Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI Treatment)
A subset of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment involves injecting a single sperm into an egg to facilitate fertilization. The treatment allows couples with low fertility to receive fertilized embryos and increase their chances of having a healthy baby. This method is utilized when the sperm count is extremely low or there is no sperm present in the semen.
Preparation for the ICSI treatment procedure entails the same steps as those required for conventional IVF, including ovarian stimulation and egg collection. Each mature egg has a single, healthy, motile sperm that is scooped up with a tiny pipette and injected directly into its cytoplasm (centre). The fertilized embryos are given time to develop in the same manner as in traditional IVF treatment before being transferred.
Who Might Benefit from ICSI Treatment ?
When there is concern that fertilization may be challenging, ICSI treatment may be suggested. ICSI benefits couples where the male partner is experiencing infertility. One or more of the following may play a role in male infertility:
- Reduced sperm count: Fewer than 15–20 million sperm per mililitre. These conditions exist when there is an inadequate supply of oocytes for fertilization.
- Low motility in the sperm: Less than 35% sperm motility is considered low. If the sperm do not have proper movement, they won’t be able to reach the egg to fertilize it.
- Poor sperm morphology or abnormal sperm shape:Infertility can occur if a sperm has an irregular shape or morphology and is unable to enter the egg.
- Azoospermia: Absence of spermatozoa in the male reproductive fluid.
- Previous vasectomies: ICSI procedures can be performed to collect sperm from the testicles or epididymis even if a man has had a vasectomy.
- No success with other fertility treatments: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is sometimes recommended after unsuccessful attempts at getting pregnant with other reproductive treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Low quality of the sperm: If your sperm count is off or your sperm’s DNA is damaged, micro-injection of eggs into sperm for fertilization (ICSI) is suggested.
Step-By-Step Guide to ICSI Treatment Procedure
In recent years, a major development in assisted reproductive technology known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has given hope to couples struggling with male factor infertility. At Ankuran IVF, we provide a thorough ICSI treatment that includes many individual procedures. Thanks to Ankuran IVF’s dedication to state-of-the-art technology, individualized treatment, and skill in each and every stage of the ICSI procedure, couples have a better chance of realizing their goal of starting a family. Ankuran IVF is a beacon of hope for couples looking for assisted reproductive treatments thanks to its compassionate approach and dedication to success.
First consultation:
The couple consults a fertility doctor to learn more about their infertility and to see if ICSI is a viable treatment option for them.
Step 2 : Retrieval of Eggs
Egg retrieval is a delicate operation in which trained medical personnel use minimally invasive surgery to remove mature eggs from the ovaries of the female partner. Anaesthesia is used throughout this procedure to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.
Step 3 : Collection and Preparation of Sperm
Specialists at Ankuran IVF Clinic are responsible for retrieving and processing sperm. Methods including semen analysis, sperm washing, and sperm selection may be used to ensure the best possible sperm sample is collected.
Step 4 : Injecting Sperm
The ICSI procedure revolves around this step. Each recovered egg is fertilized by injecting a single, carefully chosen sperm into it using sophisticated micromanipulation equipment and high-powered microscopes. If the sperm quality is low, fertilization can still take place thanks to this exact and complex process.
Step 5 : Analyzing the Egg
: (h3) The following day, the eggs are inspected under a microscope to see if fertilization took place.
Step 6 : Fertilisation
Once the egg has been fertilized, it is transferred to an incubator. After 24 hours, such an egg exhibits the first symptoms of fertilization. The egg keeps on dividing until it finally forms an embryo.
Step 7 : Transferring Embryos
At 3 days old, when there are 8 cells in the embryo, it can be implanted in the uterus. The transfer, known as a Blastocyst transfer, can be performed as early as day 5. A thin catheter is used to insert an embryo or embryos into the uterus of a female partner. Your doctor will implant a catheter (a long, thin tube) into your vagina, monitor the embryo's progress in real-time, and then inject it into your uterus.
Step 8 : Vitrification
High-quality embryos that aren't used for transplantation are frozen and kept for later use. If the first cycle is unsuccessful or if the intended parents want to have more than one child, the embryos can be frozen and used in a later cycle.
Step 9 : Testing for Pregnancy
A successful pregnancy involves an embryo attaching to the uterine wall and continuing to develop into a baby. A pregnancy test is administered approximately two weeks following embryo transfer to ascertain the success of the process.
What is ICSI Treatment’s Success Rate?
The process of ICSI, itself, is highly effective at facilitating fertilization between sperm and egg. Similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF), however, there are numerous other factors that can alter the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. IVF and ICSI success rates are comparably high.
Risks Associated with ICSI Treatment/Health Concerns
The health of a baby is most strongly influenced by the mother’s age, her family history, and the presence of problems during pregnancy. However, a male child conceived by an ICSI procedure runs the risk of inheriting the same fertility issues as his father. Additional ICSI-related health risks are discussed below.
- The primary risk is the transmission of chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic defects from the sperm to the embryo.
- The injection technique carries a small chance of harming the eggs or embryos.
- Some research has linked ICSI procedures to a higher risk of pregnancy issues than traditional IVF, including premature birth and low birth weight.
- The development of an embryo stops in the lab or after cell transfer.
- Multiple pregnancies are more likely to occur with ICSI.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially serious medical condition characterized by the enlargement and discomfort of the ovaries.
- In rare cases, haemorrhage or infection may occur at the egg retrieval site.
- There is a chance that none of the sperm-injected eggs will fertilize, or that the ensuing embryos will not develop normally.
How Much Does an ICSI Treatment Cost?
The ICSI treatment cost in Kolkata, India may change based on a number of factors, including the quality of the fertility clinic you choose, the quality of the doctors and nurses you work with, and the number and type of diagnostic tests you need. It’s also possible that the price mentioned might not include necessary medications, diagnostic exams, doctor visits, or other issues that may arise.
An in-depth analysis of ICSI treatment costs and an understanding of what is and is not included in the treatment package can be obtained through discussion with your selected fertility clinic in Kolkata. The financial counsellors at the clinic can give you up-to-date information that’s specific to your situation and help you figure out how to pay for the treatments you receive.
