Indications for ICSI

What is ICSI and when is it used?

In what cases is ICSI recommended as part of IVF and how does it contribute to increasing the chances of success? Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( ICSI ) is a fertilization method in which a selected male sperm is injected into a woman's egg in the laboratory.

The procedure is performed by an embryologist using micro-instruments and a microscope with multiple magnifications. The sperm is selected based on the following morphological criteria:

• motility,
• correct head shape,
• absence of visible defects.

After selection, the sperm is held using a micro-needle and carefully inserted into the cytoplasm of the egg, significantly increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Main indications for ICSI

ICSI is used as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program and is recommended in the following cases:

male infertility

• Spermogram abnormalities:
  • azoospermia (absence of sperm in the ejaculate);
  • oligozoospermia (low sperm concentration);
  • asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility);
  • teratozoospermia (high number of sperm with morphological defects);
  • combinations of these disorders.
• Ejaculation dysfunction (for example, retrograde ejaculation).
• Presence of anti-sperm antibodies that prevent fertilization.
• Abnormal sperm acrosome reaction (inability to penetrate the egg).

Female infertility factor

• Decreased ovarian reserve, resulting in a low number of obtained oocytes.
• Age over 40 years - with age, the zona pellucida of the oocyte becomes thicker, making natural penetration of sperm more difficult.

Other indications for ICSI

• Failure of IVF attempts in previous cycles:
  • poor embryo quality;
  • need for PIGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) to detect possible abnormalities.
• Use of frozen oocytes and sperm, as the freezing process can reduce their ability to fertilize naturally.
• Unexplained infertility, when, after a thorough examination, the cause of the absence of pregnancy remains unknown.

Use of ICSI in IVF programs

At the Natuvitro clinic, all IVF programs are performed using ICSI, as this method has proven to be very effective in increasing the chances of successful conception. It allows you to

• minimize the risks of fertilization failure;
• increase the chances of successful pregnancy, especially in complex infertility cases;
• ensure a high level of precision and effectiveness of the procedure, even if the quality of sperm or eggs is poor.

Therefore, ICSI is a reliable and effective assisted reproductive method that helps overcome many causes of infertility and significantly increases the likelihood of successful fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.