Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection also known as ICSI, is a fertility treatment that has become a commonly used option for couples experiencing difficulties conceiving. This technique can be helpful in overcoming certain types of male infertility issues, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or problems with sperm shape. At London IVF and Genetics Centre, we have seen firsthand how ICSI can make a significant difference for couples struggling with fertility challenges. In this post, we will look into some of the key reasons why ICSI might be recommended, and outline who can benefit most from this treatment.

Understanding ICSI Treatment

ICSI is an advanced fertility treatment primarily used to overcome male fertility issues. As a variation of traditional IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg to achieve fertilisation. This technique is especially beneficial for couples where male infertility is a concern, significantly improving the chances of successful conception. ICSI is widely regarded for its precision and effectiveness, making it a key tool in assisted reproductive technologies. Below we breakdown what ICSI typically involves;

• Sperm Collection: A sperm sample is obtained, either through ejaculation or surgical extraction if necessary.
• Egg Retrieval: The female partner undergoes hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved using a minor procedure.
• Sperm Injection: A single sperm is carefully selected and directly injected into the cytoplasm of each egg.
• Fertilisation Monitoring: The fertilised egg is monitored in a laboratory to ensure it develops into an embryo.
• Embryo Transfer: Once the embryo has developed, it is transferred into the female partner’s uterus, where it can implant and grow.

When is ICSI Used?

ICSI is primarily recommended for cases of male infertility, where traditional methods of fertilisation may not succeed. It helps couples overcome specific sperm related issues that prevent natural conception or hamper the effectiveness of conventional IVF. By bypassing natural barriers to fertilisation, ICSI opens up new possibilities for many couples who might otherwise struggle to conceive. Some of the main fertility issues that lead to the use of ICSI include;

• Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): Men with significantly low sperm counts may not produce enough sperm to achieve fertilisation naturally. In such cases, ICSI enables fertility specialists to select a single, healthy sperm for injection into the egg, greatly improving the chances of conception.
• Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia): When sperm have difficulty moving or swimming towards the egg, ICSI eliminates the need for sperm to travel, ensuring that fertilisation can still take place by injecting sperm directly into the egg.
• Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia): Men with a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm often struggle to conceive naturally. ICSI allows specialists to select the most viable sperm, improving the chances of successful fertilisation despite sperm shape abnormalities.

Benefits of ICSI for Male Infertility

ICSI offers several benefits for couples facing male infertility challenges. This advanced treatment has become a crucial factor in overcoming male fertility issues that previously limited the chances of conception. By directly injecting a single sperm into the egg, ICSI addresses specific obstacles related to sperm quality and quantity. Below we discuss some key benefits of ICSI for male infertility;

Overcoming Severe Male Fertility Issues

ICSI is highly effective for men with severe fertility problems such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. In these cases, traditional methods of fertilisation may not work as the sperm may struggle to reach or penetrate the egg. ICSI bypasses these natural barriers by allowing fertility specialists to choose a healthy sperm and directly inject it into the egg, significantly increasing the chances of fertilisation.

Minimising the Impact of Sperm Quality

ICSI also reduces the effects of poor sperm quality. Whether the sperm has issues with movement, shape, or count, ICSI allows specialists to choose the most viable sperm for fertilisation. This precise method means that even if a man has poor sperm quality, the chance of a successful pregnancy is greatly improved, offering couples hope who might otherwise face significant challenges.

Enabling Conception with Minimal Sperm

ICSI is particularly beneficial for men with conditions like azoospermia, where sperm is either absent or needs to be surgically retrieved from the testes or epididymis. Even in situations where only a few sperm are available, ICSI can make fertilisation possible. This breakthrough means that males who once faced limited options due to extremely low sperm production can still have the opportunity to father a biological child.

Maximising your Chances of a Successful Pregnancy 

At London IVF and Genetics Centre, we are a private fertility clinic with locations in both London and Milton Keynes, we provide a comprehensive range of advanced fertility treatments. Male infertility is often a significant contributor to conception difficulties, and we utilise ICSI in approximately one third of our patients experiencing male factor infertility. 

Before moving forward with any advanced fertility treatments, we conduct thorough male fertility testing to evaluate key factors such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and the presence of anti sperm antibodies. Based on these detailed results, if ICSI is deemed the right approach, we include it as part of a personalised treatment plan tailored to you and your partner. We also offer a range of other advanced fertility treatments such as IVF, ensuring that there are options to suit you and your needs.

At London IVF and Genetics Centre we are committed to working closely with you through your fertility journey, allowing you to make informed decisions throughout the process. To learn more about ICSI or to schedule a private and confidential consultation, contact our team and we will be happy to assist you.