Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Discussion

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a procedure used to enhance in vitro fertilization (IVF). This assisted reproductive technology (ART) increases the likelihood of fertilization. The procedure injects a single sperm straight into a mature egg. Precision is required in the procedure, as the fertilized egg is positioned in fallopian tube of a woman. Microscopes and other micro-tools are used to attain such precision. ICSI is ideal for overcoming severe male infertility issues. ICSI is also a preferred procedure for infertility cases with unidentified causes. It is statistically shown that pregnancy rates are impacted by 30-35% through ICSI procedures.

ICSI is used to ensure highest possible degrees of probability in cases where fertilization cannot occur, due to lows sperm counts. The procedure of ECSI is sequential. These sequences are: Sperm collection; ovulation and egg retrieval; and finally sperm injection and transfer. This is in contrast to the classical method, of 'in vitro fertilization'. The latter procedure adds eggs in a test tube, as such is also called test tube sperm. ICSI procedure initiates by selecting the best test tube sperm. This sperm sample is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg with a micromanipulator.

ICSI is not performed in all IVF treatments. In 40% of couples, without children, the cause of infertility is low sperm count in men. Further sperms of such men can be insufficient or unsuitable to impregnate the woman naturally. Unsuitable sperms indicate a phenomenon during ejaculation. Sperms are not mobile enough to initiate the process of reproduction. In standard IVF procedures, the doctor requires between 50,000 and 100,000 healthy, functioning sperm eggs to perform the operation.

Treatment of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection varies on the basis of doctors' practical inclinations. The treatment cost approximately € 5,000 or more. Insurance coverage usually pays for reproduction treatments. ...