Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: ICSI
Male factor infertility can have many causes and treatments. Men can experience low sperm count, limited or nonexistent sperm motility or problems with sperm function. Any of these male factors can inhibit the sperm from ever fertilizing an egg. Before the introduction of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI, in 1992, many men with infertility issues were left with very few options. Many were simply told to give up, adopt or use a sperm donor. Modern advances have made it possible even for men with little or no sperm present in their ejaculate to father their own biological children.
The first step in the ICSI process is egg retrieval from the female. Usually, hormones will be administered in order to mature the egg follicles and ensure that a few viable eggs are present for retrieval. An infertility specialist will then retrieve the eggs from the follicles. This egg will be used in the ICSI attempt.
The next step is to find a healthy sperm. Ejaculate is preferred, but if there are no sperm present in the ejaculate, sperm cells may be taken directly from the testicle. This sperm is collected with a small needle and then injected into the waiting egg, previously harvested. The great thing about ICSI is that only one single sperm is really needed for fertilization to occur, thus increasing the chances of success. Furthermore, the egg is always fertilized in the lab. Here, it can be monitored for normal growth and development. Then, the best fertilized eggs most likely to survive will be implanted into the uterus through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
ICSI is a part of the IVF treatment. It is not always necessary for couples attempting IVF to accompany it with ICSI. If sperm motility, sperm count, low number of healthy sperm or no sperm present is a problem for you, then ICSI along with your IVF treatment can increase your chances of success. Your doctor may suggest ICSI if you have had unexplained unsuccessful IVF attempts. If testicular cancer is a concern, sperm can be retrieved and frozen before treatment. This frozen semen can be used later in an ICSI treatment.
Male factor infertility is something that should always be discussed with an infertility specialist. Consider all of your options with your partner before you proceed. Make sure that all of your questions have been answered and you understand how each procedure will work. Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and infertility specialist. If you are having problems coping with your infertility or infertility treatment, ask your infertility specialist for a referral to someone that can help.
About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.
The first step in the ICSI process is egg retrieval from the female. Usually, hormones will be administered in order to mature the egg follicles and ensure that a few viable eggs are present for retrieval. An infertility specialist will then retrieve the eggs from the follicles. This egg will be used in the ICSI attempt.
The next step is to find a healthy sperm. Ejaculate is preferred, but if there are no sperm present in the ejaculate, sperm cells may be taken directly from the testicle. This sperm is collected with a small needle and then injected into the waiting egg, previously harvested. The great thing about ICSI is that only one single sperm is really needed for fertilization to occur, thus increasing the chances of success. Furthermore, the egg is always fertilized in the lab. Here, it can be monitored for normal growth and development. Then, the best fertilized eggs most likely to survive will be implanted into the uterus through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
ICSI is a part of the IVF treatment. It is not always necessary for couples attempting IVF to accompany it with ICSI. If sperm motility, sperm count, low number of healthy sperm or no sperm present is a problem for you, then ICSI along with your IVF treatment can increase your chances of success. Your doctor may suggest ICSI if you have had unexplained unsuccessful IVF attempts. If testicular cancer is a concern, sperm can be retrieved and frozen before treatment. This frozen semen can be used later in an ICSI treatment.
Male factor infertility is something that should always be discussed with an infertility specialist. Consider all of your options with your partner before you proceed. Make sure that all of your questions have been answered and you understand how each procedure will work. Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and infertility specialist. If you are having problems coping with your infertility or infertility treatment, ask your infertility specialist for a referral to someone that can help.
About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.
Labels: icsi, infertility treatment, inject sperm, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, low sperm count, male factor infertility
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