Do you and your partner struggle with male infertility? If so, you are not alone. 

Millions of couples worldwide suffer from infertility, but the good news is that there are methods available to help them conceive. One such method is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

In this blog article, we will look at ICSI and how it can be used to treat male infertility. We’ll look at what ICSI entails, who it’s appropriate for, and the success rates.

So whether you’re new to fertility treatments or have been trying for a while without success, understanding ICSI could be the key to fulfilling your dream of beginning a family.

Introduction to ICSI

ICSI is a reproductive procedure that includes putting one sperm into an egg. The treatment is done when a man’s sperm count is low or his sperm are unable to fertilize an egg on their own.

ICSI therapy can be done in combination with IVF or as a stand-alone procedure. It is typically used as the first line of therapy for male infertility due to its high success rate.

During ICSI, the doctor will first collect the woman’s eggs. Once collected, the eggs will be put in a laboratory dish and monitored for maturity. When the eggs have matured, they are ready for injection.

The ICSI Doctor will next use a very small needle to inject one sperm into each egg. The eggs will be incubated overnight and tested the next day to see if they were fertilized. If it has, the embryos will be implanted into the woman’s uterus within 3-5 days. 

ICSI is an effective fertility therapy that has helped many couples overcome male infertility and realize their ambition of raising a baby.

Steps Involved in the ICSI Procedure

The ICSI method at any IVF Treatment Center usually consists of three basic steps:

1. Sperm Harvesting: This entails extracting sperm from the male partner by testicular biopsy or ejaculation. The sperm is then purified and ready for injections. 
2. Injecting Sperm Into Eggs: Each egg is injected separately with a very thin needle. 
3. Fertilization: The eggs are incubated overnight to allow fertilization to take place. After fertilization, the eggs are moved to the female partner’s uterus.

Benefits of ICSI for Childless Couples

For childless couples who have been battling with infertility, the ICSI can provide hope.

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a reproductive procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, this direct injection avoids many of the barriers that might hinder couples from conceiving, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility. 

ICSI has assisted many couples who have been unable to conceive using traditional procedures to have the baby they have long desired.

• One of the most important advantages of ICSI is that it considerably boosts your chances of conceiving. According to studies, ICSI can improve your chances of conceiving by up to 60%. For couples who have been dealing with infertility for years, this procedure can be life-saving. 
• Another advantage of ICSI is that you can utilize donor sperm if your spouse cannot produce his own. This can be extremely beneficial for same-sex couples or couples when the male partner’s sperm count is very low. Donor sperm can also be utilized if your partner’s sperm is insufficient to fertilize your eggs. 
• ICSI is also an excellent choice for couples looking to conceive with frozen embryos. This is because injections can help break through the egg’s tight outer covering, allowing the embryo to implant more readily. 

If you and your spouse are contemplating ICSI, you should consult with your doctor about the risks and advantages of the treatment.

While ICSI can help many couples achieve their goal of having a child, it doesn’t come without risks. It is critical to thoroughly consider all choices before determining if this treatment is correct for you. 

Diet & Lifestyle to Maintain Throughout ICSI Treatment

It is vital to have a healthy diet and lifestyle throughout ICSI treatment. This includes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and staying away from processed foods and excessive alcohol usage. 

Patients should also strive to maintain a healthy weight since being overweight or obese might impair the effectiveness of ICSI therapy. 

Additionally, it is critical to prevent stress as much as possible during this period. Stress can reduce hormone levels and sperm quality, making ICSI less successful. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation activities can help you reduce stress. 

The Risks and Side Effects Of ICSI 

While ICSI is typically safe, there are certain risks and complications to be aware of. This includes:

• OHSS: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can develop when the ovaries are stimulated during ICSI. OHSS can lead to stomach discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Severe instances might result in renal damage or blood clots. 

OHSS is more prevalent in women who are overweight, younger, or have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Your doctor can monitor you for indications of OHSS and take precautions to reduce your risk. 

• Infection: There is a low risk of infection at the place where the needle was inserted into the egg. This normally resolves itself, although in rare circumstances, antibiotics may be required. 
• Multiple births: ICSI enhances the likelihood of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.). This might pose health concerns to both the mother and the baby. 
• Birth defects: While most ICSI newborns are healthy, there is a higher chance of birth defects. 

Thus before beginning the treatment, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and potential effects. 

Alternatives To ICSI

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most popular alternative to ICSI. IVF involves removing eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resultant embryos are subsequently placed into the uterus.

ICSI can be done in combination with IVF or as a solo procedure. If you’re thinking about ICSI, be sure to talk to the doctors at Meher Hospital in Dehradun about all of your choices to ensure you get the best treatment plan for you.

Conclusion

ICSI is a sophisticated infertility therapy that aids couples in overcoming male-factor infertility. It includes injecting a single sperm straight into a mature egg, which can be supplemented by donor sperm if necessary.

Because of its accuracy and efficacy, this procedure has helped many couples conceive. If you are experiencing male factor infertility, learning how ICSI works may offer you hope for accomplishing your ambition of becoming a father.

Meher Hospital is Dehradun’s best IVF treatment clinic, specializing in high-quality ICSI treatment and care for childless couples. We’re here to help you achieve your goal of becoming a parent. Come see our ICSI physicians to discuss your problem and get the best answer.