A couple may try several ways to achieve pregnancy, but may fail repeatedly. Every failed attempt brings sadness into their lives. From impacting their emotional health to making daily chores difficult, it can drain their lives completely. Fortunately, medical advancements can help couples successfully become parents of a healthy baby. In this post, you will learn about ICSI treatment, a ray of hope for couples struggling with fertility issues. Let’s find out how it can help couples become future parents despite having medical conditions.

What is ICSI?

ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is a lab technique in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. This procedure helps when sperm cannot enter the egg naturally.

Helps couples with male fertility problems
Increases fertilization with poor-quality sperm
Useful after failed IVF attempts
Works with low sperm count
Needs fewer sperm for fertilization
Allows the use of sperm when ejaculation is not possible

Are ICSI and IVF Different?

ICSI is part of the IVF process, but it is not the same. The main difference is how fertilisation takes place.

Aspect	IVF	ICSI
Fertilisation Method	Sperm and egg are mixed in a dish	A single sperm is injected into an egg
Cost	Lower	Slightly higher
Suitable For	General fertility issues	Specific sperm problems

Success Rate Factors of ICSI Treatment

ICSI treatment improves fertilization, especially in male infertility. It can help after IVF failure. The success of ICSI depends on several factors, such as providing reassurance to couples.

What's the ICSI Procedure?

Here are the detailed steps of the ICSI procedure –

Ovarian Stimulation

Hormone injections help the ovaries create more eggs. Blood tests and scans are used to check egg growth.

Egg Retrieval

Doctors collect the mature eggs through a short procedure. It takes only a few minutes and uses a thin needle.

Sperm Collection and Preparation

Sperm is taken from a sample or a testicle. The best sperm is taken before use.

The Injection Step

A single healthy sperm is injected into the egg. This step is done with a microscope.

Embryo Development

Fertilized eggs grow for a few days in a safe lab setting. Healthy embryos are selected for transfer.

Embryo Transfer

Doctors place the embryo into the uterus using a soft tube. The process is quick and painless.

Who Are Eligible for ICSI Treatment?

Here are the candidates eligible for ICSI treatment –

Ejaculation inability
Low sperm count
Poor sperm movement or abnormal shapes
Retrograde ejaculation
Previous failed fertilization with IVF
Sperm obtained through surgical procedures
Genetic conditions affecting sperm production
Couples using frozen sperm with a limited quantity
Unexplained fertility issues after multiple IVF attempts

What Happens After ICSI Treatment?

After the ICSI procedure, couples wait for results. It takes two weeks to know if the embryo is implanted. Some women may feel mild cramps or spotting. Doctors may give medicine to help the uterus. No full bed rest is needed. A blood test checks for pregnancy. If successful, the next steps are planned. If not, the doctor may suggest another round.

Risks and Limitations of ICSI

ICSI treatment can increase the chances of fertilization, but it is not always successful. Some eggs may not survive, and a few embryos may stop growing. There is a small risk of defects, but they are rare. Skilled lab care is needed. It also costs more than regular IVF. Doctors advise it only when truly needed. It’s important to be aware of these potential outcomes when considering ICSI.

Wrapping up

ICSI treatment helps couples with male infertility or previous failed treatments. It improves fertilization where normal methods may not work. Though the ICSI success rates depend on age, sperm, and egg quality, it offers a real chance. Couples must discuss their situation with a fertility expert. Knowing all options helps make better choices for having a child.