1.When is ICSI Recommended?

ICSI is often recommended for couples experiencing male infertility factors, such as:

● Low sperm count: If a man has fewer than average sperm in his semen, it can make

natural fertilization more challenging.

● Poor sperm motility: If the sperm have difficulty moving, they may struggle to reach or

penetrate the egg.

● Abnormal sperm shape: Irregularly shaped sperm may find it difficult to fertilize an egg.

● Prior unsuccessful IVF attempts: Couples who have had one or more failed IVF cycles

due to fertilization issues may benefit from ICSI.

● Blocked or damaged reproductive tract: For men who have issues with sperm

delivery due to blockages or previous surgeries, ICSI can bypass these obstacles.

2.How Does ICSI Work?

ICSI involves several key steps, which are typically performed in a laboratory setting as part of

the IVF process:

1. Egg Collection: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature

eggs, which are then retrieved through a minor procedure.

2. Sperm Collection: The man provides a semen sample, which is processed in a lab to

isolate healthy, active sperm. If there is a very low sperm count or blockage, sperm may

be directly retrieved from the testicles through a minor surgical procedure.

3. Injection Process: A single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into the

center of an egg using a very fine needle.

4. Fertilization and Embryo Culture: Once the sperm has been injected, the egg is

placed in an incubator, where it is closely monitored for signs of fertilization. If fertilization

occurs, the fertilized egg is cultured in the lab for several days to allow it to develop.

5. Embryo Transfer: After the embryos have matured, one or more high-quality embryos

are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus. The embryo transfer procedure is

quick and typically pain-free.

6. Pregnancy Test: After a two-week wait, a blood test is performed to confirm whether the

procedure resulted in a pregnancy.

3.Success Rates of ICSI

ICSI has significantly improved the success rates of IVF, especially in cases of male infertility.

The success rates of ICSI depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the quality of

both the sperm and eggs, and the skill of the fertility clinic performing the procedure.

On average, ICSI results in a fertilization rate of around 70–80%, meaning that a majority of

eggs injected with sperm will successfully fertilize. The success rate for achieving a pregnancy

varies, but it is roughly similar to traditional IVF rates, around 40–50% for women under 35.

However, success rates can decline with age, so younger women generally have better

chances.