IVF-ICSI
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IVF specialist in Raipur
Expert IVF-ICSI with Dr. Reshu Agarwal
What is IVF-ICSI?
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a procedure where the eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized in the laboratory with sperm. The fertilized eggs (embryos) are then cultured and monitored for healthy development before being transferred into the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This method is particularly beneficial when sperm quality or quantity is low or when previous IVF attempts have failed due to fertilization issues.
When is IVF-ICSI Recommended?
- Male Infertility: When sperm count is low, sperm mobility is poor, or sperm quality is compromised, ICSI ensures that a healthy sperm is selected and injected into the egg, significantly improving the chances of fertilization.
- Previous IVF Failures: If previous IVF cycles have resulted in poor fertilization or no fertilization, ICSI can overcome this barrier.
- Blocked or Missing Vas Deferens: In cases where sperm cannot be naturally ejaculated due to blockages or congenital conditions, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testes or epididymis and used for ICSI.
- Unexplained Infertility: In some cases, the cause of infertility remains unexplained, and ICSI can help improve fertilization rates when other IVF methods have not worked.
IVF-ICSI Procedure: Step-by-Step
Ovarian Stimulation: The female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation with fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than just one. Monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds is done to track the response of the ovaries.
Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are carefully retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called aspiration. This is done under sedation and is minimally invasive.
Sperm Collection and Preparation: On the day of egg retrieval, the male partner provides a sperm sample. In cases of severe male infertility, sperm may be extracted directly from the testes or epididymis using a fine needle.
ICSI – Sperm Injection: In the lab, the embryologist selects the best quality sperm and injects a single sperm directly into each mature egg. This bypasses natural barriers to fertilization and increases the likelihood of successful fertilization.
Embryo Culture and Monitoring: The fertilized eggs are monitored for 2-5 days as they develop into embryos. The embryologist assesses their growth and quality to select the most viable embryos for transfer.
Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus. This procedure is non-invasive and is performed without anesthesia. Any remaining viable embryos may be frozen for future use.
Pregnancy Test: About 10-12 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to confirm if implantation has occurred and if the pregnancy is successful.
Benefits of IVF-ICSI
- Higher Fertilization Rates: IVF-ICSI significantly increases fertilization rates in cases of male infertility or previous IVF failures.
- Precision and Success: By selecting and injecting a healthy sperm directly into an egg, ICSI overcomes many obstacles that can affect fertilization in traditional IVF.
- Tailored Treatment: The combination of IVF and ICSI ensures that treatment is specifically tailored to the couple’s unique needs, improving the chances of conception.
- Embryo Freezing: Surplus embryos that are not used in the fresh cycle can be frozen for future attempts, offering additional opportunities for pregnancy.
Schedule Your Consultation for IVF Treatment
We understand that fertility treatment can be an emotional journey, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our team works closely with each patient to ensure that you receive personalized treatment, based on your medical history, needs, and goals.