Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) refers to a variety of medical procedures that help with conception by fertilizing eggs and sperm outside the body. Over the past five decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become the most commonly performed ART procedure, often combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). ICSI enhances fertilization rates, particularly for patients with male infertility or those who have experienced previous conception failures. During ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg’s cytoplasm to facilitate fertilization.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialized ART procedure where a sperm is injected directly into an egg’s cytoplasm. This technique is typically used in combination with IVF. After the sperm is injected, the egg is monitored the following day to check for fertilization. If successful, the fertilized egg is observed as it develops into an embryo, and these embryos are later transferred into the woman's uterus. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is commonly used, allowing embryos to be stored and thawed for later use, offering greater flexibility and higher success rates.
ICSI is often recommended for men with infertility issues, particularly in cases where there is a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm development, or blockages that prevent sperm ejaculation, such as after a vasectomy. It is also used in cases where couples want to maximize the number of high-quality embryos produced from a single egg retrieval.
The ICSI procedure is typically combined with IVF to help couples struggling with infertility, especially male-related issues. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Ovarian Stimulation: Medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries, encouraging the production of multiple mature eggs.
Egg Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the ovaries using a specialized needle, guided by ultrasound, under mild sedation.
Fertilisation: A qualified embryologist injects the best sperm directly into each egg.
Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs are allowed to develop into embryos, which are carefully monitored over a period of 3-5 days.
Embryo Transfer: The selected embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus in a quick, minimally invasive procedure.
Pregnancy Test: Two weeks after the transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to confirm the result.
ICSI significantly enhances fertilization rates, which is crucial for couples facing male infertility. It also increases the likelihood of obtaining high-quality embryos from a single egg retrieval, making it an excellent option for couples with previous IVF failures or those who wish to test for genetic conditions. Even men without fertility issues may benefit from ICSI, especially if they want to optimize their chances of successful fertilization.
To begin ICSI, the fertility clinic will collect both eggs and sperm. Ovulation induction medication is given to stimulate the ovaries, and an ultrasound-guided needle is used to retrieve the eggs. The sperm is then analyzed for quality, motility, and volume. In some cases, additional procedures like testicular sperm extraction or electroejaculation may be required. The sperm can also be frozen and stored for future use in IVF cycles.
ICSI fertility treatments typically start around Rs 1,50,000, though prices can vary depending on the fertility clinic and location. Generally, treatments in larger cities (Tier I) tend to be more expensive than in smaller towns (Tier II and III).