About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Considered one of the greatest advancements in treating fertility issues since in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the process wherein a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
The field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has advanced rapidly in recent years, providing assistance to couples with male factor infertility.
In couples that are having difficulty trying to conceive a child, approximately 40% will be diagnosed with a male problem.
First introduced in 1992, ICSI offers couples the chance to have their own children.
About the ICSI Procedure
Why ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an option for couples undergoing IVF wherein a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. Despite having certain male infertility problems like the ones listed below, the ICSI procedure can provide the opportunity for you and your partner get pregnant.
ICSI may help couples experiencing:
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Sperm that is unable to penetrate or fertilize an egg
- Anatomical abnormalities in the male’s reproductive tract that prevents production or ejaculation of sperm
- Couples who have struggled getting pregnant in previous IVF cycles
What to Expect:
ICSI fertility treatment takes place during the fertilization phase of the in vitro fertilization process. If you choose to use the ICSI procedure with IVF, here’s what to expect:
- Your partner will provide a fresh sperm sample after your egg retrieval
- In the laboratory, single sperm will be injected directly into the cytoplasm, or center, of the mature egg using a small needle
- After three to five days, if fertilization is successful, then the growing fertilized egg is placed into your uterus for implantation
- You will find out if you are pregnant at your two-week visit
Frequently Asked Questions
At The IVF CenterSM, we see 70-85% of eggs injected using ICSI become fertilized.
ICSI offers you and your partner a chance to have a baby, even if you are experiencing significant male infertility issues. Before making a decision about ICSI as part of your IVF treatment, you should discuss all of your options with your physician.
ICSI can increase success rates, but as with anything, it is not without risk including but not limited to:
- Damage to embryos
- Becoming pregnant with multiples
- Birth defects
It is important that you discuss the ICSI risks and benefits with your physician. Your doctor will spend time developing an IVF plan that works for you.
Our billing manager will discuss the full anticipated cost of IVF and ICSI with you. At The IVF CenterSM, we also have flexible financing options to help you realize your dream of having a baby.
Why The IVF CenterSM Is Unique
At The IVF CenterSM we recognize the process of IVF can at times be overwhelming.
To address this issue, we have an IVF Nurse available 24/7 to answer questions, guide you through the process, and provide emotional support. We also offer a Reproductive Health Psychologist to help couples develop their best coping strategies along their journey.
Success of the IVF Program at The IVF CenterSM is due to our scientific and technological excellence coupled with our compassionate and highly personalized approach to patient care.
The IVF CenterSM is committed to each couple’s success by providing individualized and supportive care along the way. We consider each couple part of our family as we attempt to help them create their own.