ICSI

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is one of the treatment procedures of infertility treatment. When the male partner has sperms with decreased motility (asthenospermia), low sperm concentrations in semen (oligospermia), excessive presence of sperm with aberrant shapes (teratozoospermia/teratospermia), or other sperm penetration-related difficulties, ICSI is recommended. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is the most popular and effective reproductive treatment for couples struggling with infertility. Anti-sperm antibodies in the semen can also be effectively treated with it.

The sole method used in IVF-ICSI therapy entails using a needle to inject a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg (oocyte) while being seen under a microscope. The method was created to overcome infertility and to offer hope to spouses who had repeatedly experienced failure during the previous IVF round. The sole goal of ICSI fertilization is to remove obstacles to conception and provide the couple access to a fertilized embryo.

What are the steps of ICSI?

The ICSI method is not your typical operation. The ICSI procedure must be carried out correctly and under the supervision of a fertility specialist for successful conception. The ICSI process is outlined in the sections below:

1. Ovarian Stimulation
   • The ovaries are stimulated using medicines to promote the development of egg-bearing follicles.
   • To determine the number and size of follicles in the ovaries, ultrasonography or blood tests are used.
   • A Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) is released to break the egg free from the follicular wall.
2.  Egg Retrieval
   • Within 35–38 hours, egg retrieval is carried out under ultrasound supervision.
     
     
3.  Sperm Selection
   • Sperm that is motile is chosen for insemination. For the ICSI method, sperms with Hyaluronan (HA) that are likely to keep the DNA intact are selected.
     
     
4.  Egg Assessment
   • The cumulus cell covering the eggs is carefully removed to examine the egg maturity.
     
     
5. Insemination
   • A single sperm is immediately inserted into a mature egg during this ICSI procedure.
     
     
6.  Fertilization
   • Following insemination, the mixture is then placed in the incubator for an additional 16–18 hours of the inspection.
     
     
7. Culture
   • Fertilization is then kept in a lab for 2 to 5 days for growth.
     
     
8. Embryo Transfer
   • To be delivered to the uterus via the cervix, the chosen embryo is placed inside a transfer catheter. The patients will need to limit their regular activities for about 24 hours once the transfer is complete. However, the pregnancy blood test should only be done 14 days after the transfer.
     
     
9. Vitrification
   • In case the first cycle is unsuccessful, the high-quality embryos are kept for a later stage.

Split ICSI Method of Pregnancy

The eggs can be fertilized using either IVF-ICSI or ICSI-IUI. Only when a single reproductive therapy fails to provide a successful outcome are these techniques suggested to patients.

IVF-ICSI treatment: In order to create high-quality eggs and to stimulate the ovaries, which are then removed in a lab, fertility medicines are used. For fertilization, the sperm and eggs are maintained together. For an ICSI pregnancy, the high-quality sperm are later implanted in the uterus.

IUI-ICSI treatment: It entails placing the partner's sperm in the uterus during the ovulation period in order to fertilize for pregnancy.

Men may generate sperm, however, they may not produce sperm of good quality, which may be further collected and used in testicular sperm extraction ICSI for better outcomes. ICSI must be utilized to process sperm obtained by TESE; it is also applied when retrograde ejaculation occurs.

When is ICSI recommended to a Patient?

ICSI therapy is advised for a couple dealing with issues related to male infertility, such as:

• The male spouse is unable to produce high-quality and more sperm than necessary for IUI or IVF (also known as oligospermia).
• sperm with an odd form (also known as teratozoospermia).
• poor sperm movement (also known as asthenozoospermia).
• a challenge in sperm and egg attachment.
• Sperm fertilization is prevented by a blockage in the sperm reproductive tube.
• IVF and IUI cycle failure.
• a couple with undiagnosed infertility
• using in vitro developed eggs or already frozen eggs.

What are the Advantages of Using ICSI?

ICSI is a choice that is unquestionable taking into account cases of poor overall failure, ejaculation troubles, and other problems with male infertility. ICSI therapy may undoubtedly help those who are struggling with these issues. It gives the male partner the chance to father the kid with his own sperm. Before deciding to use donor sperm, couples have the option of ICSI. ICSI can be carried out on a male who has had a vasectomy. In that situation, it is possible to inject the egg with viable sperm that has been directly removed from the testicles using specialized sperm extraction procedures.

ICSI has proved to be one of the most promising fertility treatment method. If you are looking for any sort of treatment related to fertility, you can trust Nepal IVF to deliver a service tailored just for you. Nepal IVF provides all different kinds of fertility treatment under one roof in Kathmandu Nepal. Visit or contact Nepal IVF today to get quality service at affordable pricing.