The injection to inject sperm directly into an egg is called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This technique is a specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) used to treat infertility.
Understanding Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI involves a laboratory procedure where a single, live sperm is injected directly into an egg. This is done to create an embryo, which is a fertilized egg.
Key Aspects of ICSI:
- Direct Injection: Unlike traditional IVF where sperm and egg are mixed in a dish and fertilization occurs naturally, ICSI bypasses this process by injecting the sperm directly.
- Treatment for Infertility: ICSI is a key treatment option for couples facing male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
- Laboratory Procedure: The entire process, from sperm injection to embryo development, occurs in a controlled laboratory setting.
- Embryo Creation: The ultimate goal of ICSI is to create a viable embryo that can then be transferred to the uterus, potentially leading to pregnancy.
ICSI Procedure Steps
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from the female partner (or donor) through a minor surgical procedure.
- Sperm Selection: A single, healthy sperm is selected for injection.
- Sperm Injection: Using a fine needle, the selected sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm (inner part) of the egg.
- Fertilization Monitoring: The egg is monitored for signs of fertilization and embryo development.
- Embryo Transfer: The resulting embryo is transferred to the woman's uterus.
Example Scenario
Imagine a couple struggling to conceive due to the male partner having a very low sperm count. ICSI offers a solution by allowing doctors to select and inject the few healthy sperm available directly into the eggs, vastly increasing the chances of fertilization.
