ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection - ICSI -  is a micromanipulation technique applied to treating infertility. Men in particular will benefit from this procedure.

The technique precedes and is normally combined, with one of the other techniques of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Test tube baby details the many treatment techniques available. IVF Treatment defines information specifically to in-vitro treatment. Gamete - G.I.F.T or Z.I.F.T treatment describes the more natural ART technique.

The success of IVF, GIFT and ZIFT treatments depend on the quality of the sperm and eggs used. This micromanipulation technique increases the chance of conception substantially.

ICSI recommendation - Males

The procedure would be recommended for those couples where previous ART treatments have failed. It is an effective male infertility treatment and is recommended for males who produce very low or weak sperm, to establish a chance of pregnancy. Treatment includes sperm disorders such as:

• low sperm count
• poor sperm motility (movement)
• sperm abnormalities (shape, length)

Sperm may be obtained from various ways. The normal method of deposit is through masturbation, but modern technology assists with other means of collection as follows:

1. Micro-epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( MESA)

Immature sperm may be obtained directly from the epididymis, through aspiration - using a fine needle - called Micro-Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) technique. MESA would precede ISCI and is recommended for men, where the semen analysis finds:

• no sperm in their ejaculate
• blocked vas deferens
• a failed vasectomy reversal
• neurological disorders (unable to ejaculate)

2. Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

This technique allows sperm to be collected directly from the testes, for reasons of sperm disorders, similar to those already mentioned. TESE precedes and is necessary for ISCI technique to follow thereafter.

ISCI recommedation - Females

This procedure is recommended for females who are diagnosed with infertility problems due to endometriosis as well as damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. It allows the sperm to have direct contact with the egg and is thus also suitable for older women trying to conceive.

Success rates with ISCI micromanipulation technique has grown with experience from about 26% to 35% in some fertility clinics.

Micromanipulation - ICSI IVF

The technique applied is to treat a single sperm and inject it directly into one egg.

This allows the sperm to bypass the swim through the female reproductive tract, as well as the need to have the sperm penetrate the egg.

The process and build up to selecting the sperm and egg is the same process as specified in IVF Treatment and G.I.F.T - in summary:

• The female takes fertility drugs for ovarian stimulation and growth.
• Monitoring of the follicles will take place, with ultra sound and blood tests.
• Fertility medication injection to stimulate ovulation for the release of eggs.
• The Eggs are retrieved via laparoscopy or ultrasound, using guided aspiration.
• Semen sample obtained through one of the above mentioned methods of collection.

An embryologist will treat the sperm and eggs and the healthiest ones are selected, for the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection technique. This is effected by placing the egg onto a microscope and injecting the sperm directly into the egg.

Once fertilized, the embryo is incubated for 2 to 3 days, to reach growth of two to four cells in size. Transfer of the embryo is then effective either into the fallopian tube or uterus, as directed by the fertility specialist. Hopefully implantation will take place for a healthy pregnancy to follow.

Health considerations should assume a pregnancy has taken place. Only medication prescribed by a doctor may be taken. Your physician will monitor your progress closely and tests will be taken in a week to 10 days to establish pregnancy.

Micromanipulation is an advanced form of Assisted Reproductive Technology.

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