IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Oocytes (eggs) may be fertilized using one of two techniques: insemination or ICSI.
In conventional insemination, sperm and egg are placed together in culture medium, allowing fertilization to occur via natural sperm-egg interaction, even though it happens outside the body.
Alternatively, fertilization may be achieved using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) a technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an oocyte using a fine glass micropipette under microscopic guidance.
Notably, ICSI was first introduced in Georgia by Lika Chkonia after her return from the United States, leading to the birth of Georgia’s first ICSI-conceived child in 2004. This was a major advancement that marked the beginning of a new era in Medically Assisted Reproduction in the country.
Notably, ICSI was first introduced in Georgia by Lika Chkonia after her return from the United States, leading to the birth of Georgia’s first ICSI-conceived child in 2004. This was a major advancement that marked the beginning of a new era in Medically Assisted Reproduction in the country.
Inside the ICSI Procedure at Reproart
When is ICSI Used?
ICSI could offer benefits over standard insemination in specific cases, such as:
- Abnormal sperm parameters, such as low count, poor motility, or atypical morphology which may reduce the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
- Previous IVF cycles with failed or low fertilization rates using standard insemination.
- Use of surgically retrieved sperm, obtained through testicular aspiration or biopsy (e.g., TESE, PESA).
- Unexplained infertility
Our clinical experience shows that ICSI significantly improves the incidence of fertilization in these cases, thereby leading to more embryos developing.
At What Stage of IVF is ICSI Performed?
ICSI is performed in the embryology laboratory on the same day as the egg retrieval procedure. Once the oocytes are collected, they are examined under a microscope to assess their quality. In parallel, a semen sample is prepared to isolate and select the best sperm for injection.
Using a high-resolution inverted microscope equipped with a micromanipulation system, a single sperm is selected based on its motility and morphology. Once the selected sperm is aspirated into the injection pipette, it is injected directly into a mature egg. This advanced setup allows the embryologist to control the position of both the egg and the injection pipette with extreme precision ensuring safety and accuracy throughout the procedure. Each mature egg is injected with one sperm.
Following ICSI, the fertilized eggs are cultured in a carefully controlled environment and monitored over the next several days as they develop into embryos.
Rescue ICSI
In some cases, fertilization may not occur after conventional IVF. In other cases, none of thel retrieved eggs during IVF are mature. In such cases, Rescue Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (Rescue ICSI) can provide a second opportunity for fertilization.
During Rescue ICSI, unfertilized eggs or eggs matured after several hours post retrieval are injected with carefully selected sperm. This approach can help achieve fertilization in cycles that would otherwise result in no embryos.
At Reproart, the decision to perform Rescue ICSI is made thoughtfully, considering egg maturity, timing, and each patient’s individual circumstances. Our embryologists apply this method only when scientifically and ethically appropriate, combining innovation with responsibility to give every patient the best chance for success.
ICSI or Standard Insemination?
In some cases, standard insemination may be entirely sufficient, while in others, ICSI can greatly enhance the chances of fertilization. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for every patient.
Your reproductive endocrinologist and embryologist will carefully evaluate your test results, medical history, and the characteristics of the eggs and sperm to recommend the most appropriate method.
Success Rates and Expertise at Reproart
The success of ICSI depends on the skill, precision, and training of the embryologist.
At Reproart, our ICSI procedures are performed by highly experienced professionals using advanced micromanipulation systems. As a result, we achieve an average fertilization rate of 80% per injected egg. This rate aligns with the world’s leading IVF laboratories. Your individual success, however, may deviate from this success in association with oocyte and sperm quality issues.
Contact Personal Manager
Make an appointment or request more information. Leave your contact details and our team will get in touch with you!
