in Bangalore, about additional ICSI risks in case you and your spouse have existing medical conditions.

You will have to understand that fertilization with ICSI is not guaranteed. The success rates depend from couple to couple, and chance of success with ICSI is certainly not greater than regular IVF treatment. Therefore, research about how to improve your chances and for the best outcome.