ICSI Fertility Treatment Procedure: Everything About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Procedure 

of Doctors often recommend ICSI to infertile couples, especially when male infertility issues are the reasons behind unsuccessful conception. But for most couples considering IVF, procedures like ICSI or artificial insemination seem too intimidating. It’s only because of the lack of awareness. So, today I’ll tell you all about the ICSI fertility treatment procedure., its benefits, associated risks, and ICSI cost.

ICSI Treatment: An Overview

ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and it is among the most effective IVF treatments. During IVF, sperm is placed directly into the mature egg to facilitate fertilization.

IVF and ICSI Treatment Differences

People often end up using the terms ICSI and IVF interchangeably. However, not all IVF pregnancies are ICSI pregnancies. So, what is the difference between IVF and ICSI treatment? The difference lies in the fact that in ICSI, sperm and egg come in contact in a lab environment. In both in vitro fertilization and ICSI, the fertilized egg is placed into the uterus.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI Procedure

Just like other infertility treatments, ICSI takes place in several steps that are explained below:

1. Initial Consultation

When you book an appointment with an accomplished fertility specialist, they perform various tests to find out what’s standing in your way of conceiving. Based on the reports, they discuss the best treatment option for you and your partner. If the doctor thinks ICSI will be effective in your case, they will walk you through the procedure before the treatment starts.

2. Ovarian Stimulation

If multiple eggs are produced, the chances of implantation will be higher. So, the ovaries are stimulated by injecting medicines like the follicle-stimulating hormone for 8-14 days. The human chorionic gonadotropin is also injected for the final maturation.

3. Egg Retrieval

Once eggs are sufficiently fertilized, egg retrieval is the next crucial step in the ICSI pregnancy procedure, and it is usually done under local anesthesia. Healthcare providers rely on transvaginal ultrasound technology for guiding a thin needle into the ovaries through the vaginal opening. There is a suction device that is connected to the end of the needle, and it draws out the eggs.

4. Sperm Collection

After acquiring the fertilized eggs, it is time for semen collection. The male partner needs to provide his semen sample. The fertility specialist analyzes the semen in the lab to isolate the healthiest sperm cells.

Usually, sperm collection and egg retrieval take place on the same day to save time. To ensure that quality sperm is produced, the doctor gives some tips like:

• Not having sex and avoiding masturbation for 2-3 days before the sperm collection
• Eating nutrient-rich foods
• Refraining from having alcohol
• Getting enough sleep the night before

5. Sperm Preparation & Injection

Sperm preparation means choosing the sperm cells that appear the most viable. Then, the sperm is brought into contact with the eggs in the lab.

6. Fertilization

After the sperm is injected into the eggs, the doctor closely monitors the eggs. Ideally, the eggs get fertilized within a week and form a blastocyst. The doctor evaluates the cell mass and size of the blastocyst to determine if it is capable of leading to a pregnancy.

7. Embryo Transfer

You and your doctor will select a suitable day for the embryo transfer, which can be done as soon as the egg is fertilized. A small catheter is used for embryo transfer. The embryo must attach itself to the uterus, which is termed implantation.

8. Testing

Doctors advise their patients to wait at least 2 weeks before doing a pregnancy test. Initially, you can buy a pregnancy test kit and perform the test at home. If you are pregnant, there can be some early pregnancy signs like breast tenderness, missed periods, etc.

ICSI Benefits

ICSI can come to the rescue if there are issues with:

• low sperm count
• sperm motility
• poor sperm quality

Risks of ICSI

Any medical procedure carries risks. Some possible risks associated with ICSI fertility are:

1. Multiple pregnancies
2. Birth defects like intellectual disabilities or growth disorders
3. Failed fertilization
4. Infection and bleeding
5. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

However, the risks are low and ICSI has a high success rate. So, you should stay positive.

Is ICSI Painful?

‘Is ICSI painful?’ is a common question that any woman considering ICSI asks. The answer is no.

Ovum pickup takes place under the effect of anesthesia. So, there is no way you will experience any kind of pain during the procedure. However, as a tube will be inserted into your body, feeling mild discomfort is not unusual. But there is no reason to worry as the discomfort will disappear in a day or two.

ICSI Treatment Cost

Wondering how much is ICSI treatment?

It is an expensive treatment. However, the exact cost varies from one fertility clinic to another.

To Sum Up

Now that you know all about the ICSI process, do you feel more confident to go ahead with it? ICSI may be perfect in your case if there is male factor infertility. So, be hopeful and obey your doctor’s instructions dedicatedly.

Dr Ritu Agarwal

Dr. Ritu Agarwal is an appreciated IVF expert in Jaipur for IVF therapy, owing to her more than ten years of experience in this field. She is the top IVF specialist in Jaipur who makes every attempt to provide correct counseling and emotional support to patients in order to help them find the ideal solution for becoming parents.