ICSI Fertility Treatment

This technique allows couples who have struggled with conceiving to become candidates for In Vitro Fertilization. In this article we will explain how.

IVF with ICSI is a specialized technique that directly injects a single sperm into an egg, significantly increasing the chances of successful fertilization. This method is beneficial for couples facing male infertility issues. It works by bypassing many obstacles that prevent natural fertilization.

Our ICSI centers in the USA and Mexico offer this advanced ICSI treatment, helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Our ICSI fertility treatment is a trusted option for those seeking a reliable solution to their fertility challenges.

What is ICSI?

The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a relatively new procedure that allows couples with severe infertility problems to be candidates for In Vitro Fertilization.

ICSI looks for the best quality sperm to achieve pregnancy, without having to resort to donor sperm.

Who is it recommended for?

It is advisable to use this technique when a man’s semen sample presents:

Low sperm count (oligozoospermia):

A significantly low sperm count makes natural conception difficult. It requires specialized ICSI fertility treatment to increase the chances of successful fertilization.

Irregular motility and abnormal morphology (asthenozoospermia or teratozoospermia):

The sperm's ability to swim and penetrate the egg is compromised here. This issue makes IVF with ICSI a preferred option for many couples.

Absence of spermatozoa (azoospermia):

A condition where sperm is absent, making traditional methods unlikely to achieve fertilization.

High fragmentation of sperm DNA:

A condition where the genetic material (DNA) within the sperm is damaged or broken into smaller pieces.

Sperm cells unable to fertilize an egg cell:

ICSI can help by directly injecting a selected sperm cell into the egg, bypassing any barriers to fertilization

ICSI treatment is also an effective alternative for female couples and single women who wish to have a baby 100% of their own. It offers them the opportunity to conceive through advanced reproductive technology at our ICSI center.

How successful is intracytoplasmic sperm injection?

ICSI is a highly effective fertility treatment, especially for couples facing male infertility issues. The success of ICSI largely depends on factors like the quality of the sperm and eggs, the woman’s age, and overall health.

On average, ICSI has a success rate similar to traditional IVF, ranging from 50% to 80%, depending on the specific circumstances. At Ingenes, our ICSI centers in the USA and Mexico are known for their high success rates. We use advanced technology and have a skilled, experienced team.

ICSI is particularly beneficial when the sperm count is low or the sperm has poor motility or abnormal shape. By directly injecting a single sperm into the egg, ICSI dramatically improves the chances of fertilization and helps couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

FAQ

How is ICSI different from IVF?

ICSI differs from traditional IVF primarily in the method of fertilization. In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are combined in a dish, allowing fertilization to occur naturally. However, with ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into the egg using a fine needle. This ICSI treatment is ideal for couples dealing with male infertility issues. At an ICSI center, this approach improves the chances of fertilization, making ICSI fertility treatment an effective solution for many.

How long does ICSI IVF treatment take?

The ICSI IVF treatment process generally takes between 4-6 weeks from start to finish. This timeline includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and the actual ICSI procedure. Following the ICSI treatment, the fertilized embryos are cultured and then transferred to the uterus. After the transfer, a waiting period is about two weeks before a pregnancy test can confirm a successful outcome.

How many eggs are needed for ICSI?

There isn’t a strict number of eggs required, but having 8-5 mature eggs is recommended to increase the chances of successful fertilization. The quality of the eggs is more critical than the quantity. High-quality eggs are more likely to fertilize successfully during the ICSI treatment. ICSI specialists focus on the quality and quantity of eggs to optimize the chances of success in this fertility treatment.

What are the risks associated with ICSI?

While ICSI IVF is generally safe, it does carry some risks. One risk is potential damage to the eggs during the sperm injection process. There’s also a slightly higher chance of genetic abnormalities compared to traditional IVF.Another risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition caused by the hormonal medications used during the treatment. However, these risks are rare and are carefully managed at an ICSI center.

How successful is ICSI first time?

The success of ICSI on the first attempt can vary, with success rates ranging from 50% to 70%, particularly for women under 35 years old. The chances of success with ICSI can decrease with age or if there are more infertility factors. However, the expertise of the ICSI center and the quality of the sperm and eggs play a crucial role in the outcome.

What is the benefit of ICSI in IVF?

The primary benefit of IVF with ICSI is its ability to overcome severe male fertility issues. By injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, ICSI treatment bypasses problems that can prevent fertilization in traditional IVF. This makes ICSI a preferred option for many couples facing these challenges. An ICSI center offers this specialized procedure to improve the likelihood of successful fertilization.

Is ICSI covered by insurance?

Whether ICSI IVF is covered by insurance depends on the policy and location. In some regions, insurance may cover some IVF costs with ICSI. Reviewing your insurance plan details and consulting with your provider to understand the coverage for ICSI treatment is essential. Some ICSI centers offer financial counseling to help patients navigate insurance coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with ICSI fertility treatment.

Can ICSI be done with frozen eggs or sperm?

Yes, ICSI IVF can be successfully performed using frozen eggs or sperm, making ICSI treatment a flexible option for those who have cryopreserved their genetic material. At an ICSI center, the thawed eggs or sperm are carefully handled to ensure the best possible outcome during the IVF with ICSI process. This compatibility with frozen samples adds an extra layer of convenience and possibility to ICSI fertility treatment, especially for those facing time-sensitive situations.

Can ICSI increase the risk of birth defects?

Some studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of birth defects with ICSI IVF compared to traditional IVF. However, most babies born through IVF with ICSI are very healthy. The potential increase in risk is still relatively low, but it should be discussed with your ICSI treatment specialist. The procedure is performed with the highest care standards to minimize risks.

We invite you to explore our Multi-Cycle Programs.

Which include the ICSI technique, taking it to the next level and increasing the chances of having a baby at home by up to 96%.