If a semen sample does not fall within the parameters of what is “normal,” physicians might recommend Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI treatment. For couples having difficulty conceiving because of sperm issue, ICSI treatment can help them conceive the baby they always wanted.
Possible Sperm Problems for ICSI Treatment
ICSI treatment might be offered if sperm has certain problems. One is a lowered sperm count in the ejaculate, referred to as oligozoospermia. Another is a large number of abnormally formed sperm, which is called teratzoopemia. Finally, if the movement or progression of the sperm is slow it is called athenzoospermia. These conditions might quality a couple for ICSI treatment as well as couple who had an IVF cycle that did not result in fertilization.
The First Stage of ICSI Treatment
In the first stage of treatment, the woman takes GnRH through injection or a nasal spray. The ovary’s normal activity is temporarily ceased to to ensure ovulation does not happen when the ovaries are stimulated. Some side effects may include mood swings, headaches and hot flashes. This treatment is administered for about two weeks then an ultrasound is done to make sure the woman’s ovaries are not active.
The Second Stage of ICSI Treatment
Once GnRH does its job, FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) are given through injection on a daily basis. A scan is scheduled to see the response to make sure ovaries are stimulated and producing multiple follicles. The drug may make the woman feel bloated or tired.
The Third Stage of ICSI Treatment
Follicle are scanned, counted and measured to make sure they are a certain size and that a mature egg might be present. Egg collection is scheduled and another injection, the human chorionic gonodotriphin (HCG). This helps mature the eggs and release them to the follicles for collection. Usually the injection is done about 36 hours before the procedure is scheduled and no other drugs are typically administered.
The Fourth Stage of ICSI Treatment
The woman is given general anesthetic or sedated to collect the eggs with a vaginal probe, much like the ones used in the scans. It has a needle guide that is passed into each ovary with the guidance of ultrasound. The follicles are drained and checked for eggs. A select sperm is injected into a mature egg, placed in an incubator and checked in a day for fertilization. By the second or third day, embryos are checked for development and often frozen to boost the chance of a successful pregnancy.
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not doctors.
