Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves the direct injection of sperm into eggs obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How is ICSI performed?

There are basically five simple steps to Intracytoplasmic sperm injection which include the following:

  1.  The mature egg is held with a specialized pipette.
  2.  A very delicate, sharp, and hollow needle is used to immobilize and pick up a single sperm.
  3.  The needle is then carefully inserted through the shell of the egg and into the cytoplasm of the egg.
  4.  The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm, and the needle is carefully removed.
  5.  The eggs are checked the following day for evidence of normal fertilization.

Once the steps of ICSI are complete and fertilization is successful, the embryo transfer procedure is used to physically place the embryo in the woman’s uterus. Then it is a matter of watching for early pregnancy symptoms. The fertility specialist may use a blood test or ultrasound to determine if implantation and pregnancy have occurred.

Are there specific situations where ICSI might be recommended?

ICSI may be recommended when there is a reason to suspect that achieving fertilization may be difficult. ICSI is most often used with couples who are dealing with male infertility factors. Male infertility factors can include any of the following: low sperm counts, poor motility or movement of the sperm, poor sperm quality, sperm that lack the ability to penetrate an egg or azoospermia. Azoospermia is a condition where there is no sperm in the male’s ejaculation. There are two types of azoospermia: obstructive and non-obstructive. Obstructive azoospermia may be caused by any of the following:

  • Previous vasectomy
  • Congenital absence of the vas
  • Scarring from prior infections

Non-obstructive azoospermia occurs when a defective testicle is not producing sperm. In the case of azoospermia, the probability of obtaining usable sperm is low, and the possibility of using donor sperm may be considered.

How is sperm retrieved?

For men who have low sperm count or sperm with low mobility, the sperm may be collected through normal ejaculation. If the man has had a vasectomy, the microsurgical vasectomy reversal is the most cost-effective option for restoring fertility. Needle aspiration or microsurgical sperm retrieval are good alternatives when a competent microsurgical vasectomy reversal has failed, or when the man refuses surgery. Needle aspiration allows physicians to easily and quickly obtain adequate numbers of sperm for the ICSI procedure. A tiny needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testis. Needle aspiration is a simple procedure performed under sedation with minimal discomfort; however, there is the potential for pain and swelling afterward. The sperm obtained from the testis is only appropriate for ICSI procedures when testicular sperm is not able to penetrate an egg by itself.

Are there any health concerns?

There have been studies indicating that developing babies from pregnancies achieved through artificial insemination, and particularly ICSI, may face an increased risk for some birth defects, such as imprinting defects. Imprinting refers to the phenomenon in which certain genes function differently depending on whether they involve a particular chromosome passed on by the father or by the mother. Reproductive researchers are concerned that manipulation of either gametes or zygotes may affect the imprinting process or the subsequent release. Other researchers believe that the incidence of these birth defects occurring is similar to those in natural pregnancy, and therefore should not be a deterrent in using them.
The potential risks or complications from doing ICSI is something that you should discuss with your reproductive specialist at length about. Some couples want to explore more traditional or over the counter efforts before exploring infertility procedures. If you are trying to get pregnant and looking for resources to support your efforts, we invite you to check out the fertility product and resource guide provided by our corporate sponsor. Review resource guide here.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

https://www.resolve.org

2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)

https://www.asrm.org