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Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a technique developed by scientists in the early 90's in Belgium and provides further hope for couples with severe male infertility.

A single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg itself. This differs from the older technique of micro-injection where a number of sperm are injected under the zona pellucida, the outer shell of the egg.

The Wesley IVF Service commenced this treatment in October, 1994 and achieves fertilisation rates of 70-80% with pregnancy rates of up to 30%.

ICSI benefits those couples with severe male infertility who previously could only be assisted by donor insemination. It also assists those couples who have had several IVF attempts with failed fertilisation or who have had one attempt with failed fertilisation where future fertilisation is extremely unlikely.

The ICSI Process

This technique of assisted fertilisation uses highly sophisticated equipment and involves a far more complicated and lengthy process than the usual IVF techniques.

a) The woman undertakes a stimulated IVF cycle which involves stimulation of the ovaries by subcutaneous injections of Puregon/Gonal F for up to 2 weeks. A nasal spray Synarel is also taken during this period. Transvaginal ultrasound scans are performed to assess the maturity of the follicles containing the oocytes (eggs). An injection of Profasi is given to release the eggs, and a Transvaginal Ultrasound egg retrieval is performed 36 hours later. A light anaesthetic is required and the procedure is done in the IVF theatre of the Wesley Hospital.

b) Women can also have a minimal stimulated or Clomid cycle but usually only 2-3 eggs are retrieved.

c) The husband's semen sample is collected on the day of egg retrieval and prepared and the viable sperm isolated and incubated.

d) Cells surrounding the oocytes must be removed before transferring the oocytes to the injection dish.

e) A single sperm is aspirated into the injection pipette which is then introduced into the cytoplasm of the oocyte.

f ) Resultant embryos are then assessed for development and transferred to the woman's uterus or fallopian tubes 1-2 days later, as in a normal IVF cycle.

Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Fact Sheet

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