If you are facing difficulties having a baby, there are several options of assisted reproduction. One of them is called ICSI, which stands for intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.
It is an excellent choice for many cases of male fertility problems.
The embryologist examines the sperm under a microscope and decides whether ICSI could increase your chances of becoming parents.
ICSI is the most successful form of treatment for men who have fertility issues and is used in more than half of all IVF treatments globally. It gives you a chance of conceiving your genetic child when other options are closed to you.
ICSI only requires one sperm, which is injected directly into the egg.
ICSI is usually recommended when:
- there is a very low or almost zero sperm count.
- there is a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm.
- There is poor motility, which means the sperm can’t swim well
- Sperm can’t be ejaculated, but can be collected by a urologist from the testicle or from the duct where sperm is stored (which is called epididymis).
During ICSI the sperm doesn’t have to travel to the egg or penetrate the outer layers of the egg, so it is the best option when the sperm:
- can’t get to the egg at all
- or the sperm can get to the egg, but for some reason can’t fertilise it
If you have any of the above issues, you may consult your urologist and may have an ICSI treatment.
When fertilisation does take place after ICSI, the embryos will be cultured in the laboratory for up to six days and then between one and three of the best-quality embryos will be transferred to the mother.
If all goes well, an embryo will attach to your uterus wall and continue to grow to become your baby. After about two weeks, you will be able to take a pregnancy test.
