ICSI is the shortened form of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It is a type of assisted reproductive treatment in which experts inject a sperm cell into egg cytoplasm. Experts use ICSI treatment as a part of IVF treatment when a female has male-factor infertility. In this infertility treating method, there is an injection of a single sperm directly into a healthy and mature egg. This treatment continues in parallel with the in vitro fertilisation process. Here have a look at every aspect that you should know about ICSI.
When should you consider ICSI?
ICSI has become an essential treatment for male-factor infertility. You need it when you or your partner:
- Have low sperm count
- Had poor fertilisation through IVF
- Have unexplained fertility
- Want to maximise fertilisation
- Have poor sperm shape and motility
- Are not willing to go with donor sperm
- Have genetic disorders that can get transmitted to your child
- Face erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems
- Want to use your frozen eggs to get pregnant
Should you opt for ICSI if you have no male-factor infertility?
At present, there is no evidence to compare the success of getting pregnant through ICSI without having male-factor infertility. In simple language, you should not opt for it. However, you can try it to maximise your fertilisation and conceive instantly.
When should you not opt for ICSI or is ICSI not helpful for you?
You should not opt for ICSI treatment if you (females) have poor quality eggs or your egg has fertilisation issues.
ICSI treatment process
The process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment runs along with the IVF process. ICSI treatment process has the following steps:
- Ovary stimulation to make a female produce more healthy eggs. Doctor use hormonal injections to accelerate the process
- Egg retrieval through a minimal procedure
- Sperm extraction through masterbation at home or in a private room at the clinic
- Injection of the collected sperm directly into the mature fresh or frozen egg for fertilisation
- Transfer of the fertilised egg into a female’s uterus through the vagina with the use of the catheter
Advantages of having ICSI treatment
The treatment of intracytoplasmic sperm injection is highly beneficial for infertile or childless couples. Here are some significant benefits of ICSI treatment:
- You have your own genetic baby
- It leaves no or low physical or mental impacts on the child
- It treats male-factor infertility
Can your baby have birth defects if you conceive through ICSI?
As per the available evidence of several studies, approximately 1-3% of children have birth defects through conventional conception. As ICSI is a kind of assisted reproductive treatment, ICSI might have a higher chance of birth defects in children than the one through natural conception.
Is ICSI treatment successful?
The treatment of intracytoplasmic sperm injection itself is highly successful. It facilitates a sperm cell to fertilise a female’s egg. When having a look at it as a part of the IVF process, the success depends on egg quality, the patient’s age, fertility problems with a female, etc. In brief, ICSI treatment success is similar to the one with IVF.
Associated risks
ICSI treatment offers numerous benefits for childless or infertile couples. However, it has some side effects. The probable side effects of ICSI are as follows:
- The patient can have ovarian hyperstimulation
- A higher risk of egg damage
- The baby boy might have low sperm count
ICSI treatment cost
The cost of ICSI treatment includes everything from ovary stimulation to sperm injection into the egg. It includes medicines and injections administered for stimulating a female’s ovaries, egg retrieval, and the procedure to inject the egg with a sperm cell. The total cost can be anything between 2 and 3 lakh rupees or 2-3 thousands USD depending on the city and clinic.
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