What Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique used in IVF that fertilizes an egg with a pre-selected sperm. ICSI is performed by an embryologist in the laboratory under the guidance of a microscope. This helps to enable fertilization in cases where sperm have a low chance of fertilizing an egg on their own. Even when there are only a few sperm available, an embryologist can select the best sperm and directly insert it into the egg to fertilize it. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has a high success rate, and this procedure has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. Our team, led by Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad, aims to provide top-quality care to help you achieve your goals of parenthood. To learn more about ICSI, contact the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, NY today.
How Does ICSI Work?
During a normal IVF cycle without ICSI at the Center for Human Reproduction, the eggs and sperm are mixed in a petri dish and fertilization occurs spontaneously in the dish. In contrast, in an IVF cycle utilizing ICSI, an embryologist selects the best sperm from a semen sample using a microscope and injects the sperm directly into an egg. After a few days, the fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are transferred into the uterus for pregnancy, just like in a normal IVF cycle without ICSI. An IVF-ICSI cycle is more or less the same experience for the patients in that ovarian stimulation is followed by egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
In some cases, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad may be able to recognize ahead of time that ICSI will be needed based on the results of semen analysis or outcomes of previous IVF cycles. In other cases, it may not be until the day of egg retrieval ICSI is necessary due to poor sperm quality. Some conditions may prevent male partners from providing sperm samples. For instance, men with azoospermia (complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate) cannot produce sperm naturally. In such cases, there are surgical interventions that can retrieve potentially viable sperm directly from the epididymis (a small tube in the scrotum where sperm goes through its maturation process) or testicles. CHR works with a few expert urologists who can perform these micro-procedures. About 85% of azoospermic men can now become fathers of their own biological children this way.
What Are the Benefits of ICSI?
If you or your partner are facing male infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection could offer you several advantages. This advanced procedure involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. Some of the primary benefits include:
- Higher fertilization rates, even with low sperm count
- Enhanced success for sperm with poor motility or morphology
- Viable option for men with prior vasectomies of ejaculation
- Increased chance of pregnancy after previous IVF failures
- Effective treatment option when limited eggs are available after retrieval
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
My journey started in 2018 when I went to another fertility doctor. I went through 3 IUI's which were not successful. Then went through 1 IVF cycle after PGS testing which failed in a miscarriage July of 2018. The doctor then went on saying I should consider donor egg as I was not going to be able to conceive with my own eggs. In looking for a second opinion that November my best friend and I stumbled into a video where Dr. Gliecher was speaking to help women past 35-40 get pregnant with their own eggs. I made a consultation appointment for Dec 5th 218 and Dr G stated I was going to get pregnant with my own egg. He ran tests and modified my treatment to my need. I had a retrieval on 2/3/2019 and transferred on 2/7/2019. I was pronounced pregnant on 2/19/2019 and my CHR miracle was born October of 2019. Today she is 5yrs old and is the most beautiful smart healthy loving kiddo I have been blessed by being her mother.
I have already had multiple rounds of IVF that were not successful. I knew about the office from a famous book about fertility. The consultation with Dr.Barad was the best consultation I have had so far. He is very compassionate, talked to us as human beings and actually tried to get to know us and what we do. Not only that he also explained everything well to us and is very knowledgeable. He was so patient with my many questions and he also addressed my concern about one of my hormones that no other doctor paid attention to, even when I pointed it out to them. He explained the importance of fixing it and how to fix it. I am hopeful as he didn’t rush us into doing another round like other doctors do and wanted to fix my problem first even though I feel like I am on a time crunch. I appreciate his time as he spent almost two hours with us on the consultation and I don’t want to have crazy expectations but I am hopeful. Let’s hope the rest goes well and God is on our side. Thank you Dr.Barad
My husband and I are beyond grateful to the incredible team at the Center of Human Reproduction for helping us achieve the pregnancy of our adorable baby boy. What truly sets this team apart is their personalized approach to each patient and couple. They took the time to understand our unique circumstances, tailoring a plan that was not only effective but also made us feel supported every step of the way. Infinite thanks to Dr. Barad and the team for their expertise and compassionate care, our dream of becoming parents has come true. We wholeheartedly recommend the Center of Human Reproduction to anyone on their fertility journey. Thank you for making our dream a reality!
CHR was the answer to our prayers! They actually made our dream come true! Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, biologists and administrative support for everything!!
I’ve gone to many fertility clinics over the course of 5 years. CHR is without a doubt the best in the business. Their expertise, Dr Barad’s compassion, organization, nurses, billing, phlebotomists are all top notch. I had 0 eggs fertilize elsewhere and 100% fertilization at CHR. If that’s not proof of their protocol and labs quality, then I don’t know what is. You are in great hands with CHR.
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Who Is A Candidate for ICSI?
ICSI can improve the chance of pregnancy with IVF for couples who meet certain criteria. This procedure is ideal for males with a very low sperm count and/or azoospermia, or whose sperm cannot fertilize eggs on their own due to poor morphology (abnormal shape) or poor motility. It is also suitable for males who have had a vasectomy and need sperm collected from the epididymis or testicles and for those with ejaculation issues caused by various medical conditions. ICSI could also be an ideal option for couples whose previous IVF attempts failed due to poor fertilization or for couples who only have a few eggs available after retrieval due to diminished ovarian reserve. ICSI can achieve fertilization for many men as long as they have sperm somewhere in the reproductive tract. In cases of severe male-factor infertility, ICSI is generally a more attractive option than other treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), which has been found to be mostly ineffective.
Why Choose CHR for ICSI?
The Center for Human Reproduction stands out for its exceptional expertise and individualized care for couples considering ICSI. Led by Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad, the center offers innovative techniques and high success rates in addressing male infertility. With a commitment to customized treatment plans, CHR aims to ensure each patient receives the best possible care. Choose CHR for a comprehensive approach and proven success in helping couples achieve their dream of becoming parents, especially when other standard approaches have failed.