ICSI
As is natural, fertilization occurs when a single sperm from the ejaculate penetrates the egg, also known as an oocyte in science, which is released throughout the menstrual cycle. The sperm need to break through the zona pellucida, or oocyte’s shell, in order to fuse with the female gamete.
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. ICSI has consequently emerged as the most used IVF technique. 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 process was adhered to. The basis of conventional IVF is the interaction between the oocytes and the sperm. After the egg is removed, each oocyte and the granulose cells that surround it are put in a drop of culture fluid that has a concentration-controlled sperm suspension in it. This interaction should result in the single sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it.
Limitations of the technique
The process was adhered to. The interaction between the oocytes and the sperm is the basis for conventional IVF. After the egg is removed, each oocyte and the granulose cells that surround it are put in a drop of culture fluid that has a concentration-controlled sperm suspension in it. This interaction should result in the single sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it.
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.
