How does ICSI work?
The ICSI procedure is performed by using a technique called micromanipulation. In this process, a special microscope and small surgical tools are used to pick up one single sperm and inject it directly into an egg.
ICSI can help achieve IVF pregnancy success even when your partner suffers from male infertility. If your partner has encountered any of the following problems, consult your doctor about undergoing ICSI to achieve pregnancy:
- Absence of sperm in the semen possibly due to a blockage.
- Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and/or abnormal sperm shape and movement
- Sperm was unable to penetrate through the outer layer of the egg or produce anti-sperm antibodies.
How is ICSI performed?
The five simple steps involved in ICSI are as follows:
- A mature egg is held with a specialized pipette.
- A very delicate, hollow but sharp needle is used for immobilizing and picking up a single sperm.
- Then, the needle is inserted carefully through the shell into the center of the egg.
- Once the sperm is injected into the egg, the needle is removed.
- The eggs are checked the next morning to see if normal fertilization has taken place.
What are the fertilization and pregnancy success rates with ICSI?
Fertilization rates for ICSI: Most IVF procedures witness that about 70-85% of eggs injected during ICSI become fertilized. We call this the fertilization rate, which is different from the pregnancy success rate.
In some studies, pregnancy success rates for procedures that combine IVF and ICSI have been shown to be higher than those without ICSI. This is because in many cases that require ICSI, the female is relatively young and fertile (has both good egg quantity and quality) as compared to some women undergoing IVF for other reasons.
In other words, the average egg quality and quantity tend to be relatively better in ICSI. This is because it is less probable that there is a problem with the eggs compared to those with unexplained infertility. Some of the unexplained cases are seen to have a reduced egg quality and/or quantity which lowers the chances for a successful IVF outcome.
IVF with ICSI success rates vary from one case to the other on the basis of the particular ICSI technique used, the quality of the eggs, the overall quality of the laboratory, the skill of the professional who is performing the procedure, and the embryo transfer skills of the infertility specialist physician.
Sometimes IVF with ICSI is done for ‘egg factor’ cases like a low ovarian reserve. This is when there is either a low quantity or low quality of eggs (or both). In such cases, ICSI and pregnancy success rates are usually low.
- This is because the primary determinant of IVF success is the embryo quality.
- The quality of eggs is a crucial factor that determines the quality and viability of embryos.
In some cases, assisted embryo hatching is done prior to transfer to maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Are there any side effects in ICSI procedures?
To know more about side effects, contact the doctor.
Male infertility treatment in Kolkata has undergone much advancement with the latest techniques and methods of treatment through the tireless work of infertility specialists. With her vast experience in treating male infertility, Dr. Aindri Sanyal has become a renowned ICSI doctor in Kolkata.
