Infertility is a challenge faced by many couples worldwide, but thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, there are various treatments available to help couples achieve their dream of parenthood. One such revolutionary treatment is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). At GraciousIVF, we specialize in providing cutting-edge ICSI treatments to give our patients the best chance of conceiving.
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) designed to assist with severe male infertility. Unlike traditional IVF, where eggs and sperm are mixed together in a dish and fertilization occurs naturally, ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into each egg using a fine needle.
How ICSI Works:
ICSI is normally a part of the IVF process. The process includes a single sperm being injected at the center of the egg by a doctor. After the sperm has been injected into the egg, doctors wait for a few days to see the result. If the egg starts to fertilize and the embryo matures the doctor transfers it into your uterine cavity.
Steps involved in ICSI procedure:
Ovarian Simulation:
A scan is performed to confirm that the ovaries are quiet and there is a thin lining of the womb. Women with the down-regulation regime will tend to have a nasal sniff or down-regulation injections along with injections of stimulations until further instructed. There are self-administered injections that come with an adjustable pen, vials, or ampoules that are mixed with water. Doctors will show you the technique and they will also provide a DVD or handwritten instructions for you to follow at home.
You will also be provided with a detailed timetable which consists of the days of injections and scans. The duration of this treatment is 10-12 days. There is also a need for regular interval blood tests and scans. Scans will help to monitor the response of the ovaries. On a scan, follicles can also be seen which may contain eggs. Therefore, doctors advise taking injections at the same time of the day.
Egg Collection:
The next step of the treatment is egg collection. It is always performed under strong painkillers or sedation or sometimes general anesthesia is also performed. When a scan confirms the right stage of maturity of the follicles an injection is administered. Just before 35 to 36 hours of egg collection the injection is administered. The timing is very important in this phase. The injection is administered in the evening because after that day after there will be no medication for you. You will be suggested to fast that night.
You are advised to refrain from sex for 3-5 days. It helps to know that the quality of sperm on that day is optimal. Your partner will be asked to provide a semen sample when it will be time for egg collection. The process is always recommended to happen at the medical center and not at home.
Once you are under anesthesia or sedation doctors will need 20-30 minutes to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. Doctors locate each follicle in the ovaries. Each follicle is punctured using an ultrasound scan by using a fine needle. This needle helps to draw fluid from each sac into a warm sterile tube.
The tube is further examined under a microscope. Every follicle does not produce mature eggs. There are also some empathy follicles containing eggs that even stopped growing and further disappeared. Other follicles too contain eggs but sometimes they are too young for fertilization.
Medication:
You will be under medication especially progesterone support. It is a kind of hormone that helps in the good development of the womb. The medication is continued till the day of the pregnancy test and also beyond if the result of the test is positive. Sometimes doctors also add blood thinning injections, estrogen tablets, and even steroids if needed for your benefit.
Laboratory:
In the process of IVF, a large number of good-quality sperms are being added to each egg in a small dish. Furthermore, they are placed in incubators which helps the sperms and eggs to be in body temperature. But in the case of ICSI, only a single sperm is selected and placed into each egg. And then these eggs and sperm are placed in the incubator.
The morning after the egg is being collected, doctors examine the dish in which the sperms were placed under a microscope. Fertilization is studied later on. It is seen that on an average basis 60% of the eggs injected by the process of IVF start fertilizing and 70% of the eggs injected via ICSI fertilize normally.
For the next 1 – 4 days, the embryos that split are replaced into the incubator. The embryos are checked daily to confirm the quality, quantity of the embryo. It also indicates the perfect time to transfer.
Embryo Transfer:
After the eggs are collected, from day 2 to day 5 the embryos can be transferred. Sometimes in rare instances, the embryos can also be transferred on day 6. If in any case, the embryo reached the blastocyst stage, which is the 5th day after the egg collection the chances of pregnancy increase. The embryos can also be transferred on day 3 if they become 6 to 8 cells or if the quality matches with what is needed and can be also cultured to embryos that reached the blastocysts stage.
What does ICSI treatment cost:
People from all over the world come to India for ICSI treatment. In India, people find the treatment is half of the cost as compared to other countries. The ICSI treatment in India is also performed by a skilled medical team.
The cost of ICSI is not always included in the price of IVF. In India, you will find the cost of ICSI ranging from Rs.2,40,000 to Rs.2,50,000 per cycle. This includes only traditional techniques. Depending upon the case the amount also differs. The advanced treatments can also go up to Rs. 4,50,000 for one sitting.
Conclusion:
ICSI offers hope to many couples struggling with infertility, especially when male factor issues are a concern. At GraciousIVF, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of starting or expanding your family. If you’re considering ICSI or other fertility treatments, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experts to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
What does ICSI stand for?
ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
Who can benefit from ICSI treatment?
ICSI is particularly beneficial for couples with severe male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology), previous IVF failures, obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia, or those using frozen sperm.
Is the ICSI procedure painful?
The egg retrieval procedure is performed under sedation, so you should not feel pain. The embryo transfer is usually painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.
What are the success rates of ICSI?
Success rates vary depending on factors such as age, egg quality, and underlying health conditions. At Gracious IVF, we use advanced technology and personalized care to maximize your chances of success.
How should I prepare for ICSI treatment?
Preparation includes undergoing fertility assessments, following a healthy lifestyle, and adhering to your doctor’s recommendations for medications and procedures.
