Top Tips Before ICSI Procedure

What is an Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is one of the methods of treating infertility in couples, especially in cases of male infertility that occur due to poor sperm quality or low sperm count. During this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg outside the uterus in the embryology laboratory and then the embryo is transferred to the uterus. This article will address the most crucial pre-ICSI tips for women and men to help spread awareness and increase the procedure’s success.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) differs from in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm are left to fertilize eggs without any external intervention, while in ICSI, the doctor selects a healthy sperm and injects it into the egg using a needle under a microscope.

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Best ICSI doctor in Egypt:

Our doctors at Sunrise Fertility Center are recognized for their professionalism that quickly builds trust with our patients, as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is the only hope for some couples who are struggling to conceive and experiencing fertility issues, such as male infertility, which is one of the most challenging issues that some couples face in their lives.

At Sunrise Center, we rely on an elite group of the best ICSI and artificial insemination doctors, and the center is proud to be the first center in Egypt to have a smart incubator unit, which allows us to provide the best medical service to our customers.

When do we need ICSI?

Some may wonder when we need to perfrom Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection procedure. The answer is:

• When the man suffers from low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or reduced motility.
• When the woman has a low number of eggs.
• Failed fertilization in previous IVF attempts.
• When the man suffers from ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in detail:

In the following lines, we will discuss the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection procedure in detail and the steps to perform it:

• Pre-ICSI tests:

Before starting the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection procedure, some tests are done for the couple to properly diagnose the causes of infertility and assess the suitability of the procedure for them. The couple is examined to make sure they are free of infectious diseases, and semen analysis is required to check the sperm count, motility, and morphology. The level of female hormones (FSH, LH, AMH) is examined to assess the ovarian reserve and the egg quality. Additionally, an ultrasound examination to examine the ovaries and uterus and make sure the fallopian tubes are intact.

• Ovarian stimulation:

Some treatments are given to stimulate ovulation and egg production. Once the egg reaches the appropriate size, trigger shots are administered to stimulate ovulation and facilitate egg retrieval.

• Egg retrieval:

Mature eggs are retrieved under anesthesia via a small needle attached to an ultrasound machine through the vagina.

• Sperm collection:

If the man can ejaculate and has no issues in providing a sample, the semen sample is given on the same day as the egg retrieval. If the tests indicate that he has erectile, ejaculatory, or vas deferens issues, the sample is collected from the testicle through a small needle, or a simple procedure may be required to take a sample from the testicle and extract the sperm from it.

• Fertilization and embryo development in the laboratory:

At the Sunrise Fertility Center, with the help of the latest laboratory equipment and microscopes, a single motile and morphologically normal sperm is identified and captured through a micropipette. The sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the mature ICSI egg through a special needle with the help of an advanced surgical microscope. After fertilization, the embryo develops from a single cell, which begins to divide and develops into a multicellular embryo in modern multiroom incubators or in a highly advanced time-lapse incubator, in the embryoscope unit.

• Embryo transfer to the uterus:

Once the embryos reach the stage where they can be transferred, they are placed in a thin tubular device and transferred into the uterus through the vaginal canal. This procedure does not require anesthesia. The quality and number of embryos depend on the health and quantity of the eggs and sperm. Sunrise Fertility Center is proud to have one of the highest fertilization success rates among fertility centers in the region.

Decapeptyl injections before ICSI procedure:

Decapeptyl injections before ICSI play a crucial role. They are administered subcutaneously daily at a specific time during the menstrual cycle to control egg production and prevent premature ovulation. This is achieved by inhibiting female hormones, ensuring that ovulation occurs at the time determined by the doctor.

Benefits of ICSI:

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure has several advantages and benefits for the couple:

• ICSI helps couples facing infertility, especially male infertility; it increases the rate of fertilization in cases of low sperm count and motility or erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems.
• Increases the number of fertilized eggs available for transfer to the uterus.
• Increase successful fertilization in the case of natural insemination, such as intrauterine insemination.

Disadvantages of ICSI:

Despite the many advantages of the ICSI procedure, some people are concerned about the disadvantages of the procedure, which include:

• High risk of caesarean delivery.
• Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• Risk of premature birth.
• Increased risk of miscarriage.
• The high cost of the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

Tips a month before ICSI:

The doctor provides several tips for the couple before the ICSI, including specific advice for the month leading up to the procedure, and tips for the man, which include:

• Losing weight before the procedure increases the success rate.
• Take the vitamins prescribed by the doctor, especially folic acid.
• Avoid smoking, and alcohol, and minimize caffeine.
• Avoid stress, because the psychological state affects the results of the procedure.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and avoid sugars and processed foods.
• Avoid violent sports.

Tips for man before ICSI:

Poor sperm quality or abnormalities can lead to ICSI failure or cause miscarriage in women. Therefore, in addition to the previous tips for both spouses, the doctor offers tips for men before the procedure:

• Conduct all the necessary semen analysis tests to identify and address sperm-related issues.
• Avoid ejaculation four days before the procedure to collect a good sample.
• Avoid foods rich in soy, energy drinks, and protein bars, as they affect male fertility.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals.
• Avoid activities that raise the testicle temperature, motorcycles, and placing the laptop on the feet.

Is intercourse allowed before Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

Some couples wonder if intercourse is allowed before ICSI. The answer is that it is okay to have intercourse before the procedure, but contraception should be used. It is recommended that the man use a condom, and it’s preferable to avoid intercourse for four days before the procedure to ensure a good sperm sample.

If you’re facing fertility issues and are considering an ICSI procedure, don’t hesitate to contact Sunrise Fertility Center.