For couples facing certain male-factor infertility or previous unsuccessful fertility treatments, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can be an important assisted reproductive option. Unlike conventional IVF, where sperm and eggs are placed together in a laboratory dish for fertilisation, ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into a mature egg. Patients considering ICSI treatment in Mumbai may benefit from understanding how the procedure works, who may require it, the stages involved and the expertise of the fertility specialist managing the treatment.
At Chembur Fertility Clinic, Dr. Manjushri Kothekar provides fertility consultations and assisted reproductive care based on individual patient requirements.
ICSI is a specialised laboratory technique used as part of an IVF cycle. During the procedure, an embryologist selects a suitable sperm and injects it directly into a mature egg using specialised equipment. Following fertilisation, the resulting embryo can be monitored for development before an embryo transfer is planned according to the treatment protocol.
ICSI may be considered when conventional fertilisation is less likely to succeed. The procedure can be particularly relevant in cases involving significant male-factor infertility, including low sperm count, poor sperm movement or abnormal sperm characteristics. It may also be considered when sperm needs to be surgically retrieved or when previous IVF cycles have resulted in poor or failed fertilisation.
The decision to use ICSI is not identical for every couple. A fertility specialist evaluates the reproductive history of both partners and recommends the most appropriate assisted reproductive technique. For couples considering ICSI treatment in Mumbai, this personalized assessment helps determine whether ICSI or another fertility treatment is better suited to their individual needs.
An ICSI cycle involves several stages. The exact treatment protocol can vary depending on the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, previous treatment history and other clinical factors.
1. Ovarian stimulation:
Medications may be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries so that multiple eggs can develop during a treatment cycle.
2. Monitoring:
Ultrasound examinations and, when required, blood tests help the fertility team monitor follicular development and determine the appropriate timing for egg retrieval.
3. Egg retrieval:
Once the follicles are appropriately developed, the eggs are collected through an egg-retrieval procedure.
4. Sperm preparation:
A semen sample is processed in the laboratory to identify suitable sperm. In selected cases where sperm cannot be obtained through ejaculation, surgical sperm retrieval may be considered.
5. Sperm injection:
During ICSI, a single selected sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using a specialised micromanipulation technique.
6. Embryo development: