ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is primarily used for male factor infertility. For example, the sperm might be abnormally shaped or have motility issues. The process involves injecting a high-quality washed sperm into a matured egg. Studies have found that the pregnancy rate is 24% as of 2019 making it one of the most effective fertility treatments worldwide. In some labs, the rate has also gone up to 80-85%. This means on an average, 8 out of 10 eggs will fertilize normally through ICSI.
Despite ICSI being quite successful in Bangalore, it is important to be aware of a few things. This will help you take informed decisions. Further, it also helps in preparing your mind and body accordingly to cope with the procedures involved. Have a look.
1. Who Can Opt for ICSI?
ICSI is useful for a series of male infertility problems in Bangalore. It can also be used to overcome several other complications. The process is ideal for you in case you have the following issues:
- In case the eggs have not fertilized by the traditional IVF method.
- Frozen eggs are being used for IVF.
- Unexplained infertility in both male and female.
- The sperms are unable to attach or penetrate the egg.
- A blockage in the male reproductive which keeps the sperms from exiting.
- In-vitro matured eggs are being used.
2. Risks with ICSI
Just like any other infertility treatment, ICSI is also comes with a few side effects. For example, it might lead to chromosomal diseases like Down Syndrome. However, this is extremely rare. Studies have also found that it is not due to ICSI but increased maternal age. The child might also have learning and developmental delays. However, there is no conclusive evidence for these.
3. Expenses Involved
The cost is never fixed. It depends on several factors like medications, therapies, age of the mother and the complications involved. Make sure to talk to your doctor before opting for an infertility treatment in Bangalore.
4. How Does ICSI Work?
This procedure is a part of IVF. The sperms undergo a process called ‘washing’. This is done to remove the chemicals from the semen. The most fertile eggs are retrieved meanwhile for insemination after ovarian stimulation. Now, a micropipette is used to push the sperm in the egg centre. This saves it the hassle of travelling to the egg and penetrating it. Once the sperm is injected, the egg is left in a petri dish and examined. The final step is the embryo transfer in the uterus for fertilization.
5. Difference Between ICSI and Non-ICSI Embryos
There seem to be no significant difference between the two in terms of embryo quality or pregnancy rates. Further, there is a common myth that the ICSI/IVF babies are artificial since they are designed in the lab. You should know that the babies are as normal as those born from natural sexual activities between a couple. Talk to your gynecologist and weigh the pros and cons of ICSI beforehand. Get all your questions and concerns answered for a peaceful process.