There have been various methods of fertilisation when the natural method fails to take place. Apart from IVF, a method called Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used to induce fertilization. It refers to the sperm being injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg cell to initiate the process of fertilization. This process is done in-vitro. The egg cell is injected with a single sperm in a petri dish with suitable environmental conditions and fertilization has to take place there. There are high chances that this might not work and the fertilization does not take place.
Its process is generally helpful for infertile males. It is advised for to males have-
- Low sperm count
- Inability to ejaculate
- Poor sperm quality
- Blockage in the male reproductive system
- Retrograde ejaculation
Also, it is suggested when IVF fails or when the couple has kept their eggs or sperms frozen for later. The results may not be 100% sure that the pregnancy may take place.
Process for ICSI-
To encourage the release of eggs from the ovaries, the woman must first take fertility medicine. The doctor will keep an eye on the eggs’ development during this period. When the egg is prepared for retrieval, the ICSI process is carried out.
- Step 1- Retrieval
It includes the collection of ejaculated sperms by males and multiple eggs from female ovaries using a fine needle. Frozen sperms and eggs may also be used.
- Step 2- Injection of sperm into an egg
After being recovered, a single sperm is extracted after washing the semen sample. A hollow, extremely thin needle is then used to inject this into an egg directly without having the sperms swim throughout the vaginal tract. An embryo can be produced by a sperm fertilizing an egg up to 24 hours later.
- Step 3- Monitoring the embryo
For up to 6 days, the fertilized embryos are housed in a lab. They are observed for signs of development and growth during this time. Not every fertilized embryo will be placed in the woman’s womb. So, selecting the healthiest and most viable embryos requires this stage.
- Step 4-Embryo to the womb
One or two embryos are chosen and transferred to the woman’s womb using an ultrasound-guided catheter once the embryo reaches a specific stage of development. This could occur two days or five days after conception.
How to increase sperm count by food? –
Foods play an essential role in impacting a person’s reproductive health. It can boost testosterone production, increasing sperm count, sperm quality, and sperm motility. Thus, below are points on how to increase sperm count by food.
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
- Asparagus
- Pumpkin seeds
- Walnuts
- Zinc Rich food and supplements
Frustrated with your inability to conceive naturally? Why get upset when you can get the process of IVF or ICSI started whenever you are ready to plan your own family? Once fertilization occurs, a couple using ICSI with IVF has the same success rate as a couple using standard IVF treatment. Take a chance to find your happiness now.