ICSI

Today, reproductive medicine has made a huge step forward. Modern technologies make it possible to achieve pregnancy even in cases where natural fertilization seems impossible. One of these revolutionary achievements is the ICSI method. This is an assisted reproductive technology that helps to overcome even the most difficult cases of infertility and increases the chances of successful conception within the IVF program.

Fertilization by ICSI method

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an artificial insemination technique that involves the injection of a single, specially selected sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using an ultra-thin glass needle under a microscope. This makes it possible to achieve pregnancy even in cases where there are very few sperm or they are inactive.

The ICSI procedure is carried out as part of an IVF cycle, but with the difference that conventional artificial insemination involves in vitro fertilization (in a test tube), where male gametes independently fertilize a female germ cell. But ICSI fertilization is performed manually by an embryologist. This technology becomes a real salvation for men with severe forms of infertility, because only one healthy sperm is enough for the procedure. This makes it possible to have a child even in cases where there are practically no viable cells in the ejaculate or sperm cannot overcome the protective membrane of the eggs due to low motility, morphological defects or other disorders.

Scientific research confirms that ICSI is a safe and effective method that minimizes the risk of genetic pathologies in the fetus and ensures a consistently high percentage of pregnancy. It guarantees the maximum use of the potential of each egg and is effective even when attempts at classical in vitro fertilization have failed.

Contents

Indications for the procedure:

The ICSI procedure in reproductive clinics may be recommended in the following cases:

  • low sperm concentration;
  • poor or no sperm motility;
  • high percentage of pathological forms of spermatozoa;
  • unsuccessful IVF attempts in the past;
  • immunological factor of infertility;
  • use of cryopreserved or donor sperm;
  • obtaining spermatozoa surgically (testicular biopsy).

Thus, the ICSI method is the optimal solution for couples where the male factor is the main cause of infertility. However, in recent years, ICSI has also been used in women of older reproductive age, when the quality of eggs deteriorates, ovulation is impaired, and the ovarian reserve is reduced. In addition, the technology can be prescribed in cases where problems with the permeability of the egg membrane have been identified (sperm cannot overcome the membrane on their own due to thickening or high density) or when a couple wants to minimize the risk of genetic abnormalities and use the highest quality germ cells.

Doctors may also recommend ICSI in the case of so-called "unexplained infertility" - when both partners have normal test results, but fertility treatment does not work and pregnancy does not occur. In such situations, micromanipulation technology allows you to bypass possible hidden fertilization problems that are difficult to detect using standard methods.

Also, this assisted reproductive technology allows couples to avoid using donor material in cases where it is possible to take at least one sperm from a man for fertilization. This allows preserving the genetic connection of the unborn child with both parents, which is an extremely important psychological aspect for many families.

Advantages of ICSI fertilization

ICSI IVF has many advantages that make this method the most promising among other assisted reproductive technology programs:

  1. High efficiency - the fertilization rate of eggs reaches 95%, which is significantly higher than with traditional IVF.
  2. Solution for male infertility - even the presence of only one live sperm in a man makes it possible for a couple to have a child.
  3. Suitable for the most complex or uncertain causes of infertility in a couple - the method demonstrates high results even when other methods of fertilization have proven ineffective.
  4. Controlled process - all stages, from sampling to transfer to the uterus, are carried out under the supervision of a specialist, which eliminates any accident.
  5. Modern technology - certified advanced equipment is used in the IVMED clinic during the ICSI procedure.

Another advantage is the possibility of using frozen sperm or eggs without reducing the chances of success. This opens up additional prospects for couples who plan to postpone pregnancy or are undergoing treatment that is incompatible with conception.

Thanks to this, the use of ICSI gives consistently high pregnancy rates even in patients who have not been able to get pregnant for a long time.

Preparation and/or course of the procedure

How the ICSI procedure is performed at the IVMED clinic

In our ICSI clinic, the procedure is performed in several successive stages, each of which is important for the final result. IVMED doctors always follow international protocols, thereby guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of the method. Each couple receives a personal coordinator who accompanies patients at all stages of the program. This approach helps to avoid stress and also ensures transparency of the process, because the couple understands what is happening at every step.

Preparation for the procedure

Before starting the program, a reproductive specialist consults with the patient and performs a complete diagnosis: semen analysis, hormonal tests, ultrasound, etc. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the ejaculate. Based on the results, the doctor draws up an individual treatment plan.

In addition, both partners are screened for sexually transmitted infections and tested for compatibility. This helps to avoid complications and guarantees the best conditions for the future embryo.

A woman may be prescribed ovulation stimulation to obtain a higher number of mature eggs than during the natural ovulation cycle. For this purpose, modern protocols are used that minimize the hormonal load on the woman's body but allow for high-quality eggs. During this period, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition, physical activity, vitamin intake, and avoid stress.

Obtaining eggs

After the stimulation, when the follicles reach the desired size, an ovarian puncture is performed, a minimally invasive procedure during which eggs are taken from the follicles. The procedure lasts about 15-20 minutes and is performed under short-term anesthesia. The obtained eggs are transferred to the laboratory, where they are evaluated according to their maturity.

Sperm selection

The embryologist analyzes the sperm sample under a microscope and selects the highest quality sperm with the correct morphology - motile, with the perfect head and tail shape. It will become a "candidate" for fertilization. If spermatozoa were obtained by the PESA TESA or TESE method (sampling from the testicle or its epididymis), special preparation is performed - the material is cleaned of plasma and non-viable cells, selecting the best gamete from them.

Introduction of spermatozoa

This is the most crucial stage of IVF with ICSI. Using a microneedle, the embryologist injects the sperm directly into the egg. The process takes place with micron precision and is monitored under a microscope with multiple magnification, so the possibility of error is excluded.

Cultivation of embryos

After fertilization, the eggs are transferred to special incubators, where conditions are created that are as close as possible to the natural fallopian tubes. There they develop for five days. Embryologists closely monitor the development of embryos, choosing the most promising ones for embryo transfer.

Embryo transfer

One or more of the highest quality embryos are transferred into the woman's uterine cavity. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia. After that, the most important stage begins - waiting for the implantation of the embryo. The patient is provided with full informational support, prescribed appropriate therapy and monitored until the pregnancy is confirmed. The test is performed 2 weeks after the embryo transfer.

Features and interesting facts

IVF by ICSI: the price of ICSI in Kyiv

The cost of the procedure depends on various factors: the complexity of the case, the number of necessary examinations, the condition of the sperm and eggs, the need to use donor material or additional procedures (preimplantation genetic testing, cryopreservation, multiple embryo transfer).

At the IVMED clinic, the price starts at about UAH 50,000. However, the exact cost of ICSI can be found out after consultation with a doctor, since each program is made individually. Specialists help you choose the best option, taking into account all the medical and financial capabilities of patients. Couples also receive detailed information about the stages of the program and a forecast of the results.

Efficiency and success of ICSI (ICSI)

The effectiveness of the method depends on many factors, such as the woman's age, the quality of eggs and sperm, the condition of the endometrium, etc. However, ICSI IVF demonstrates one of the highest success rates among all reproductive technologies - up to 95% of fertilized eggs form viable embryos.

The high efficiency of the method is explained:

  • careful selection of material (both eggs and sperm);
  • intracytoplasmic injection of the sperm ensures its guaranteed penetration into the oocyte;
  • optimal cultivation conditions that mimic the natural environment;
  • the possibility of additional testing of embryos before they are implanted.

Testimonials from patients who have undergone ICSI speak for themselves: after years of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, this procedure has become a decisive step on the way to having a child. According to international studies, more than 70% of women become pregnant after the first or second attempt. But an important success factor is not only the technical perfection of the method, but also the proper preparation of the woman's body.

Why you need to visit IVMED clinic

The IVMED fertility clinic in Kyiv is one of the leading reproductive medicine centers in Ukraine, which uses advanced technologies, high-precision equipment, and personalized programs for each patient. The clinic adheres to international standards and protocols, and implements programs with genetic diagnosis of embryos. This helps prevent hereditary diseases and ensure the birth of a healthy child.

A modern laboratory, comfortable conditions and professional support create the most favorable environment for achieving the desired result. Each stage is performed under the supervision of several specialists, which eliminates the risk of errors. And the use of the latest equipment allows us to work at the cellular level with maximum accuracy.

It's worth noting that the process of infertility treatment is often associated with a great deal of emotional stress. That is why patients at the center can count on psychological support to help them overcome anxiety and tune in to a positive outcome.
When patients come to IVMED for ICSI, they receive not just a medical service, but a team that accompanies them step by step to the main goal of life - the birth of a desired, healthy child.

 

All procedures

Sign up for a consultation

Leave your contact information and our consultant will call you back and select the most convenient time, date, and doctor for a visit or online consultation.

Ваше ім'я *
Телефон *
Email
Оберіть місто

Why choose IVMED?

A team of experienced professionals
Clinical practice of leading specialists for over 20 years. We have helped more than 10,000 couples become parents. We have experience in solving the most difficult cases of infertility.
Individual programs for everyone
Diagnostic tests, the choice of treatment, medications, programs - everything is adapted to your individual indicators and circumstances.
Legality and complete confidentiality
The clinic operates in compliance with all applicable laws. We guarantee anonymity and medical confidentiality.
Modern genetic laboratory
Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies from a single gene to the whole genome. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of 24 embryo chromosomes by NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) with an accuracy of 99.99%.
Advanced embryology laboratory
All assisted reproductive technologies that exist in the world are used in the clinic's embryology laboratory.
Individual programs for everyone

Diagnostic tests, the choice of treatment, medications, programs - everything is adapted to your individual indicators and circumstances.

Certificates and security

The clinic has been registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The clinic is certified according to the international quality management standard ISO 9001: 2015.

IVF-ID. Ukraine's first electronic system for protecting patient data and biological material.

Doctors of the IVMED clinic

Galina Strelko
medical director, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences
Strelko
Work experience: more than 25 years
Veranika Ulanova
Head of the medical and diagnostic department, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category
ulanova
Work experience: more than 21 years
Karolina Parpaley

obstetrician-gynecologist of the first category

parpalej-1-1-min
Work experience: more than 16 years
Liliia Makarenko

obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category

макаренко
Work experience: more than 14 years
Olga Pranova

obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category

пранова
Work experience: more than 26 years
Yulia Buldygina
Endocrinologist of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences
buldigina
Work experience: more than 32 years
Залиште контактні дані, і ми скоро зв'яжемось з вами, аби погодити лікаря, час, та дату запису
Ваше ім'я *
Телефон *
Email
Оберіть місто
Залиште контактні дані, і ми скоро зв'яжемось з вами!
Ваше ім'я *
Телефон *
Email
Оберіть місто
Leave your contact information and we will contact you shortly to agree on a doctor, time, and date of the appointment
Ваше ім'я *
Телефон *
Email
Оберіть місто
Leave your contact details and we will get back to you soon!
Ваше ім'я *
Телефон *
Email
Оберіть місто

By clicking, you accept the terms and conditions
“Consent to the collection and processing of personal data”