Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to inject one selected sperm directly into an egg.
Male Infertility
icsi In many infertile or subfertile couples, the sperm may not be as effective as they should be (Male Infertility). ICSI can achieve fertilization when a man has low sperm count, poor sperm morphology (shape), motility (movement), or the sperm have trouble attaching to the egg. It can also be used if there is a blockage that prevents the sperm from getting out, in which case a testicular biopsy is performed, and testicular sperm are used.
Patients may also opt for ICSI when the male partner has variable sperm counts, there is unexplained male infertility, or the couple has failed previous attempts at IVF.
The eggs may be fertilized conventionally by placing them in a dish with sperm and waiting for a sperm to enter each egg. Two to five days after fertilization, the embryos will be inserted in the uterus. In total, it takes about four to six weeks to complete one cycle of ICSI.
At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we prefer to provide ICSI for all patients to minimize issues from poor sperm performance.
What causes infertility in men?
Male Infertility can be caused by different factors and is typically evaluated by a semen analysis.
Varicoceles, a condition in which the veins on a man’s testicles are large and cause them to overheat.
Medical conditions or exposures such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, trauma, infection, testicular failure, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
Unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol use, testosterone supplementation, smoking, anabolic steroid use, and illicit drug use.
Environmental toxins including exposure to pesticides and lead.
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