Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Infertility During the Holidays
The holidays can be emotional, especially if you’ve been struggling with infertility. Here are some ways you can prioritize your well-being.
When to consider Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Overview of Infertility
Infertility, defined as being unable to become pregnant even though you have unprotected sex frequently for at least a year, affects 10-15 percent of couples in this country.
Although most couples will eventually succeed in becoming pregnant with or without treatment, for those who don’t, there exist many safe and effective assisted reproductive treatments (ART) that improve the chances significantly.
ART covers a broad spectrum of procedures, depending on the cause of infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one of many.
WHAT IS INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), most commonly used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), is an assisted reproductive technique (ART) developed in 1993 for the treatment of male infertility.
A procedure in which a sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization, ICSI is used for specific male infertility issues.
If sperm isn’t the cause of the infertility, IVF is likely to be recommended instead.
WHEN IS INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) USED?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is frequently used when there are problems of quality or number with the male’s semen or if fertilization attempts during prior in vitro fertilization cycles have failed.
Defective sperm is one of the single most common causes of infertility. When male fertility problems reduce the chances that healthy sperm can penetrate the egg’s outer surface, inserting the sperm manually improves the odds significantly. Male obstacles to successful fertilization include:
- Malformed sperm
- Low sperm count
- Sperm immobility (slow or abnormal movement)
- Reproductive tract blockage
- Sperm difficulty attaching to egg
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI)?
The first step in intracytoplasmic sperm injection is gathering a sample of the male’s sperm through masturbation at the physician’s office or home, frozen and prepared when thawed. Sperm may also be collected surgically through a small incision in the testicle, a painless and short procedure.
The next step is the preparation of sperm by “washing,” a process which separates quality sperm from the less desirable and produces a highly concentrated sample, improving the probability of fertilization.
After the egg (s) is prepared, the readied sperm is carefully injected with a small needle, a delicate technique called micromanipulation requiring skill, training, and experience to avoid damage.
After injection, the fertilized egg is observed for signs of development; once confirmed, the embryo is transferred to the uterus for implantation and growth.
DOES INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
As with any procedure, problems may emerge during ICSI procedures, many related to IVF. Potential issues include:
- Damage to egg
- Failure of embryo growth after fertilization
- Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), swollen and painful ovaries caused by an excess of hormone medication in the system
- Multiple pregnancy
- A possible increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities
Contact your local URA clinic in Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken, and Wayne, NJ for more information. Your friendly URA team will be happy to provide more details on intracytoplasmic sperm injection and discuss treatment options.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How to Talk About Infertility With Family and Friends During Gatherings
If you or someone in your family or friends circle is struggling with infertility, gatherings can be times of anxiety because of invasive questions or unwanted advice. We offer some guidance in this blog post.
What Is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?
If you’re looking for solutions to infertility, you may be recommended for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). But what’s the difference? Keep reading to find out.
Can I Get Pregnant If I Have PCOS?
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can impact your fertility, making it difficult to get pregnant. Here’s what you need to know.
What Can I Expect Before, During, and After the Egg Harvesting Procedure?
Do you need to harvest your eggs to freeze them or before beginning a round of IVF? Here’s a breakdown of the procedure to help you be informed before you start the process. Keep reading.
I've Had Multiple Miscarriages: Should I Stop Trying?
A miscarriage is devastating, and multiple miscarriages only expand and prolong your grief. Should you give up, or should you keep trying for a baby? Keep reading for some answers.