ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

9 February 2022
MAP

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique. This technique treats severe cases of infertility by injecting a single spermatozoid inside a woman’s egg with a micropipette.

Let’s check out when a couple can resort to ICSI.

ICSI for Women

ICSI is highly recommended when a woman has one or more of these issues:

  • A low number of oocytes’ production

  • Oocytes with a thick layer

  • Immunological sterility with a reduced number of anti spermatozoid antibodies

  • Failure of the classic IVF treatment

ICSI for Men

ICSI is highly recommended when a man has one or more of these issues:

  • A low number of spermatozoids

  • Flaws on the sperm morphology

  • Problems in the sperm mobility

  • No sperm found on the semen (azoospermia); in this case, the sperm has to be taken directly from the testicle (testicular biopsy)

  • Infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis…

  • Frozen sperm before undergoing chemo or radiotherapy

  • A problem of ejaculation in regular conditions

The figure on the right demonstrates the normalities and abnormalities of a spermatozoid:

Have you ever been through this technique? If yes, you can share with us your experience through the comment section below! If not, would you take the next step to get your first or next baby?