ICSI Treatment (Microinjection Method)

Microinjection method, also called ICSI treatment, is among the most frequently used assisted reproductive techniques. It is possible to perform IVF treatment using two different fertilization methods; IVF, which is the classical method, and microinjection. The classical (IVF) method, is applied in the laboratory, where a large number of sperm are placed around the egg, and one of the sperm is expected to fertilize the egg cell. In microinjection, or ICSI method, the sperm is placed inside the egg. For this reason, ICSI treatment is usually applied in male-induced infertility problems where embryo formation cannot occur unless there is additional intervention to the sperm and egg.

What is ICSI Treatment?

ICSI treatment is widely used to ensure fertilization. The microinjection method, in its simplest form, is performed by placing the sperm into the egg. Since a selected sperm cell is injected directly into the egg cell with the help of a needle and microscope, the sperm is not expected to cling to the egg shell and pass through the shell and enter the egg. This is also a factor that increases the likelihood of fertilization.

Who is ICSI Treatment for?

Male infertility can have different causes. In male infertility caused by low sperm motility or number or defective morphology, the sperm cannot fertilize the egg naturally. In this case, the micro-injection method can be applied. Within the scope of IVF treatment, microinjection method is an insemination method that can be used in cases such as very low sperm count, no sperm in the semen (azoospermia) and all sperms are immobile (total immotile).

One of the main criteria when determining which fertilization technique will be used is the sperm count. Even one or two sperm may be sufficient for microinjection. In ICSI treatment, sperm cells that do not have the motility to reach the membrane of the egg cell or have deformities that prevent natural fertilization can be used. In addition, this method provides the advantage of choosing the best and highest quality sperm.

ICSI treatment can be used in cases where the egg cell thickens or becomes too hard to prevent the passage of sperm, even if there is no problem with the sperm. Microinjection method can be used to increase the probability of fertilization in women whose egg number has decreased due to aging.

How is ICSI Treatment done?

The first step in patients who will be treated with microinjection is to start drug therapy that will enable more eggs to be obtained by stimulating the ovaries of the woman. The eggs that reach the desired maturity with these drugs are then collected. At this stage, sperm is taken simultaneously. If there is no sperm to be collected or the sperm cannot be retrieved for various reasons, a surgical procedure called Micro TESE is done to collect sperm.