ICSI is a specialized technique used in conjunction with IVF. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
When is ICSI Recommended?
ICSI may be a beneficial option in several situations, including:
Ejaculatory Dysfunction: Men who are unable to ejaculate may benefit from ICSI.
Obstructions in the Male Reproductive Tract: Blockages that hinder the passage of sperm can be circumvented with ICSI.
Low Sperm Count: Men with a low sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter) may opt for ICSI. Low sperm counts can arise from various factors, such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, or lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol intake, or obesity.
Suboptimal Sperm Quality: ICSI can be useful when sperm quality is compromised. This includes issues with sperm movement (motility), shape (morphology), viability (percentage of live sperm), or semen volume. Sperm quality can be affected by age, varicoceles, infections, hormonal imbalances, or genetic conditions.
Retrograde Ejaculation: In this condition, semen flows backward into the bladder instead of exiting the penis. ICSI can be used to retrieve sperm from the bladder.
Previous IVF Failures: If traditional IVF has not resulted in embryo formation, ICSI may be considered.
Advanced Maternal Age: Women over the age of 35 may be offered ICSI as part of their IVF treatment.
Use of Frozen Eggs or Sperm: ICSI is commonly used when conceiving with previously frozen (cryopreserved) eggs or sperm.
