Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (pronunciation: in-tra-sy-to-plas-mic sperm in-jec-tion) is a medical procedure commonly used in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The term originates from the Greek words intra meaning "within", cyto meaning "cell", plasma meaning "something formed or molded", and sperm meaning "seed".

Overview

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of In Vitro Fertilization that is used primarily for the treatment of severe cases of male-factor Infertility. ICSI involves the injection of a single sperm directly into a mature Oocyte (egg) in order to facilitate fertilization. The fertilized egg (now an Embryo) is then transferred to the woman's uterus.

Procedure

The ICSI procedure involves several key steps:

1. The mature Oocyte is held with a specialized pipette.
2. A very delicate, sharp, and hollow needle is used to immobilize and pick up a single sperm.
3. This needle is then carefully inserted through the shell of the egg and into the cytoplasm of the egg.
4. The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm, and the needle is carefully removed.
5. The eggs are checked the following day for evidence of normal Fertilization.

Related Terms

• In Vitro Fertilization
• Infertility
• Oocyte
• Embryo
• Fertilization

See Also

• Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Sperm Donation
• Egg Donation

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