ICSI
Fertilization happens naturally when one sperm from the ejaculate pierces the egg, which is referred to as an oocyte in science and is released throughout the menstrual cycle. To merge with the female gamete, the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida, or oocyte’s shell.
In certain instances, low gamete quality or interaction issues can cause a considerable decrease in gamete production, or physiological deficiencies can cause the process of fertilization to be hindered or even stopped.
Two fundamental methods exist to address these deficiencies in Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART):
- The current state of in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Cytoplasmic injection of sperm (ICSI).
ICSI - The procedure
To get beyond the limitations of conventional IVF, like insufficient gamete interaction and insufficient semen samples, ICSI uses a single sperm injected into the egg. As a result, ICSI has become the most used IVF method. Using an advanced micromanipulation station (which comprises a microscope, microinjectors, and micropipettes), each sperm must be individually selected and rendered immobile. During the microinjection, the egg must be held in place as the sperm is inserted and released inside its inner area. Every oocyte will be checked for indications of a healthy fertilization process the day following the microinjection.
Conventional IVF
The procedure was followed. The contact between the oocytes and sperm is the cornerstone of traditional in vitro fertilization. Each oocyte and the surrounding granulose cells are placed in a drop of culture fluid containing a concentration-controlled sperm suspension after the egg is retrieved. The single sperm should eventually reach the egg and fertilize it as a result of this contact.
Limitations of the technique
The procedure was followed. Conventional IVF is based on the interaction between the sperm and the oocytes that produce eggs. Each oocyte and the surrounding granulose cells are placed in a drop of culture fluid containing a concentration-controlled sperm suspension after the egg is retrieved. The single sperm should eventually reach the egg and fertilize it as a result of this contact.
Who is this for?
Tubal factors, uterine factors, premature ovarian failure, ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, decreased ovarian reserve, and unexplained infertility are all indications for traditional IVF and ICSI. ICSI is especially advised for samples with abnormal semen analysis (most commonly low concentration or motility), instances where there are a restricted number of oocytes accessible, or previous fertilization failures with traditional IVF. As a result, conventional IVF is usually recommended in patients with a good prognosis when the quality of both gametes is not an issue.
