Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

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WHAT IS AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION PROCEDURE?

An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) routine is usually paired with a conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure and is particularly helpful for men who possess a low sperm count or poor sperm motility. It is also suited for men who experience difficulty ejaculating or have undergone a vasectomy in the past. ICSI aims at directly injecting the sperm into the egg to achieve fertilisation. Then, once the resultant embryo is healthy enough to call the uterus its home, it is carefully placed onto the uterine lining. Sometimes, ICSI is enhanced through an additional medical protocol called physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI). PICSI is used to select the best possible sperm for fertilisation during IVF. By picking a superior quality sperm, the odds of fertilisation during IVF increase. PICSI pivots on the concept of Hyaluronan binding. Hyaluronan is a unique material found around an egg; PICSI endeavours to identify sperm that bind well with the hyaluronan around an egg cell.

WHY CHOOSE AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION PROCEDURE?

An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is ideal for augmenting the fertility of a male partner. It is recommended in multiple scenarios.

LOW SPERM COUNT

By injecting sperm into an egg, ICSI increases the chances of fertilisation for men whose semen is sparsely populated with sperm.

ABNORMALLY SHAPED SPERM

Healthy sperm are buttressed by a circular head on one end, and a long, pointed tail on the other. For misshapen sperm, motility could prove to be a problem. Also, even if an abnormally shaped sperm does reach an egg, penetrating through the outer wall of the egg may prove difficult.


OBSTRUCTION IN THE VASA DEFERENTIA

The vasa deferentia are the fine pipes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. Sometimes, these tubes may be closed, either naturally, or as a result of a vasectomy. In this case, sperm have no way of exiting the testicles. By drawing sperm directly from the testicles and injecting a single sperm cell into an egg, ICSI could optimise the chances of fertilisation, and in turn, of conception.

IS AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION PROCEDURE RIGHT FOR ME?

An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique can be an ideal addition to a traditional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure. The success of an ICSI routine rests on a variety of factors, including the age of the partners and the fertility problem identified. On Cloudnine, we conduct an exhaustive fertility examination before recommending a fertility treatment to a guest. Our medical specialists first consider your medical history and only then, craft a treatment plan to offer optimal results.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION PROCEDURE?

An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure is composed of five main steps.

1. SPERM COLLECTION

First, a semen sample is collected from the male partner. This semen may be organically drawn or obtained via a surgical testicular procedure.

2. EGG COLLECTION

Once a sperm sample has been collected from the male partner, a selection of mature eggs are surgically retrieved from the female partner.

3. SPERM INJECTION

In this stage, an embryologist carefully injects a single sperm cell into a healthy egg using a hollow needle.

4. OBSERVATION

Once an egg and sperm unite, they form a minute embryo, which is cultured in a laboratory for approximately four days. On Cloudnine, our advanced monitoring systems cocoon embryos so that they are continually underpinned by optimal conditions.

5. IMPLANTATION

Once an embryo is about four days old, it is gently placed inside the uterus. A few days later, it burrows itself into the uterine lining, a process known as implantation.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION PROCEDURE?

If not done correctly, an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) routine can present a handful of risks. On Cloudnine, we take careful measures to ensure that the risks posed by the procedure are mitigated as far as possible.

DAMAGED EGGS

The egg extraction process could compromise the quality of your eggs. The fertility specialists on Cloudnine take special care to see that the eggs are handled carefully during the retrieval process.

INADEQUATE DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYO

Despite a successful round of fertilisation, sometimes, an embryo may fail to grow beyond a four-cell entity. On Cloudnine, our embryologists culture multiple embryos to spread this risk. We consistently strive to keep the odds in your favour.

INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was developed to treat severe male infertility. (The procedures for ICSI are the same as for standard IVF, except for the method of insemination). After the embryologist fertilizes the egg with the sperm, he or she will observe the egg over the next day or so. If fertilization occurs and the embryo matures properly, a fertility doctor can transfer it into the uterus. ICSI is especially useful in cases where the sperm cannot penetrate the egg or if the sperm is abnormally shaped.

MALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT

At Cloudnine, we are experts on the subject of male fertility treatment. Our most cutting-edge techniques like Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI, Intrauterine Insemination IUI sperm donation, and more have proven to be successful in combating infertility in men. Our Fertility hospital is a great place to start your fertility treatments if male infertility is an issue and you have been struggling to start a family. We'll study your case and come up with the best possible fertility solution for you.