ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is a procedure that can help couples overcome male infertility. In this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. ICSI is often used in conjunction with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. As per doctors at an ICSI clinic in Delhi, here are the steps of a successful ICSI treatment process:
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
Before the ICSI procedure can be performed, the woman must undergo ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs. This is typically done using fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than would normally be produced in a menstrual cycle. Ultrasound monitoring and blood tests are used to determine when the eggs are ready to be retrieved.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries using a thin needle. This is typically done under local anaesthesia and with the guidance of ultrasound imaging. The eggs are then placed in a culture dish and prepared for fertilisation.
Step 3: Sperm Retrieval
While the eggs are being prepared for fertilisation, the man provides a semen sample. If the man has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, a sperm retrieval procedure may be necessary to collect sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.
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Step 4: Sperm Injection
Once the sperm has been retrieved, it is prepared for injection into the eggs. A single sperm is selected and injected directly into the cytoplasm of each egg using a fine glass needle. This is done under a microscope to ensure accuracy and precision.
Step 5: Fertilisation and Embryo Development
After the sperm has been injected into the eggs, they are placed in a culture dish and monitored for signs of fertilisation. Once fertilisation has occurred, the embryos are allowed to develop for several days in the laboratory. The embryos are monitored for quality and development, and the best one or two embryos are selected for transfer to the woman’s uterus.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
The selected embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. This is typically done under ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement. The woman may be given medications to prepare her uterus for implantation and to support early pregnancy.
Step 7: Pregnancy Test
About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if the procedure was successful. If the test is positive, the woman will continue to receive supportive care throughout the early stages of pregnancy. If the test is negative, the couple may consider undergoing another round of ICSI or exploring other fertility treatment options.
Overall, the success rate of ICSI depends on several factors, including the age and fertility of the woman, the quality of the sperm, and the expertise of the fertility clinic performing the procedure. Success rates can range from 40% to 80% per cycle, depending on these factors. In some cases, multiple cycles of ICSI may be necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Conclusion
ICSI is a highly specialised procedure that can help couples overcome male infertility and achieve a successful pregnancy. The procedure involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, sperm injection, embryo development, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing. Success rates depend on several factors and may require multiple cycles of treatment. Couples considering ICSI should consult with a fertility specialist to determine if the procedure is right for them and to explore other fertility treatment options.
