Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI has revolutionised the treatment of male infertility. Prior to the first successful ICSI pregnancy in 1992, very little could be offered to couples with severe male factor infertility aside from using donor sperm.
How ICSI Works
Male infertility issues contribute to approximately 50% of infertile couples. Sperm problems include low count, reduced movement (motility), abnormally shaped sperm, and antibodies that make sperm clump together.
While IVF depends on adequate numbers of motile sperm capable of penetrating an egg, ICSI is used as an alternative when insufficient quality or numbers of sperm are present.
The ICSI procedure requires great technical skill in selecting an individual sperm and injecting it into an egg without damage. Once injected, the eggs are cultured in the same way as IVF-generated embryos.
When ICSI is Recommended
Advantages of ICSI
Blastocyst Culture
A blastocyst is an embryo grown for 5-6 days after fertilisation, consisting of more than 100 cells with differentiated functions.
By growing embryos to day 5 in modern media, we can choose the embryo most likely to result in a pregnancy. Many embryos fail to develop beyond day 3, so blastocyst culture helps identify the most viable embryos.
If fertilisation can be achieved by conventional IVF, doing ICSI will not improve the chance of having a baby.
Referral & Appointment Information
As a new or continuing patient of Dr Priya Sivadas, it is required that you have a current referral from your GP or other medical specialist. You must bring this referral with you on the day of your first appointment.
GP Referral
Lasts for 12 months. You can request an indefinite referral for the entire duration of your treatment.
Specialist Referral
Valid for 3 months only and must be updated after this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discuss ICSI with Dr Priya Sivadas
Book a consultation to see if ICSI is right for your fertility treatment.
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