When dealing with “male infertility infertility”, sometimes, even IVF might not be enough. That’s where Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) comes in. ICSI involves selecting the best sperm and directly injecting it into each egg, under a microscope. It significantly improves the chances of fertilization.
IVF with ICSI Treatment in London
When Do You Need ICSI?
ICSI can address a wide range of male fertility issues, including:
- Low Sperm Count: When the sperm count is too low for normal IVF to ensure fertilization.
- Low Sperm Mobility: Eliminates the need for sperm to swim to the egg.
- Damaged Sperm: Allows selection of the healthiest sperm for fertilization.
- Obstructed Sperm Passage: Overcomes blockages due to physical issues, disease, or prior vasectomy.
- Ejaculation Issues: Including retrograde ejaculation and severe erectile dysfunction.
- ICSI is particularly relevant when sperm must be aspirated from a blocked vas (the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis) or directly from the testes.
- Additionally, frozen eggs require ICSI for successful fertilization, since their covering (Zona) hardens during cryo-preservation of the eggs.
How Is ICSI Performed?
In most cases, the sperm is typically collected by masturbation in the clinic. If this is not possible (due to various personal reasons), it can be produced at home in a special condom we will give you and brought to our lab within an hour.
Sometimes sperm needs to be harvested directly from the epididymis (begining of the tube that carries the sperm to the penis) or directly from the testes using a needle (under anaesthesia). Surgical procedures like TESA, MESA, and PISA are done to harvest sperm.
Retrograde ejaculation may need more complex methods.
ICSI is a regulated procedure performed at our primary HFEA licensed centre, IVF London (HFEA centre number 0391).
Is ICSI Right for You?
While ICSI significantly increases egg fertilization rates, the subsequent implantation and successful conception rates are comparable to general IVF, where sperm naturally fertilize the eggs. Therefore, we use ICSI only when there is definite need for it; typically when there is a sperm quality or quantity issue.
Why Choose Us?
At our London clinic, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care to provide the best fertility solutions for employed and educated women. We understand your busy lifestyle and strive to make your treatment journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Reach out to us today to discuss your fertility options and take the next step towards growing your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q1.What is IVF with ICSI, and how does it differ from standard IVF?
Ans: In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are mixed together in a dish and left overnight. Fertilization occurs naturally when many sperm swim and attach to the egg and one of them enters the covering shell called “zona” to fertilise the egg. IVF with ICSI involves injecting a single sperm (held in a micro-pipette) directly into an egg (under microscopic vision) to enable fertilization.
ICSI is typically used when there are issues with sperm quality or quantity, such as low sperm count or poor motility.
Q2. When do we choose to do ICSI with IVF ?
Ans: IVF with ICSI is recommended for couples dealing with moderate to severe male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
It’s also used when there are issues with sperm retrieval, such as in cases of obstructive azoospermia (blocked “vas deferens”). Additionally, ICSI may be suggested if previous IVF cycles have resulted in poor or no fertilization. Also, if we are using previously frozen eggs for the IVF treatment, the ICSI is necessary as the zona cover around the egg hardens during the vitrification process and makes routine IVF impossible.
Q3. What is the success rate of IVF with ICSI?
Ans: Success rates for IVF with ICSI are generally similar to those of standard IVF, with a significant improvement in cases of male factor infertility.
The success rate depends on factors such as the woman’s age, egg quality, and other underlying fertility issues. On average, the success rate ranges from 20% to 40% per cycle for women under 35, and decreases with age.
Q4. Are there any additional risks associated with ICSI compared to standard IVF?
Ans: ICSI is generally considered safe, but there are a few additional risks to be aware of. There is a slightly increased risk of genetic abnormalities (such as cystic fibrosis) because the sperm bypasses natural selection processes. However, this risk remains low. There’s also a small risk of damage to the egg during the injection process.
Q5. What is the process of IVF with ICSI like?
Ans: The process for IVF with ICSI is similar to standard IVF, with the addition of the ICSI procedure. After ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, the eggs are now “sripped” of their “cumulus” which is a layer of covering cells. A single sperm is then injected directly into each mature egg under microscopic vision.
The resulting embryos are then cultured and monitored for development for 3-5 days before being transferred into the uterus.
ICSI does not add any more time to the IVF treatment, which is around 3 weeks.
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