It is well-established that the success of fertility not only depends on the quality of eggs alone, but also depends on the quality of the sperm. The quality of the sperm can differ in many ways and affect fertility.
Physiological factors such as low sperm production, low sperm concentration (less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of sperm), poor motility (movement), morphology issues (size and shape), abnormal sperm functioning or blockage in delivery of the sperm, so on. Physical illnesses such as diabetes, injuries, erectile dysfunction, endocrine disorder (hormonal), and other chronic health problems can also affect the quality of sperm.
Additionally, environmental factors such as toxins, pesticides, cosmetics, preservatives, heavy metals, free radicals and industrial by-products can significantly alter the sperm’s quality. Lastly, a lifestyle that includes abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs, obesity, increased stress levels affect the quality of eggs and sperms equally. However, advanced and specialized medical technology such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) have made treatment of such conditions easier.
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI is an assisted reproductive technique that is advised in cases of male infertility along with regular IVF treatment. ICSI is a procedure where a single sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. ICSI is advised where the male partner produces too few sperm to do IUI or IVF, the sperm may not move in a normal fashion or have trouble attaching to the egg, eggs have not fertilized by traditional IVF, regardless of the condition of the sperm and such other reasons.
Also, Read EGG FREEZING
Process of ICSI
ICSI is a procedure where a single quality sperm is chosen with the help of a fine glass needle and injected into the cytoplasm of the egg. This increases the chances of fertilization better than IVF, where a number of sperms are required to fertilize the egg. In case of ICSI, the sperm is directly inserted into the egg, thus eliminating the risk of the sperm failing to push through the outer layer to the inside of the egg (cytoplasm).
After ICSI, the eggs are allowed to be fertilized and cultured in the lab for 3 to 5 days. Once the eggs are fertilized and the embryo is cultured, it is then transferred into the uterus with the help of a cannula for the embryo to implant itself in the uterus lining for further development.
ICSI is therefore a slightly more technically advanced procedure. An extension of ICSI is the Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI), where the sperms are scrutinized at microscopic level and a single strongest sperm, that would ensure success, is selected to be injected into the egg.
Benefits of ICSI
- High Pregnancy Rate – Being a technically advanced procedure, helps overcome barriers of fertilization with successful pregnancy rates ranging between 50 to 80 percent, especially with male fertility issues;
- Affordable – ICSI is as affordable as the IVF and is one of the cheaper methods of treatment available; and
- Safe – With advent of technology, ICSI is a safe procedure with very rare cases of any birth defects or associated risks.
Also, Read MALE INFERTILITY : SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
However, the overall success of this procedure depends on the experts conducting the procedure as well as the condition of the laboratory where the procedure is carried out. Jansithaa Fertility Centre founded by Dr. Shwetha Y Baratikkae, at Basaveshwaranagar Nagar offers both expertise as well as a State-of-the-Art ICSI/IVF lab and facility to ensure safe and successful procedures for its patients. For more information on the various treatments and testimonials, visit the website https://janisthaaivf.com/ or call +91 7619198082 to book a consultation.
