Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Service Details

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a fertility treatment in which eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body to develop into embryos. The process involves selecting the strongest and most motile sperm, and then using a fine needle to inject a single sperm directly into the egg to facilitate fertilization. The resulting embryos are then cultured in a laboratory before being transferred to the uterus.

 

Procedure Details

1. Egg Stimulation

This process involves administering injectable medication, following the doctor’s evaluation, to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs of the appropriate size. The doctor will first assess the patient's readiness for egg stimulation through an ultrasound examination during the first 2 to 3 days of the menstrual cycle. Following this, the doctor will prescribe the egg stimulation injections and schedule regular ultrasound appointments to monitor follicle growth. Once the eggs have reached the appropriate size, the woman will receive an injection to trigger ovulation, and a date will be set for egg retrieval through the vagina .

2. Egg Retrieval, Fertilization, and Embryo Culturing

Once the eggs have reached the appropriate size as determined by the doctor, on the scheduled day of egg retrieval, the male partner will accompany the female partner to the clinic to provide a semen sample. The eggs and sperm will then be fertilized in the laboratory, where they will develop into embryos. After the embryos reach the blastocyst stage, typically around 5 to 6 days, the treating physician may consider offering preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) based on legal indications as an option for the patient. This test analyzes the embryos for any abnormalities before transferring them into the woman’s uterus, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

3. Endometrial Preparation and Embryo Transfer

The woman will undergo preparation for embryo transfer in the following menstrual cycle by using hormones to ready the endometrial lining. Approximately 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, the woman will have a blood test to check for the pregnancy hormone (HCG).

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves stimulating egg production, retrieving and fertilizing eggs with sperm in a lab, and culturing embryos. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be offered. Embryo transfer follows endometrial preparation, with pregnancy confirmation via blood test.