What is ICSI?
ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, in which one sperm is directly injected into the egg in order to stimulate the process of fertilisation. In ICSI, fertilisation occurs internally as opposed to conventional IVF, wherein the eggs and sperm are mixed outside in a petri dish. Therefore, this procedure provides accurate fertilisation and is the best available option for males facing infertility challenges.
The ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Process
The ICSI IVF procedure involves a number of steps monitored carefully to increase the success rates of the process. Here’s an overview of the procedure:
1. Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected from the female partner using a minimally invasive technique. This is similar to traditional IVF.
2. Sperm Selection
A single, healthy sperm is carefully chosen under a high-powered microscope to ensure optimal chances of fertilisation.
3. Sperm Injection
The selected sperm is injected right into the egg by using a fine-gauge needle; no obstacle stands in the way of natural impregnation.
4. Embryo Culture
The fertilised egg completes its physiological development as an embryo by using facilities in a laboratory before being placed in the uterus.
The success rate in ICSI depends on many factors, which are the quality of sperm, the health of the egg, and the medical expert. As for men, ICSI is considered to be the best infertility treatment in India, which ranges between 70%-85% success rates.
ICSI vs IVF: What Sets Them Apart?
Both IVF and ICSI are techniques used for achieving the same purpose but they have quite different procedures. In IVF, sperm is placed with an egg, and fertilisation happens naturally or through an assisted method. However, in ICSI, fertilisation occurs artificially through the insertion of the sperm directly inside the egg.
This makes ICSI the preferred option for couples with:
- Low sperm count or motility
- Poor sperm morphology (shape and structure)
- Prior IVF failures due to fertilisation issues
Directly tackling these issues allows ICSI to improve fertilisation rates in nearly every case and give hope to couples with previously limited options.
ICSI Treatment for Male Infertility: Who Needs It?
Let’s help you understand how ICSI improves fertilization rates and who needs it. ICSI for low sperm count and other sperm-related issues has revolutionised the treatment of infertility in India. This process benefits most patients with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or teratozoospermia. This method proved successful, especially in a situation where any conclusive artificial reproductive technology system was bound to fail, as in unexplained infertility or where genetics posed a problem. The treatment also proved remarkably successful in conditions where the sperms are surgically taken out from the testicles (for instance, in azoospermia).
ICSI Success Factors: What Influences Outcomes?
Although the success rates of ICSI are quite promising, several factors influence the outcome:
- Quality of Sperm: Even though ICSI avoids many issues concerning sperm, the quality of the selected sperm is important.
- Health of Egg: Healthy eggs boost the possibility of fertilization and embryo formation.
- Laboratory Expertise: A skilled embryologist can significantly impact the success of the ICSI IVF procedure.
- Patient Age: Women under 35 generally have higher success rates compared to older age groups.
Risks and Benefits of ICSI
With any medical intervention, ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection poses its risks and benefits:
Benefits:
- Increased rates of fertilisation in cases of male infertility.
- Helps couples with genetic conditions or prior IVF failures.
- Offers a chance to conceive using one’s genetic material.
Risks:
- A slightly higher risk of genetic abnormalities due to direct sperm injection.
- Potential stress and cost implications.
Despite these risks, the benefits often outweigh concerns for couples eager to build a family.
ICSI Cost and Affordability in India
The ICSI process is costlier than the traditional IVF as it uses more advanced techniques. The cost of ICSI in India ranges between ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs per cycle, depending upon the clinic and location. Many clinics offer packages to make the treatment more affordable.
Conclusion
ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection has brought a sea change into infertility treatments. Whether you have been searching about ICSI IVF procedure for treatment or looking into ICSI vs IVF, now you have the answers. Visit ART Fertility Clinics now to start your journey to parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does ICSI enhance the fertilization rates?
Increased likelihood of fertilisation is afforded by direct delivery to the egg by a sperm, as it eliminates many problems like failure to fertilise or motility in sperm.
- Can unmarried couples undergo ICSI in cases of unexplained infertility?
Yes, the men could also avail of the facility of ICSI treatment of male infertility for unexplained infertility.
- What is the success rate of ICSI in India?
Success rates of ICSI in India are expected to be around 70%-85%, depending on a patient’s age and health condition.
In test tube fertilisation, sperm are allowed to reach out to each other within the laboratory environment; ICSI is when sperm is put directly into the egg.
- What are the factors that define the cost of ICSI?
Factors affecting the affordability and cost of ICSI can be due to the reputation of the clinic, location, and other techniques like embryo freezing.
