ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). It involves the injection of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg to facilitate fertilization. ICSI is particularly beneficial in cases of male infertility or when previous IVF attempts have resulted in fertilization failure.
Indications for ICSI:
ICSI is often recommended in the following situations:
- Male Factor Infertility:
ICSI is highly effective when there are issues with sperm quality, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormalities in sperm shape (morphology).
- Previous Fertilization Failures:
Couples who have undergone previous IVF cycles with poor fertilization or fertilization failure may opt for ICSI to improve the chances of successful fertilization.
- Unexplained Infertility:
In cases where the cause of infertility is unknown, ICSI may be used to increase the likelihood of successful fertilization.
Considerations and Risks:
- Multiple Pregnancies:
ICSI does not eliminate the risk of multiple pregnancies. The number of embryos transferred can be adjusted to manage this risk.
- Birth Defects:
Some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of birth defects with ICSI, but the absolute risk remains relatively low.