WHEN IS INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) USED?

ICSI is the one of the best options for treating couples with male factor infertility. ICSI is most often used when the male partner has factors preventing ejaculation (and sperm must be retrieved from the epididymis or testicle) or if the sperm sample demonstrates a low count, low motility and/or low morphology.ICSI Denver

The ICSI technique is used to enhance the fertilization phase of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by harvesting and injecting a single sperm directly into the egg, hopefully resulting in fertilization of the egg. The fertilized egg ( i.e. embryo) will then be returned to the uterus, or the fallopian tube, to implant and help the couple achieve pregnancy.

If a sperm sample cannot be obtained for use in an in vitro fertilization cycle by masturbation, the sperm can be be surgically withdrawn from the epididymis or testicles using a small incision/ or needle and used for the ICSI procedure. Sperm aspiration procedures (MESA, TESE, PESA) can be used in men who have had prior vasectomies, failed vasectomy reversals, men with congenital absence of the vas deferens (often due to Cystic fibrosis) and for other causes of a blockage in the male reproductive system. Sperm withdrawn from the testicle may lead to lower egg fertilization rates than ejaculated sperm.

ICSI can also be utilized to improve fertilization rates in couples who have had low or no fertilization of eggs on a prior IVF cycle. Over half of the IVF procedures administered within the United States make use of ICSI during the fertilization stage.

When ICSI is used during a Denver IVF cycle about 70% or more of the good quality eggs will fertilize. This leads to high success rates with IVF in patients with male factor infertility.