ICSI Procedure
There are many different options available for couples who want to start a family of their own but have been unable to. Whether the issue is male infertility or female infertility, there are solutions out there that can make a family a reality. One treatment that we offer is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (also known as ICSI). It’s not as commonly known as some other fertility treatments, so we’d like to take a moment to go over the basics of ICSI right now. Rest assured that if you have any questions or concerns, we will be more than happy to address them at our Houston fertility center.
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection refers to a fertility treatment in which a single sperm is microsurgically implanted within an egg.
Why is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) performed?
There are two reasons that intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be performed:
- Poor sperm motility – Sperm motility refers to the ability of a man’s sperm to swim. If a man has poor sperm motility, natural conception is difficult to achieve. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection eliminates that difficulty.
- Issues with the egg – If the outer shell of the egg is especially hard or durable, it can pose issues for fertilization. By using intracytoplasmic sperm injection at our fertility clinic serving Houston, we safely address this problem.
Ideal Candidates for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Ideal candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection are couples that have experienced difficulty conceiving for one year. Men with poor sperm motility and women with issues with the eggs are both ideally helped by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Procedure
After an egg and an individual sperm have been isolated in a lab, the process can begin. Under a microscope, a fertility specialist carefully pierces the outer layer of the egg. The individual sperm is then introduced and released into the egg. Fertilization is then allowed to occur.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Since ICSI helps ensure successful fertilization, it is often used as part of Houston IVF treatment. This eliminates any chances of unsuccessful pregnancy and improves the overall effectiveness of the fertility treatment.
Considering All of Your Options
There are many other options to consider when it comes to starting the family that you have always wanted. These treatment options are able to address male infertility and female infertility.
For further issues with sperm, for instance, sperm donors can be used for fertilization. For further issues with female infertility, egg donors and surrogates can be considered. Egg donors are ideal when a woman does not have viable eggs of her own, and surrogates are ideal for couples who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or other issues. We will be more than happy to go over all available treatment options with you in more detail during your visit.
Schedule a Consultation for Advanced Fertility Treatments
If you would like more information about the many different services we offer, be sure to contact our Houston fertility treatment clinic today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you start the family you have always dreamed of. We will make sure that we answer all of your questions as fully and comprehensively as possible.
