Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, is used to treat couples who have fertilization issues if the male partner has very low sperm count, low sperm motility or poor-quality sperm. ICSI is used to enhance the fertilization phase of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), giving couples a better chance of achieving conception. ICSI may also be used to treat a condition called azoospermia, which is the complete absence of sperm in the man's ejaculate. In such a scenario, Epididymal Sperm Aspiration and Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) may be used to obtain sperm from the male's reproductive tract. These sperm are then used in conjunction with IVF and ICSI.
The ICSI Process
The first step in ICSI involves selecting a normal-appearing sperm for injection into a mature egg. The woman is given fertility drugs to stimulate her ovaries to develop several mature eggs for fertilization. Once the eggs are ready, the sperm is inserted into the egg using a micropipet. The eggs and the sperm are fertilized in the laboratory. If fertilization occurs after ICSI, the embryo may then be transferred into the uterus on either Day 2, 3 or 5 of embryo development. The number of embryos to be transferred will vary depending on age, quality and prior experience with IVF. Extra embryos, if there are any, may be frozen in case this cycle isn't successful or can be used for a future pregnancy. Around two weeks later, the woman can take a pregnancy test.
The Genetic Issue in ICSI
Doctors advise men who have little or no sperm in their semen to conduct genetic testing before the ICSI procedure. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection carries with it a small probability of bringing about genetic risks. Although the likelihood of congenital malformations in children conceived with ICSI is marginally low, it is nevertheless important to share this information with couples opting for ICSI. Some genetic disorders can be identified with specialized testing before an embryo is transferred. Therefore, couples are advised to consider genetic counseling to learn their potential for having a child with birth defects.
With increasing number of clinics opting for ICSI, the clinical pregnancy rates for ICSI is much higher than those achieved using conventional IVF methods. This technique has opened the doors of parenthood to many couples who were confronted with male infertility issues. ICSI has revolutionized treatment for severe male factor infertility since the procedure requires only one healthy sperm to potentially achieve fertilization.
East Bay Fertility Center (www.ebfertility.com), California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.
Call us at 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation or visit our website at www.ebfertility.com for more details about infertility treatments and more.
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