Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg in order to fertilise it. It is a process sometimes used during in vitro fertilisation treatment (see IVF patient information leaflet).The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to the woman’s womb.

Why Choose an Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Procedure ?

An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is ideal in male factor infertility . It is recommended in multiple scenarios like :

  • The sperm counts are low (oligospermia).
  • Sperms are immotile (asthenospermia).
  • Teratozoospermia(abnormal forms), necrozoospermia(dead forms), antisperm antibodies.
  • The male partner does not ejaculate any sperm but sperm have been collected from the testicles/epididymis.
  • Previous failed IVF.

How does ICSI work? :

The procedure for ICSI is similar to that for IVF, but instead of fertilisation taking place in a dish, the embryologist selects sperm from the sample and a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. After two to three days in the laboratory, those that are fertilised are transferred to your womb in the same way as for conventional IVF. The major development of ICSI means that as long as some sperm can be obtained (even in very low numbers), fertilisation is possible.

ICSI is often recommended if:

  • The male partner has a very low sperm count.
  • Other problems with the sperm have been identified, such as poor morphology (abnormally shaped) and/or poor motility (poor swimmers).
  • Other situations where the sperm count is zero and donor insemination is not wanted.
  • The male partner has had problems obtaining an erection and ejaculating. This includes men with spinal cord injuries, diabetes and other disorders.
  • At previous attempts at in vitro fertilisation (IVF) there was either failure of fertilisation or an unexpectedly low fertilisation rate.
  • The male partner has had a vasectomy and sperm have been collected from the testicles or epididymis (sperm reservoir).
  • The male partner does not ejaculate any sperm but sperm have been collected from the testicles.
INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was developed to treat severe male infertility. (The procedures for ICSI are the same as for standard IVF, except for the method of insemination). After the embryologist fertilizes the egg with the sperm, he or she will observe the egg over the next day or so. If fertilization occurs and the embryo matures properly, a fertility doctor can transfer it into the uterus. ICSI is especially useful in cases where the sperm cannot penetrate the egg or if the sperm is abnormally shaped.

MALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT At Altius, we are experts on the subject of male fertility treatment. Our most cutting-edge techniques like Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI, Intrauterine Insemination IUI sperm donation, and more have proven to be successful in combating infertility in men. Our Fertility hospital is a great place to start your fertility treatments if male infertility is an issue and you have been struggling to start a family. We’ll study your case and come up with the best possible fertility solution for you.