ICSI

At Aveya IVF Centre, we do understand the turmoil of physical and emotional baggage that couples face when they are trying to conceive, especially when it comes to male infertility factors. For couples who are struggling with male fertility, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can offer a ray of hope. ICSI is one of the most widely recognized and successful treatments for male infertility. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) includes the injection of sperm into eggs from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to address male fertility issues by facilitating fertilization with precision.

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility by enabling the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This technique has proven to be highly effective for individuals with low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.

By bypassing natural barriers to fertilization, ICSI has opened doors for individuals who may have previously faced limited options for conception. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ICSI is now used in nearly two-thirds of all IVF procedures in the United States, highlighting its widespread adoption and success in addressing male fertility challenges.

• ICSI has been shown to significantly improve fertilization rates, particularly in cases of severe male factor infertility.
• Studies have demonstrated that ICSI can lead to successful fertilization even when conventional IVF has failed, offering new hope for couples facing fertility challenges.

With the help of ICSI, many males are getting treated and facing fertility issues. This process helps many couples to regain the joy of families in their lives.

Why is ICSI important?

ICSI has created a revolutionary change in the treatment of infertility, especially in relation to male infertility, where traditional IVF does not provide validation. Some basic key reasons of ICSI are-

Overcoming sperm quality issues– men with low sperm count, abnormal morphology, and poor motility find it difficult for sperm to penetrate the eggs. Here, ICSI ensures that a single sperm is injected directly into the eggs so that such issues can be resolved.

Previous IVF failure- For couples who have faced or undergone a failed IVF or experienced failed fertilization, ICSI can help with it. This leads to the removal of potential barriers or obstacles to the fertilization process.

Male infertility solutions– ICSI is the best treatment option for many male infertility problems such as poor sperm motility, low sperm count, or at the time when sperm are retrieved surgically due to obstructive azoospermia.

Frozen sperms or donor sperms– ICSI is majorly used when sperm quality is compromised in the process of freezing so that compromised sperms can also be carried for the fertilization of eggs successfully.

ICSI and Male Infertility

The proportion of male infertility to all fertility problems is approximately 40-50%. Several factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, or complete absence of sperm, etc. make it difficult to conceive naturally or make the process nearly impossible. ICSI, however, provides a targeted solution for overcoming these challenges, significantly increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Why Is ICSI  recommended?

ICSI is usually recommended for couples where male infertility is suspected or diagnosed. The following conditions are some of the most common reasons why doctors may suggest ICSI:

• Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): If the male partner has a significantly low sperm count, fertilization may be difficult. ICSI allows the use of even a single sperm for the fertilization process.
• Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia): When sperm have low motility, they struggle to reach the egg for fertilization. ICSI bypasses this issue by directly injecting sperm into the egg.
• Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratospermia): Even if sperm are present in adequate numbers, sperm with abnormal shape may struggle to penetrate the egg’s outer layer. ICSI
  ensures that only the healthiest sperm are selected for injection.
• Previous Failed IVF Cycles: Couples who have undergone traditional IVF but experienced no fertilization may find ICSI to be a more effective solution, as it eliminates the fertilization process’s complexity.
• Azoospermia (Absence of Sperm): In cases of azoospermia, where no sperm is present in the ejaculate, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis via surgical procedures such as Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA). ICSI can then be used to inject the sperm into an egg.
• Genetic Disorders: In some cases, male infertility may be caused by genetic factors. ICSI is highly effective in these situations as it ensures the sperm’s DNA reaches the egg, resulting in successful fertilization.

How Is ICSI Performed?

There are two different ways that an egg might be treated by IVF: conventional and ICSI. In conventional IVF, at least 50,000 swimming sperm are set alongside the egg in a petri dish. Fertilization happens when one of the sperm goes into the cytoplasm of the egg. In the ICSI procedure, a small needle, called a micropipette, is used to infuse a solitary sperm into the center of the egg. With either conventional IVF or ICSI, when fertilization happens, the developed egg (now called an embryo) develops in a laboratory for 1 to 5 days before it is transferred to the woman’s uterus.

There are essentially five basic steps in the process of ICSI which are as given below:

• The mature egg is extracted with a specific pipette.
• An exceptionally sensitive, sharp, and empty needle is utilized to immobilize and get a solitary sperm.
• The needle is then cautiously embedded through the zona of the egg and into the cytoplasm of the egg.
• The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm, and the needle is cautiously expelled.
• The eggs are checked the next day to see if they are fertilizing normally.

When the process of ICSI is finished and fertilization happens, an embryo transfer procedure is implemented to physically put the embryo in the female’s uterus.

How Successful Is ICSI?

ICSI itself is extremely effective at helping the sperm and the egg to fertilize – fertilization occurs in around 90% of the cases. Still, similar to IVF, there are numerous different factors influencing an effective pregnancy, including the age of the woman and whether she has any fertility issues herself. Success rates for ICSI thus, in general, can be called the same as IVF.

Aveya IVF has years of experience in fertility treatment and reproductive technologies. Our doctors, fertility specialists, and embryologists are capable of handling any case with utmost expertise and patience. You can freely discuss your issues and concerns with our doctors who will guide you in your journey to parenthood.

Why Choose Aveya IVF Centre for ICSI?

At Aveya IVF Centre, we are committed to providing the highest level of care and using advanced fertility treatments to maximize your chances of success. Here’s why you should consider choosing Aveya IVF Centre for your ICSI treatment:

• Expert Fertility Specialists
  Our team at Aveya IVF has trained and experienced fertility specialists who have great knowledge in diagnosing and treating issues with male infertility. The experts are well known for performing ICSI effectively and providing you with customized treatment plans for the unique needs of couples.

• State-of-the-Art Laboratory Facilities
  Our center is equipped with the latest technology and has well-established laboratory facilities designed to meet the highest fertility care standards. Our labs are designed to meet international standards and the latest techniques are used by our embryologists for enhancing fertilization rates.

• Personalized Treatment Plans
  Personalization treatment plans are developed based on the needs of the patients, as we consider that each couple’s needs and fertility journey are different from one another. so, our specialists work closely with you so that a treatment plan can be designed based on your medical history, expectations, and specific fertility challenges.

• Comprehensive Care and Support
  Advanced medical treatments with relevant psychological and emotional support are guaranteed to you at Aveya IVF Centre. We understand the emotional instability or pressure that you undergo with your infertility treatment. Thus, our team helps and guides you at every step towards the journey of parenthood.

• High Success Rates
  Our success rate defines our work and our effort to make every couple to fulfill their wish of becoming parents. The success rate approximately ranges from 75%-80%, thanks to our experienced specialists and state-of-the-art facilities. We ensure that you attain highest chance of successful conceiving, especially for those who are undergoing ICSI.

What to Expect After ICSI?

After the ICSI procedure, there are several important milestones to monitor:

• Embryo Development: Once fertilization occurs, the embryos will be cultured for 3–5 days. The embryologist will keep you updated on the progress of the embryos.
• Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10–14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to check for pregnancy. A positive test means the embryo has been implanted successfully in the uterus.
• Ultrasound Scans: After a positive pregnancy test, further ultrasounds will be conducted to monitor fetal development and confirm a healthy pregnancy.

Take the First Step with Aveya IVF Centre

If you or your partner are facing male infertility issues and believe ICSI could be the solution for you, Aveya IVF Centre is here to help. Our experienced specialists, advanced fertility technologies, and compassionate care team are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Contact Aveya IVF Centre today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ICSI can help you on your journey to becoming parents. We are here to provide the support and expertise you need for a successful fertility treatment.

 

FAQs

How does ICSI differ from regular IVF?

In regular IVF, sperm is mixed with the eggs in a laboratory dish, and fertilization occurs naturally. In ICSI, a single sperm is selected and directly injected into the egg using a microscopic needle. ICSI is typically used when there are male fertility issues, while conventional IVF is used for female fertility problems or when sperm quality is not an issue.

Who needs ICSI treatment?

ICSI may be recommended for couples who have male infertility issues, including:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia)
• Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
• Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
• Male factor infertility after failed conventional IVF
• Severe male infertility after sperm retrieval via TESE or MESA

What is the ICSI procedure like?

The ICSI process involves the following steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone therapy to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure.
3. Sperm Collection and Selection: A sperm sample is obtained, and the healthiest sperm is selected for injection.
4. ICSI Injection: The selected sperm is injected directly into each egg under a microscope.
5. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs are monitored as they develop into embryos.
6. Embryo Transfer: The best-quality embryo is selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus.

Is ICSI a safe procedure?

Yes, ICSI is a safe and highly effective procedure when performed by experienced professionals. At Aveya IVF Centre, we ensure all procedures are carried out with the utmost care, using advanced technology and techniques to optimize success rates.

What are the chances of success with ICSI?

Success rates depend on various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of eggs, sperm health, and the underlying cause of infertility. On average, the success rates for ICSI are similar to those of traditional IVF, but ICSI can offer better chances for male infertility cases.

Are there any risks associated with ICSI?

While ICSI is generally safe, there are some potential risks, including:

• Risk of multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred.
• Slightly higher risk of genetic disorders passed on from the father in cases of severe male infertility.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to ovarian stimulation.
• Injury to the egg during sperm injection, although this is rare.

Our fertility specialists at Aveya IVF Centre carefully assess risks and take steps to minimize them.

How long does the ICSI procedure take?

The ICSI process typically takes about 2-3 weeks. This includes time for ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo culture. The embryo transfer is usually scheduled 3-5 days after fertilization.

 What happens if the ICSI cycle is unsuccessful?

If an ICSI cycle does not result in pregnancy, further evaluation and treatment options are discussed. These may include additional IVF cycles, genetic testing, or exploring other assisted reproductive technologies. At Aveya IVF Centre, we provide personalized care and support throughout your fertility journey.

How can I get started with ICSI at Aveya IVF Centre?

To get started with ICSI treatment, contact our clinic for a consultation. During the consultation, our fertility specialists will evaluate your medical history, perform necessary tests, and discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Is ICSI treatment covered by insurance?

Coverage for ICSI treatment varies depending on your insurance provider. We recommend checking with your insurance company to determine if ICSI is included in your plan. Aveya IVF Centre’s financial team can assist you with insurance inquiries and provide detailed cost estimates for your treatment.