ICSI is a specialized IVF technique designed for severe male infertility or cases where standard fertilization has failed. A single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg to facilitate fertilization.
Procedures
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Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): A fine needle extracts sperm from the epididymis, ideal for obstructive azoospermia (e.g., post-vasectomy).
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Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): A small tissue sample is taken from the testicle to retrieve sperm, used for non-obstructive azoospermia.
What to Expect
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Performed under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
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Sperm is processed in our lab for immediate use in ICSI or frozen for future cycles.
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Recovery is quick, with minimal discomfort (1–2 days).
Who It’s For
Men with obstructive azoospermia (e.g., blocked ducts, CBAVD).
Men with non-obstructive azoospermia (e.g., low sperm production).
Couples using donor sperm as a backup option.
Genetic Screening
Men with CBAVD should be tested for cystic fibrosis gene mutations, as this condition is linked. If the female partner is a carrier, PGT-M can screen embryos to prevent passing the condition to offspring.
Risks
Minor risks include infection, bleeding, or discomfort at the biopsy site (<1%).
Limited sperm yield in non-obstructive cases may require multiple procedures.