For generations, there was little that doctor could do to help infertile couples especially where male factor was involved (disorders of sperm production). However in the last few years there has been major break-through in the treatment of male subfertility in the form of Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Till recently solution of stubborn cases of male subfertility was adoption, now thay can be treated successfully by this method.
ICSI is very similar to conventional IVF in that gametes (eggs and sperm) are collected from each partner. The difference between the two procedures is the method of achieving fertilization.
In conventional IVF, the eggs and sperm are mixed together in a dish and the sperm fertilizes the egg ‘naturally’. However to have a chance that this will occur, large numbers of actively swimming normal sperm are required. For many couples, the number of suitable sperm available may be very limited or there may be other factors preventing fertilization, so conventional IVF is not an option. ICSI has provided a hope for these couples.
ICSI refers to the laboratory procedure where a single sperm is picked up with a fine glass needle and is injected directly into each egg .This is carried out in the laboratory by experienced embryologists using specialist equipment. Very few sperm are required and the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg is no longer important as this has been assisted by the ICSI technique. ICSI does not guarantee that fertilization will occur as the normal cellular events of fertilization still need to occur once the sperm has been placed in the egg.
From a patient perspective, undergoing an ICSI treatment cycle is exactly the same as a conventional IVF cycle, and the same steps are involved.
Circumstances in which ICSI may be appropriate include:
Chance of success are about 40% however in any given couple chances of success depend upon various factors among which quality of semen and egg of wife are important examples. The success rate of ICSI/IVF seems to be low but one should bear in mind that in absolutely normal couples the possibility of achieving a pregnancy in any given cycle is one in six to one in nine.
From medical point of view there in no limit on the number of attempts but one has to take into consideration emotional and financial stress involved in this treatment.
We strictly use husband’s spermatozoa (male germs) and wife’s egg. Donor’s spermatozoa (male germs), egg and surrogacy facilites are not available in our clinic.