Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) that is used for the treatment of severe cases of male-factor infertility.ICSI involves the injection of a single sperm directly into a mature egg.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used as part of an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to help you and your spouse to conceive a child.
ICSI is the most successful form of treatment for men who are infertile and is used in nearly half of all IVF treatments.
ICSI only requires one sperm, which is injected directly into the egg.The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to your uterus (womb).
How ICSI help you?
During ICSI the sperm doesn't have to travel to the egg or penetrate the outer layers of the egg.This means that it can help couples where the man's sperm:
can't get to the egg at all
can get to the egg, but for some reason can't fertilise it
ICSI is likely to be recommended if your spouse has:
1.A very low or zero sperm count.
2.A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm.This can result in poor motility, which means the sperm can't swim well.
3.Sperm that can't be ejaculated but can be collected from the testicles or from the duct where sperm is stored (epididymis).This may be needed if your spouse has had an irreversible vasectomy or injury.
4.Problems with getting an erection and ejaculating, due to spinal cord injuries or diabetes, for example.
5.If you have tried IVF you may move on to ICSI if not enough eggs could be retrieved, or if eggs retrieved for IVF were not successfully fertilised.
ICSI is the answer for all male fertility problems
ICSI isn't the solution to every male fertility problem.If your spouse has a low sperm count as a result of a genetic problem, this could be passed on to any sons you have together.Your doctor will usually recommend that your spouse has a blood test before you start the ICSI cycle.
You and your spouse may find should be offered counselling before and after taking the test, to help you through both the decision and the process.Your doctor could to refer you to a counsellor.
