ICSI - IMSI - Sperm Injection
ICSI Treatment
ICSI is a highly advanced type of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment where fertilisation is achieved after injecting a single sperm into each egg of the female partner. With the benefit of ICSI we are able to obtain fertilisation when very few sperms are obtained from men who are sterile due to the problems above. Sperms are taken by the minimally invasive techniques, usually under local anaesthetic. The man can leave the Clinic shortly afterwards to accompany his partner who will be having her egg collection at the same time.
What is ICSI?
ICSI is a refinement of the traditional IVF procedure. Eggs and sperm are collected in exactly the same way as in IVF, but instead of the sperm being mixed with the egg, one single sperm of the best quality is selected, , and this is then injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilisation. The procedure then follows usual IVF, with the resulting embryo transferred to your uterus to continue growing as in normal pregnancy.
Why would it need to be used?
ICSI is used when the fertility problem is a result of sperm disorders. These can include a low sperm count, poor quality sperm or poor sperm motility or the presence of antisperm antibodies. It gives hope to people who have a sperm problem, but who want to use their own sperm to conceive a child. ICSI is recommended for patients who have had previously had failed fertilisation with IVF or a very poor number fertilised. It is also necessary for surgically-retrieved sperm.
IS ICSI widely used as a fertility treatment?
ICSI is offered by many infertility clinics. At Manchester Fertility Services, ICSI is only used where the cause of the infertility has been identified as lying with the male partner and when conventional IVF has failed. There is no reason to use ICSI where the male partner does not have any sperm disorders or where the cause is with the female partner. In these instances, traditional IVF should always be the first option.
Should I be cautious when comparing clinic ICSI rates?
Yes. Be wary of a clinic which performs high rates of ICSI procedures. It could indicate that their conventional IVF results are poor. Here at Manchester Fertility Services, ICSI is only used where absolutely necessary.