Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)​

ICSI (pronounced ick-see) stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, which involves directly injecting sperm into eggs in the IVF lab. This method is highly effective for severe male infertility cases with poor sperm count or motility, or when sperm is surgically extracted. Additionally, ICSI is used for other conditions like advanced maternal age, endometriosis, and poor ovarian reserve.

What does the ICSI process involve?

ICSI utilizes advanced micromanipulation tools and inverted microscopes to select and pick up individual sperm using a specially designed needle. The needle is then used to inject the sperm into the inner part (cytoplasm) of the egg after carefully penetrating its outer shell and membrane. Typically, this process results in normal fertilization rates of about 75-85% for eggs injected with sperm. Prior to ICSI, the woman undergoes medication stimulation and an egg retrieval procedure to obtain multiple eggs for IVF and ICSI.

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

The distinction between IVF and ICSI lies in the laboratory procedure, while the treatment process for the patient remains unchanged throughout both treatments. From receiving hormonal injections to stimulate egg production to embryo transfer, all steps for the patient remain consistent. The key difference occurs in the lab, where oocytes undergo ICSI instead of traditional IVF fertilization with sperm surrounding the egg.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Who should be treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection?

In the field of reproductive medicine, there is no established standard regarding when to use the ICSI procedure.
Practices vary widely among clinics, with some reserving it for severe male infertility and others employing it routinely. Xenith, recognized as a top IVF center in PCMC, Pune, emphasizes accurate diagnosis before recommending appropriate infertility treatments.

How is ICSI performed?

  • The mature egg is held with a specialized holding pipette.
  • A very delicate, sharp and hollow needle is used to immobilize and pick up a single sperm.
  • This needle is then carefully inserted through the zona (shell of the egg) and into the center (cytoplasm) of the egg.
  • The sperm is injected in the cytoplasm and the needle is removed.
  • The eggs are checked the next morning for evidence of normal fertilization

ICSI has enabled numerous couples to achieve pregnancy when natural conception was not possible. At Xenith, we specialize in state-of-the-art ICSI treatment for infertility in Pune. As the sole single-specialty IVF center, we perform all surgical sperm extractions under high-magnification microscopy, significantly enhancing pregnancy rates for severe male factor infertility. We also offer competitive ICSI treatment pricing in Pune.

Are there any risks associated with ICSI?

The general risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities is 0.8-3%, which can lead to increased miscarriages and developmental issues, especially with advancing maternal age, even in natural conceptions. ICSI adds a slight additional risk of 3-5% to this baseline risk. Our doctors at Xenith will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment with you to help you make an informed decision.

Call us today to book an appointment for the best ICSI treatment in Pune.