ICSI, also known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is a fertility treatment procedure widely used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It is specifically designed to help couples who are facing difficulty in conceiving due to male factor infertility.
In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. The process begins with the retrieval of eggs from the female partner through an ultrasound-guided procedure called follicular aspiration. The male partner then provides a semen sample, which is processed in a laboratory to isolate viable and healthy sperm.
The ICSI procedure involves using a specialized microscope-equipped micromanipulation system. A micropipette is utilized to immobilize a selected sperm, which is subsequently inserted into the cytoplasm (the inner part) of the mature egg. After the injection, the eggs are monitored to confirm successful fertilization. Embryo development is typically observed for a few days before the healthiest embryos are selected for implantation.
ICSI is often recommended when there are issues with sperm quality, low sperm count, or if previous attempts at conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) have not resulted in successful fertilization. This technique dramatically improves the chances of achieving fertilization by delivering the sperm directly into the egg.
ICSI has proven to be a successful treatment option for couples struggling with male infertility and has helped many couples fulfill their dream of having a baby.
