Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a type of treatment used for couples who are facing the problems of infertility. In this treatment, a live sperm of a male is injected into the female egg in the laboratory. After the injection, the egg becomes fertilized which is then placed inside the uterus of the female. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Procedure is a type of in vitro fertilization or IVF. The ICSI method is used as a treatment when a couple is unable to conceive a child due to male infertility. ICSI and IVF are different methods because in IVF several sperm are placed in the egg to let them fertilize but in ICSI only one sperm is injected into the egg. But still, ICSI does not guarantee a confirmed pregnancy. ICSI method can also be used to treat infertility when all the other methods fail including IVF. Some risks are associated with ICSI so a skillful technique and experienced practitioner is needed to perform the procedure. If a healthcare provider fertilizes more than one egg through the ICSI procedure to increase the chances of successful pregnancy then it can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies. However, ICSI procedure is not suitable for everyone so it is recommended to discuss the suitability of treatment with fertility specialists.
Types of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatment India
Some of the types of ICSI treatment are as follows:
- Conventional ICSI
- IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)
- PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- Assisted Hatching with ICSI
- TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) ICSI
- PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) ICSI
- TESI (Testicular Sperm Extraction) ICSI
Conventional ICSI
This is the most common type of ICSI procedure. In conventional ICSI, a single sperm cell of the male is injected into the mature egg of a female by using a specialized tool. This technique is used when the sperm count is low or it does not have enough movement.
IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)
IMSI is an advanced form of ICSI where a special technique is used to select the healthiest sperm with the best shape. This can improve the chances of successful fertilization.
PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
In PICSI, a sperm is selected that is based on its ability to fertilize an egg and resembles the natural process that occurs in the female reproductive tract. This method helps to choose sperm with better DNA and quality.
Assisted Hatching with ICSI
Sometimes the outer layer of the embryo is thick or hardened which makes it more difficult for the embryo to implant. In assisted hatching a small hole is created in the outer layer to help in the implantation of an embryo.
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) ICSI
In cases where there are severe problems related to male fertility, sperm can be directly obtained from the testicles by using TESA. These sperm are then used for ICSI.
TESI is another method to obtain sperm from the testicles, especially in cases where sperm production is severely impaired due to some disease or other issues.
Procedure of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
The overview of the procedure of ICSI is described below:
- Egg Retrieval: The medications are given to females for the production of eggs and then the doctor removes eggs from the ovaries to perform a procedure on it.
- Sperm Collection: the sperms are collected from the male partner and stored in a freezer.
- Sperm Selection: In the ICSI procedure, a skilled fertility specialist examines the sperm under laboratory conditions and selects a single healthy sperm with good mobility and shape to use in the ICSI procedure.
- Injection: The healthy sperm is carefully injected directly into the center of a single egg by using a tiny needle This is done to confirm the fertilization.
- Incubation: The fertilized egg is placed in a special incubator. It grows and develops after a few days.
- Embryo Transfer: After a few days, one or more healthy embryos are selected for transfer into the uterus of females.
- Pregnancy Test: About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to check if pregnancy has occurred.
Cost of ICSI Procedure in India
The cost of the ICSI procedure in India ranges from 1980 USD to 2507 USD. The cost can vary according to the number of procedures performed to achieve the success of the procedure. The cost can also vary according to the complications of an individual and the use of medications before the procedure.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection : 1731 USD - 2308 USD
- Culture and Transfer : 149 USD - 198 USD
Indications of ICSI Procedure
Some of the indications where the ICSI procedure can be useful are as follows:
- Male factor infertility
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm morphology
- Previous IVF or fertilization failure
- Unexplained infertility
- Frozen sperm from prior fertility preservation
- Use of surgically retrieved sperm (TESA, PESA, TESI)
- Immunological infertility factors
- In cases of severe male infertility
- Unresponsiveness to other treatments
- Poor structure of sperm
Risk Factors of ICSI Procedure
Some of the risk factors that are associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection are as follows:
Multiple Pregnancy
When multiple eggs are fertilized during ICSI, it may increase the risk of multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets. It can increase the risks to health for both the mother and the babies.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
In some cases, medications are used to stimulate egg production which can lead to OHSS which is a condition of enlarged ovaries, abdominal discomfort, and fluid buildup in the body.
Ectopic Pregnancy
ICSI increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy which is a condition where embryo implants outside the uterus. It can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Birth Defects
Some studies have suggested that there is a slightly increased risk of birth defects in children conceived through assisted technologies including ICSI. However, the overall risk remains relatively low.
Risk of Genetic Abnormalities
ICSI procedure can transform genetic conditions from parents to a child. However, ICSI can be a risk of genetic abnormalities.
Emotional and Psychological Stress
The emotional and psychological stress of fertility treatments like ICSI can be a challenge for couples that can lead to anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
Financial Burden
Fertility treatments including ICSI can be expensive and may place a financial burden on couples.
Ovarian Torsion
In rare cases, twisting of the ovary can occur as a result of enlarged ovaries from fertility medications.
Infection
There is a risk of infection during the procedure of ICSI. The infection can spread anywhere in the body and cause complications.
11/20/2023
