Full Form of ICSI

ICSI stands for  Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is an advanced fertility treatment used in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. This technique is often used in cases of male infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility. 

ICSI significantly improves the chances of fertilization compared to traditional IVF, especially in cases of severe male infertility. This technique is beneficial when using frozen sperm, as it ensures that even non-motile or weak sperm can still fertilize an egg.

Benefits of ICSI?

• ICSI enhances fertilization rates by directly injecting sperm into the egg, increasing the chances of conception. This is especially useful for couples facing severe male infertility issues.
  
  

• It allows men with low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape to achieve biological parenthood. Even a single viable sperm can be used for fertilization.
  
  

• This technique is effective for couples using frozen sperm, ensuring fertilization even when the sperm quality is compromised. It is also beneficial in cases of surgically retrieved sperm.
  
  

• ICSI helps overcome fertilization barriers in previous failed IVF attempts, offering hope to couples struggling with unsuccessful treatments. It maximizes the chances of embryo development.
  
  

• The method supports genetic testing by creating embryos that can be screened for inherited disorders. This helps in selecting healthy embryos for implantation, reducing genetic risks.

Evolution of ICSI

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) was first successfully performed in 1992 by Gianpiero Palermo and his team at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium. This breakthrough came as a significant advancement in assisted reproductive technology, particularly for cases of severe male infertility. 

Before ICSI, couples with very low sperm count or poor sperm motility had limited options for conception. The technique revolutionized In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) by allowing even a single sperm to fertilize an egg, greatly improving success rates. Over the years, ICSI has become one of the most widely used fertility treatments, helping millions of couples worldwide achieve parenthood.

Steps Involved in the ICSI Process

1. Ovarian Stimulation – The female partner undergoes hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries, allowing multiple eggs to mature for retrieval.
   
   

2. Egg Retrieval – Once the eggs are ready, they are collected from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration under ultrasound guidance.
   
   

3. Sperm Collection & Preparation – A sperm sample is obtained from the male partner through ejaculation or surgical extraction if necessary. The healthiest and most motile sperm are selected for injection.
   
   

4. Sperm Injection (ICSI) – A single sperm is carefully injected directly into the cytoplasm of each mature egg using a fine microneedle under a specialized microscope.
   
   

5. Fertilization & Embryo Culture – The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored in a lab for a few days to ensure proper development before being selected for transfer.
   
   

6. Embryo Transfer – The best-quality embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus through a simple, painless procedure to establish a pregnancy.
   
   

7. Pregnancy Test – After about two weeks, a blood test is performed to confirm whether implantation was successful and pregnancy has occurred.
   
   

Who Is ICSI Recommended For?

• Severe male infertility with low sperm

• Poor sperm motility or abnormal shape

• Previous failed IVF fertilization attempts

• Using frozen or surgically retrieved sperm

• Genetic testing to prevent inherited disorders

IVF vs ICSI

Both IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) are assisted reproductive techniques, but they differ in the fertilization process. In traditional IVF, sperm and eggs are combined in a lab dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally. In contrast, ICSI involves the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, making it ideal for cases of severe male infertility. While IVF relies on sperm quality and movement for fertilization, ICSI overcomes sperm-related issues, offering a higher success rate in such cases.

Success Rate of ICSI

The success rate of ICSI varies depending on factors like egg quality, sperm health, and the woman’s age. On average, the fertilization rate per injected egg is around 70-80%, but the overall pregnancy success rate ranges from 40-50% per cycle. While ICSI improves fertilization chances, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on embryo quality and implantation.

Risks Involved in ICSI:

• There is a slight risk of egg damage during sperm injection, which may affect fertilization success or embryo quality in some cases.

• The chances of genetic abnormalities may be slightly higher, especially if the underlying cause of male infertility is genetic in nature.

• ICSI may lead to multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred, increasing risks like premature birth and low birth weight.
  
  

Conclusion:

ICSI is a revolutionary fertility treatment that significantly enhances the chances of conception, especially for couples facing severe male infertility. While it carries some risks, its success in overcoming fertilization challenges has made it a widely used technique in assisted reproduction. Refer to Vedantu’s expert-curated NEET Study material to score high in your exam.

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