The dream of parenthood may not feel as easy as it sounds for some couples. So, for those who suffer and struggle through this complex journey, ICSI treatment comes as a saviour solution. Among many issues faced by couples, male infertility is a serious concern. In this post, you will thus learn how the ICSI treatment procedure helps with male infertility and when a couple should consider it. So, let’s find out more in the following –

ICSI offers a direct way to overcome sperm-related issues. Fertility experts commonly recommend it after careful examination. This male infertility procedure has brought positive results for thousands of couples facing male infertility, with success rates varying depending on the specific condition. This makes it an important option to consider during treatment planning.

When Should Men Consider ICSI Treatment for Infertility?

Men should consider ICSI when there is a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or a history of failed fertilisation during IVF. Fertility doctors often advise ICSI when basic treatment options do not lead to success. Here are the major sperm-related issues where this method is helpful:

Low Sperm Count

This happens when the semen has fewer sperm than normal. It lowers the chance of a sperm reaching and fertilising the egg naturally. In such cases, ICSI helps by selecting a single sperm and injecting it directly into the egg.

Poor Sperm Motility

Sperm movement is very important for fertilisation. If the sperm are alive but cannot swim properly, they fail to reach the egg. ICSI helps bypass this issue by allowing the sperm to be placed directly inside the egg.

Abnormal Sperm Shape

Sometimes sperm do not have the correct shape, making it difficult for them to enter the egg. These defects can be present in the head, mid-piece, or tail of the sperm. With ICSI, a healthy-looking sperm is chosen and injected, increasing the chance of fertilisation.

Obstructive Azoospermia

Some men have no sperm in the semen due to a blockage in the tubes. In such cases, sperm is collected directly from the testicles or epididymis through a minor surgery. Once retrieved, ICSI is used to inject the sperm into the egg.

Non-obstructive Azoospermia

This condition means the testicles are not producing enough sperm. Sometimes a few live sperm are found through special techniques, and ICSI is used for fertilisation.

Failed Fertilisation in IVF

Sometimes, even when sperm and eggs are healthy, fertilisation fails during IVF. If this happens more than once, ICSI is considered to improve success rates.

How the ICSI Treatment Works

ICSI is a lab-based method used as part of IVF treatment. It involves several steps and requires both partners to be involved. The female partner’s role includes undergoing ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, as well as embryo transfer and pregnancy testing. Here is how it usually goes:

Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval

The female partner is given hormone injections for several days to produce multiple mature eggs. Once ready, the eggs are collected using a thin needle through a small procedure guided by ultrasound.

Sperm Collection

On the same day or earlier, the male partner provides a sperm sample. If sperm is not found in the semen, doctors may perform a small surgery to retrieve it directly from the reproductive organs.

Sperm Selection

A trained embryologist looks at the sperm sample under a microscope and selects the most suitable sperm based on movement and shape. Only one sperm is chosen per egg.

Sperm Injection

The selected sperm is injected directly into the centre of the egg using a fine needle. This is done under a microscope using a special instrument.

Fertilisation Monitoring

After the injection, the eggs are kept in a controlled environment for 1–2 days. They are checked to confirm whether fertilization has occurred and embryos are developing.

Embryo Transfer

After 3 to 5 days, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus. Doctors usually transfer only one embryo to reduce the chance of twins or triplets.

Pregnancy Test

About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test confirms if the treatment has led to pregnancy.

What Should Couples Expect?

Before going for ICSI, couples usually meet a male infertility doctor who will examine their test results and health conditions. Some tests include semen analysis, hormone levels, and genetic screenings. If sperm is found in very low numbers or is not moving well, ICSI might be the next recommended step. It’s important to note that, like any medical procedure, ICSI carries some risks, such as potential damage to the egg or embryo, and these should be discussed with your doctor.

Doctors may also suggest counselling when there is a chance of passing a fertility problem to the baby.