Understanding ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in IVF

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What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?

In these cases, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help fertilize the egg. During ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm the egg. How does ICSI work? There are two ways that an egg may be fertilized by IVF: traditional and ICSI.

What is the difference between ICSI & IVF?

Pronounced ick-see IVF, ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During regular IVF, many sperm are placed together with an egg, in hopes that one of the sperm will enter and fertilize the egg on its own. With ICSI-IVF, the embryologist takes a single sperm and injects it directly into an egg.

What is ICSI & how does it work?

ICSI is a type of IVF treatment that involves drawing up a single sperm into a very fine glass needle and injecting it directly into the centre of the egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) can then be transferred into the womb of the woman as in a normal IVF cycle. The live birth rates for ICSI and conventional IVF are similar.

What is the difference between a sperm injection and ICSI?

The only difference is that instead of mixing the sperm with the eggs and leaving them to fertilise, a skilled embryologist (embryo specialist) will inject a single sperm into the egg. This maximises the chance of fertilisation taking place as it bypasses any potential problems the sperm will have in getting inside the egg. How safe is ICSI?

What happens if a sperm is injected with ICSI?

ICSI fertilizes 50% to 80% of eggs. But the following problems may occur during or after the ICSI process: Some or all of the eggs may be damaged. The egg might not grow into an embryo even after it is injected with sperm. The embryo may stop growing.

Does intracytoplasmic sperm injection help with infertility?

For people experiencing infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may lead to a successful pregnancy. This type of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is most helpful when there are male infertility issues. Your healthcare provider injects sperm into an egg to aid conception. Pregnancy may happen after an embryo transfer.

How does ICSI help with male infertility?

ICSI has revolutionised the treatment of male infertility, offering assistance to couples who previously were unable to have a baby whose father was the genetic parent. With ICSI, very few sperm are required and the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg is no longer important as this penetration is bypassed by the injection technique.

What Is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

1. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/
2. https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/ivf/treatments/icsi/
3. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/what-is-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/
4. https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-you-should-know-about-icsi-ivf-1960209
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22463-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracytoplasmic_sperm_injection
7. https://mft.nhs.uk/saint-marys/services/gynaecology/reproductive-medicine/intra-cytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/
8. https://www.londonwomensclinic.com/fertility-treatments/icsi/
9. https://www.invitra.com/en/intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/
10. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gynecology-obstetrics/specialty-areas/fertility-center/infertility-services/sperm-injection

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) Information

1. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156/ifp/chapter/intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection
2. https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/private-care/services/fertility/fertility-treatments/icsi
3. https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/fertility-treatment/intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection-icsi/