Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Iran
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is an effective technique for overcoming severe male factor infertility by directly injecting a selected sperm into the egg. Still, it carries potential risks, and its success depends on the quality of the sperm used.
How Does ICSI Work?
During ICSI, a healthy sperm is chosen and injected straight into the cytoplasm of the egg, skipping the egg’s normal fertilization process. In some cases, problems with the sperm could make reproduction impossible. It helps a lot in situations like:
- The low number of sperm
- Sperm not moving well
- Abnormal sperm shape
- It can also be used when fertilization fails with conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IVF vs ICSI: A Comparison Table
| Feature | IVF | ICSI |
| Purpose | Fertilization of egg(s) with sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF) | Overcoming severe male factor infertility during IVF |
| Process | Sperm and eggs are mixed in a dish, allowing sperm to fertilize the eggs naturally | A single, healthy sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg |
| Who it’s for | Couples with various fertility issues (unexplained infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, mild male factor infertility) | Couples with severe male factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology) |
| Fertilization Rate | 60-70% | 70-80% (comparable to normal sperm fertilization) |
| Success Rates (pregnancy/live birth) | Similar to ICSI when using good-quality sperm | Similar to couples with no male factor infertility (if sperm quality is good) |
| Risks | Egg damage during retrieval (minimal), multiple pregnancy | Egg damage during injection (very low risk), slightly increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities (0.8% vs 0.2% with natural conception), the possibility of injecting an abnormal sperm |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than ICSI | It is more expensive than IVF due to the specialized technique |
Choosing Between IVF and ICSI:
Your doctor can figure out the best way to help you by hearing about your situation and diagnosis of infertility. They will have to think about the reason why you can’t have children, the quality of the sperm, and the outcome you desire.
Key Points about ICSI
- ICSI has a fertilization rate of 70-80%, comparable to average sperm fertilization rates. It allows couples with severe male factor infertility to achieve pregnancy and birth rates similar to those with no male factor issues.
- Potential risks of ICSI include egg damage during injection (<5%), increased risk of sex chromosome abnormalities (0.8% vs 0.2% with natural conception), and the possibility of injecting an abnormal sperm, leading to genetic defects or failed embryo development.
- Factors like sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology, vitality, and the source (ejaculated vs surgically retrieved) can impact ICSI success rates and embryo development kinetics.
- ICSI may anticipate zygote kinetics and lead to more blastocysts available for transfer than conventional IVF. However, the underlying causes of male infertility play a crucial role in producing a competent spermatozoon for normal embryonic development.
What to Consider:
As we said above, ICSI can help men who are having trouble getting pregnant, but it doesn’t promise a safe pregnancy. The main reason for impotence can still affect how a baby grows.
So, it’s necessary to Discuss with your doctor:
- Whether ICSI is right for you
- The potential risks and benefits
- How sperm quality might affect success rates
Make an appointment at IranHealthAgency:
You can schedule a consultation at IranHealthAgency to learn more about ICSI and determine whether it’s the right option for you.
