ICSI Treatment

What is ICSI treatment?

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a step in the IVF treatment cycle performed to ensure fertilization of the egg and the sperm in certain cases. In this process a single sperm is chosen, immobilized and then injected carefully into an egg under a high powered microscope using a device called a manipulator. Couples with factors that are likely to interfere with sperm’s natural fusion with the egg inside the body and even outside the body (IVF) are the best candidates for ICSI. These would include poor sperm quantity, reduced motility, sperms retrieved from testis and fertilization failure in previous IVF cycle. ICSI ensures careful single sperm selection, identification of mature egg and better fertilization outcome and hence pregnancy chances.

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Why is ICSI Treatment Done?

ICSI is the appropriate choice when there is an anticipated low or failed fusion of eggs and sperm in a conventional IVF cycle. This can be due to factors such as poor egg or sperm quality, or past unsuccessful experiences with IVF cycles. A semen sample with low sperm count and motility initially, or after preparation for IVF, should certainly be considered for an ICSI cycle. Frozen semen sample sperms and sperms retrieved from testis require ICSI.

What is the ICSI Procedure?

ICSI treatment process begins like IVF with administration of hormonal injections to the female partner to develop numerous eggs in the ovaries. This is followed by egg retrieval. On the same day semen sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. A skilled embryologist then selects the healthiest sperm and injects it into the egg using a specialized micromanipulation technique under a high powered microscope in IVF lab. Once fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos are cultured and then transferred into the woman’s uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy. ICSI has significantly improved the chances of successful conception and parenthood for couples facing male infertility challenges.

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Do’s & Don’ts of ICSI Treatment

Do’s:

Choose the best IVF doctor and center
Understand the procedure
Follow Doctor’s Advice diligently
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Stay Positive

Don’ts:

Don’t Delay Consultation.
Don’t miss your appointments.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Don’t Self-Medicate
Avoid Comparisons

What is the ICSI Treatment Cost?

ICSI treatment cost is included in the basic IVF cycle package cost (₹ 1,40,000) at Excel IVF, Delhi and the choice between IVF and ICSi is made based on the gamete (egg or sperm quality, quantity and source) and past history of IVF procedure and outcomes.

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ICSI success rate

ICSI success rates vary depending upon age of woman, quality of eggs and sperms, cause of infertility, expertise of the embryologist and lab conditions.

Age: Younger women have better outcomes as compared to ICSI/IVF for women over 40
Underlying Causes of Infertility: If there are severe issues with the egg and sperm quality and quantity, the success rates might be lower.
Clinic Expertise: The experience and skill of the embryologist performing the ICSI procedure directly impacts the outcome.
Health and Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption negatively affect success rates of ICSI.
Quality of Embryos: Higher-quality embryos are more likely to result in successful pregnancies.
Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities might affect embryo development and implantation.

Risks & complications of ICSI treatment

Just like IVF treatment, there is a possible risk of-

Multiple Pregnancies: Risk can be reduced by using embryo selection techniques and choosing single embryo for transfer
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: With modifications in stimulation protocols, this can be prevented
Ectopic Pregnancies: Use of ultrasound guidance and reducing the medium amount, improving transfer techniques, chances of ectopic pregnancy has reduced.

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