ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that is used primarily for the treatment of severe male infertility.
Here's a brief overview of the process:
1. Sperm Collection:
Sperm can be obtained through ejaculation or directly from the testicles if necessary.
2. Egg Retrieval:
Eggs are collected from the female partner's ovaries.
3. Sperm Injection:
A single sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of each mature egg using a fine needle.
4. Fertilization and Embryo Development:
The injected eggs are monitored for signs of fertilization and subsequent embryo development.
5. Embryo Transfer:
The resulting embryos are transferred into the female partner's uterus with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
ICSI is particularly useful in cases where there is a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. It can also be used when previous IVF cycles have failed to achieve fertilization.