ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a fertility treatment technique used in assisted reproductive technology (ART). It is specifically designed to address cases of male infertility, where the sperm may have difficulty fertilizing the egg naturally.
During the ICSI procedure, a single sperm is carefully injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a fine needle. This process bypasses any barriers or challenges the sperm may face in reaching and fertilizing the egg on its own. By directly injecting the sperm into the egg, the chances of successful fertilization are significantly improved.
ICSI is commonly used in cases of severe male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. It can also be used in cases where previous attempts at conventional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) have not resulted in successful fertilization.
After the ICSI procedure, the fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for growth and development in the laboratory. Once the embryos reach a certain stage of development, they may be transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation and potential pregnancy.
ICSI has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility and has helped many couples achieve successful pregnancies. It is performed by experienced fertility specialists in specialized fertility clinics or IVF centers.