How can ICSI help with infertility?

ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a procedure employed in congregation with IVF to help fertilize the egg. In certain cases, it has been observed that the sperm struggles to penetrate the outer layer due to a number of reasons, and it is in these scenarios that ICSI, a process where a single sperm is thwarted into the egg’s cytoplasm, is opted for. ICSI treatment in Bangalore is an advanced, case-specific treatment of fertility in women.

ICSI at work

An egg can be fertilized using any two methods under the branch of IVF:

1. Traditional Fertility Treatment: In this process, close to 50,000 sperms are placed in a laboratory dish next to the egg. Now, it is up to any one of the sperms to make their way into the cytoplasm of the egg.

2. ICSI: In this approach, a device called a micropipette - a tiny, slim needle is thwarted with a single sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg in order to speed up the process.

Who needs ICSI?

ICSI is a highly-advanced, result-driven technique for the treatment of fertility in women. However, it is very case-specific, and the doctor may only recommend it if:

• Your male partner produces lesser sperms as required for artificial insemination

• Sperm mobility is compromised

• Sperm is not attaching to the egg

• Blocked reproductive tract

• Unfertilized eggs

• Eggs are matured when used

• Previously frozen eggs are being used

ICSI success rates

As commonly observed, ICSI success rates vary between 50% to 80%, however, it is imperative for one to know about the risks it may pose:

• Some or majority of the eggs are at risk of damage

• Sperm injection may not necessarily lead to the embryo formation

ICSI and its effect on the baby

Usually ICSI Treatment in Bangalore under the observation and guidance of the best infertility specialist in Bangalore guarantees good success rates, however, it is advisable to be in the know of the effects it can have on the baby’s development. As seen with most infertility cases, chances of a baby’s development being hampered mostly arises out of infertility and not really from the treatment procedures. Hence, the chances of risks in case of ICSI and almost similar as that of IVF treatment, while being on the slightly higher side when pitted against natural conception. In rare cases, certain conditions have been observed:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome

• Angelman Syndrome

• Hypospadias

• Abnormalities in sex chromosomes