For couples struggling with infertility, advances in reproductive medicine have opened new possibilities for conception. One such breakthrough is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) — a specialized form of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) that has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. At leading fertility centres like SCI IVF Hospital, ICSI is performed using advanced techniques to help couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technique used in conjunction with IVF to overcome fertilization problems. In a standard IVF procedure, thousands of sperm are placed near an egg in a lab dish to allow natural fertilization. However, in ICSI, a single healthy sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of a mature egg using a fine needle. This direct approach enhances the chances of fertilization, especially in cases of male infertility.
When is ICSI Recommended?
ICSI is particularly beneficial in the following situations:
Low sperm count or poor motility
Abnormal sperm morphology (shape or structure)
Previous failed IVF cycles
Use of frozen or surgically retrieved sperm
Presence of antibodies affecting sperm function
Unexplained infertility
Your fertility specialist will determine whether ICSI is appropriate based on medical history, sperm analysis, and prior treatment results.
Step-by-Step ICSI Procedure
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval:
The female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs. These are then retrieved from the ovaries through a minor procedure.
Sperm Collection:
Sperm are collected from the male partner, either through natural ejaculation or surgical retrieval if necessary.
Sperm Selection:
Embryologists carefully examine the sperm sample under a microscope and select the healthiest sperm for injection.
Sperm Injection:
A single sperm is injected directly into the egg using a fine glass needle, ensuring direct fertilization.
Embryo Culture:
The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a controlled lab environment for several days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
Embryo Transfer:
The best-quality embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus, and the remaining embryos may be frozen for future use.
Benefits of ICSI
Higher Fertilization Success Rate: Direct sperm injection increases the likelihood of fertilization, even with poor sperm quality.
Helps Overcome Male Infertility: Ideal for men with low sperm count or sperm dysfunction.
Improves IVF Success: ICSI can increase the overall success rate of IVF, especially in cases of unexplained infertility.
Allows Use of Retrieved or Frozen Sperm: Beneficial for men who have undergone surgical sperm retrieval or cancer treatment.
Genetic Screening Opportunity: Embryos created through ICSI can undergo Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to identify healthy embryos.
Why Choose SCI IVF Hospital for ICSI Treatment?
At SCI IVF Hospital, one of the best fertility centres in Delhi, ICSI procedures are performed by skilled embryologists using advanced micromanipulation technology. The hospital provides personalized fertility solutions with a focus on safety, precision, and emotional support.
Conclusion
The ICSI procedure has transformed the landscape of fertility treatments, offering hope to couples facing even the most complex infertility challenges. By combining innovation, expertise, and compassionate care, SCI IVF Hospital continues to help couples fulfill their dream of parenthood with higher success rates and confidence in every step of the journey.