Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – Advanced Fertility Treatment

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced technique used as part of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to assist with male infertility. It is particularly beneficial for men with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or difficulty in ejaculation.

Unlike conventional IVF, where sperm and eggs are mixed in a dish for natural fertilization, ICSI involves the direct injection of a single, high-quality sperm cell into an egg using a microneedle. This significantly increases the chances of successful fertilization.

Who Can Benefit from ICSI?

ICSI is recommended for couples experiencing:
✔ Low sperm count or poor sperm motility
✔ Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)
✔ Azoospermia (lack of sperm in ejaculate)
✔ Previous vasectomy or testicular surgery
✔ Difficulty in ejaculation (due to medical conditions such as diabetes or spinal cord injuries)
✔ Unsuccessful fertilization in past IVF cycles
✔ Fertilization of frozen eggs
✔ Need for surgical sperm retrieval (TESA, PESA, or Micro-TESE in cases of azoospermia)
✔ Concerns about passing on genetic conditions (ICSI can be combined with Preimplantation Genetic Testing - PGT)

ICSI Procedure: Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Sperm Collection

• Sperm is collected through natural ejaculation or, in some cases, through surgical sperm retrieval (TESA, PESA, or Micro-TESE).
• The highest quality sperm are selected under a microscope for use in the procedure.

2️⃣ Egg Retrieval

• The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation with hormone injections.
• Once follicles reach the optimal size, eggs are collected under sedation.

3️⃣ Microscopic Sperm Injection (ICSI Process)

• A single, healthy sperm is carefully injected into the egg using a fine needle under high magnification.

4️⃣ Embryo Development

• Successfully fertilized eggs develop into embryos over 3-5 days in the lab.

5️⃣ Embryo Transfer

• The best-quality embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus for implantation.

6️⃣ Pregnancy Test

• A blood test 10-12 days later determines if the procedure was successful.

ICSI Success Rates & Considerations

• ICSI fertilizes 50-80% of eggs, but embryo implantation success rates are the same as conventional IVF.
• It is not always necessary for every IVF cycle and is recommended primarily for severe male factor infertility.
• Men with genetic sperm defects (e.g., Y chromosome microdeletions) should undergo genetic testing before ICSI, as these conditions can be inherited.

ICSI & Genetic Testing

For couples concerned about inherited conditions, ICSI can be combined with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic diseases before implantation.

Conclusion

ICSI is a groundbreaking advancement in fertility treatment, offering hope to couples with male infertility issues. At Θήλυ Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art ICSI procedures, personalized fertility assessments, and cutting-edge laboratory techniques to maximize your chances of success.