Understanding a successful ICSI procedure

Fertility problem is something that is faced by every fourth couple, and figuring this issue out at an early stage is crucial to know the cause and treat it efficiently. This is where the ICSI procedure comes into view. This article is all about an ICSI treatment and procedure that the doctors follow; read it till the end to have a clear understanding of the complete procedure.

What’s the concept behind ICSI treatment?

The head of a man’s sperm must connect to the egg’s exterior before it may fertilise a woman’s egg. Once linked, the sperm makes its way through the egg’s outer layer to the cytoplasm, where fertilisation occurs.

However, for a number of reasons, sperm may be unable to enter the outer layer. The sperm may be unable to swim, or the egg’s outer layer may be thick or difficult to penetrate. In some circumstances, ICSI can be used in conjunction with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to aid in fertilizing the egg. A single male sperm directly enters the cytoplasm of the egg during ICSI treatment.

Successful ICSI procedure

Initially, a woman has to do certain procedures first, and then a couple can go for the ICSI treatment afterward. Basically, women will need to take fertility medicine to increase egg production in the ovaries, just like with normal IVF.

During this period of treatment, the doctor will keep an eye on the eggs’ progress regularly. When the egg is ready to be retrieved, the ICSI treatment is carried out.

Further following ICSI treatment is followed:

●      Step 1: The first step is retrieval

Either the man must generate a sperm sample by ejaculating into a cup, or the sperm must be surgically extracted. The sperm can be extracted in a variety of different methods. The sperm retrieval technique may be conducted sooner in some situations, and the sperm may be frozen. A small needle and ultrasound probe will be used to extract several eggs from the woman’s ovaries.

●      Step 2: Sperm injection into the egg

The semen sample is then cleansed, and a single sperm is extracted. A very small hollow needle is then inserted into an egg. The sperm does not have to swim through the cervical fluid since it is injected immediately. It can take up to 24 hours for sperm to fertilise an egg and form an embryo.

●      Step 3: Keeping an eye on and monitoring the embryo

The fertilised embryos are preserved in a laboratory for up to 6 days after fertilisation. During this stage, they are watched for signs of development and growth. The fertilised embryos will not all be transported to the uterus of the mother. As a result, this phase is critical for selecting the strongest and most viable embryos.

●      Step 4: Procedure of embryo transfer

Either one or a set of embryos are chosen and implanted in the woman’s womb using an ultrasound-guided catheter once the embryo has attained a particular stage of development. This might happen two days after conception or five days afterward.

This is the ICSI procedure that is followed for successful treatment, and it is available everywhere in India; you can easily find one, but it is recommended to consult a doctor first before going for this treatment.