Procedures -> ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
What is a ICSI?
Performed as a part of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure that aids couples who are struggling to conceive at conception. In the ICSI procedure, an egg’s cytoplasm is directly injected with a single live sperm using a fine needle, enhancing the chances of successful fertilization. The first live birth by ICSI procedure took place in January 1992. Since then, ICSI has proven to overcome most causes of male factor infertility, including unexplained infertility. Of all the cases of infertility, men are solely responsible for 20-30% of such issues and contribute to 50% of patients overall. Infertile men have a limited number of treatable conditions. However, ICSI has proven to be more successful in case of male factor infertility than any other ART procedure. Australian Concept has a team of experienced and renowned specialists in Pakistan who do their best to make your procedure successful.
ICSI Process & Working
As the name suggests, ‘in vitro’ means outside the human body. The IVF process consists of a series of stages. The ovaries are first stimulated to obtain more than one egg per cycle. After about 8-14 days, they are retrieved with a sperm sample. Mainly, in IVF (in vitro fertilization), the eggs and sperm retrieved from the couple are combined in laboratory petri dishes where the sperm fertilizes the egg on its own. The embryos resulting from the fertilization process are monitored for several days, and the highest quality embryo is chosen to be implanted into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. The couple is advised to take a pregnancy test two weeks after the embryo transfer.
Causes of Infertility
For couples unable to conceive or who have failed at IUI, IVF treatment is an opportunity to achieve parenthood. It can also help in diagnosing fertility issues.
Situations for ICSI:Anyone unable to conceive after trying for 12 months can consider ICSI. But when there are no sperm issues present, couples are suggested to go for conventional IVF. However, when sperm issues or other causes of male factor infertility appear, couples are advised to go for ICSI, which has shown successful results.
Combined Male & Female Factors:ICSI can also be advised in case of combined male and female factor infertility. ICSI is considered highly efficient in cases where the cause of infertility includes, in men, poor sperm quality, abnormal sperm, and low sperm count, whereas in women, low egg count, thick eggshells, and unhealthy uterus. In the mentioned cases, ICSI can aid in successful fertilization.
Male
- Low sperm count
- Low testosterone
- Poor sperm motility
- Testicular failure
- Varicose veins
- Health problems
- Age & Life Style
Female
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation disorders
- Premature ovarian failure
- Uterine fibroids
- Blockage of cervix
- Damaged fallopian tube
- Age & Life Style
ICSI Success Factors
Male Infertility Success Rates
ICSI has proven more successful than IVF in the case of male factor infertility. Almost 50-80% of injected eggs result in successful fertilization. At Australian Concept, several patients with male factor infertility and subfertility have successfully achieved pregnancy. However, couples need to remember that, rarely, eggs are not fertilized even when sperm is injected directly into the egg. Once the embryo is placed inside the uterus, the chances of ICSI success are the same as in IVF.
Female Factors & ICSI
Female factors also play an important role in the success of ICSI. Egg quality and the health of the uterus are imperative to conceive, even in ICSI. The chances of successful conception in ICSI are the same as in conventional IVF after the egg is implanted into the uterus.
Lifestyle & Health
Studies have shown that overweight and obesity can lead to infertility or may cause miscarriage. Obese women release certain hormones that directly affect the endometrium and embryo, possibly reducing the chances of ICSI success. To enhance the chances of success with ICSI, the patient must follow a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing the Right ICSI Center
Accreditation and Certifications:
Australian Concept has offered technologically advanced fertility services since 1998. It is ISO-certified. With over 20 years of rich experience in infertility, it has also been awarded the “Best Infertility Center of Pakistan” by Pakistan’s Consumer Association.
Experienced Team:Our team includes highly qualified, internationally trained, and experienced specialists, as well as groomed and compassionate staff who go out and beyond to aid infertile couples in achieving their dream of parenthood. The expertise of our team can be examined from the fact that we have helped numerous couples attain parenthood through ICSI.
Success Rates:Australian Concept is the most successful infertility centre in Pakistan. Our success rate is the highest, with over 15 chains of our clinic all over Pakistan. We have successfully aided over 1000s of infertile couples in achieving parenthood. Our success rate can be analyzed from the success stories shared on our websites.
Facility and Equipment:Australian Concept has Pakistan’s largest network of IVF clinics. We provide international standard facilities and technologically advanced equipment at our clinics without additional costs. Australian Concept is the only IVF clinic in Pakistan using a Multi-Chamber MIRI Time-lapse Incubator. We also provide accommodation and visa assistance to our overseas clients.
Location and Accessibility:Australian Concept is located at a private site, keeping in view the convenience of our patients at 166-A Babar Block, Garden Town, Barkat Market, behind Salaar Centre, Lahore. Contact no. +92-304-111-2229
ICSI Risks and Complications
Although ICSI is a safe process, there are some potential risks and complications, such as, ICSI risks and complications are negligible, and they fade with time
- Miscarriage
- Risk of infertility in infant
- Multiple pregnancies
- Congenital abnormalities in the offspring
- Mild cramps
- Heart problems in offspring
- Mild Development Delay
- Genetic Abnormalities
- Infection (Rare)
- Nausea / Mood swings
Ethical Considerations:
On one hand, ICSI has given hope to infertile couples, but on the other hand, numerous people have shown their concern over whether the procedure is ethically correct. At Australian Concept, embryos are handled with utmost caution. We do gender justice and avoid passing on problems to the next generation. Our specialists ensure that the embryos implanted are as healthy as the ones fertilized in natural pregnancy to alleviate any chance of abnormality.
Cost of ICSI:ICSI is an expensive treatment. Its price ranges from 600k to 800k in Lahore. Considering the high cost of ICSI and the country’s economy, Australian Concept offers its clients flexible payment methods and discount packages. We also provide financial assistance to couples who cannot afford the treatment.
Alternative Option:ICSI is an advanced treatment. Not every infertile couple needs to go for it. It is only recommended in specific cases. Infertility in couples can also be treated through IUI or conventional IVF. The availability of infertility treatment options varies with each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Couples finding it difficult to conceive due to male factor infertility, previously failed at conventional IVF, or struggling to achieve pregnancy due to combined male and female factors are eligible for ICSI.
The cost of ICSI in Lahore ranges from 600k-800k. It may vary depending on certain factors such as medications, tests, the case’s complexity, the specialist’s expertise, etc.
One cycle of ICSI takes about four to six weeks to complete. Stimulation of ovaries takes about 8 to 14 days. Fertilization takes up to 24 hours. Once the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage on day 5 or 6 of embryo development, the highest quality embryo is selected for implantation. Embryo implantation is a simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes to complete. After two weeks of embryo transfer, the patient is advised to take a pregnancy test.
The rate of successful fertilization in ICSI is greater than in conventional IVF. However, after the embryo is implanted in the uterus, the success rate of ICSI and conventional IVF is quite similar.
