ICSI treatment procedure and success rate for infertility
Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
In assisted reproductive technology (ART), there are two ways by which eggs can be fertilized. The conventional IVF, wherein the eggs and the sperm are mixed in a dish and the sperm spontaneously enters the egg to bring about the fertilization process. In ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection), the egg is held by a special holding pipette and a single sperm is selected under the microscope and with the help of a injection pipette, it is introduced into the egg in order to facilitate fertilization. We use the micromanipulator to perform ICSI to facilitate fertilization.
Indications for ICSI
- Severe oligospermia (less than 5 million/ml sperm count)
- Poor sperm motility or high proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm
- Previous failed or poor fertilization with conventional IVF
- Surgically retrieved sperm
- Low number of eggs or poor egg quality
For the patient, the protocols are same as for IVF. The pregnancy rates are similar with IVF and ICSI. However, ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male factor infertility in that, even men with few thousands of sperm are able to have a genetically related child with the help of this technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about ICSI treatment and advanced fertility care at Southern Gem Hospital in Hyderabad.
What is ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?
ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) where a single sperm is selected under the microscope and injected directly into an egg using a micromanipulator and injection pipette to facilitate fertilisation. It is different from conventional IVF, where sperm spontaneously enters the egg in a dish.
Who needs ICSI treatment?
ICSI is recommended for severe oligospermia (less than 5 million/ml sperm count), poor sperm motility or a high proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm, previous failed or poor fertilisation with conventional IVF, surgically retrieved sperm, and a low number of eggs or poor egg quality.
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
In conventional IVF, the eggs and sperm are mixed in a dish and the sperm spontaneously enters the egg to bring about fertilisation. In ICSI, a single sperm is selected under the microscope and injected directly into the egg using a micromanipulator. Pregnancy rates are similar with both IVF and ICSI, while ICSI has revolutionised the treatment of male factor infertility.
Can men with very low sperm count benefit from ICSI?
Yes. ICSI has revolutionised the treatment of male factor infertility. Even men with just a few thousand sperm may be able to have a genetically related child with the help of ICSI. This makes ICSI a preferred treatment for severe male factor infertility cases, including azoospermia where sperm is surgically retrieved.
What is the success rate of ICSI at Southern Gem Hospital Hyderabad?
Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad has a 70% IVF/ICSI success rate supported by a Class 100 Embryology Lab. The embryos formed after ICSI are cultured and grown in an incubator and transferred on Day 3 or Day 5 as a blastocyst. Pregnancy rates are similar with IVF and ICSI when all factors are optimised.
Is ICSI treatment available at Southern Gem Hospital Hyderabad?
Yes. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad offers ICSI treatment at both its Basheerbagh and Banjara Hills branches. The treatment is performed by Dr. Sweta Agarwal, Director of Fertility and Gynaecology, using a micromanipulator in a Class 100 Embryology Lab. For appointments, call +91 40 6658 5555 or +91 80964 14440.