For individuals facing infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can offer a promising route to pregnancy. This specialized form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is particularly beneficial for those with male infertility concerns. During the ICSI process, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization. Following this, an embryo transfer may lead to a successful pregnancy.
Intracytoplasmic (IN-truh-sahy-tuh-PLAZ-mik) denotes the procedure where sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. The cytoplasm is the gel-like fluid within the egg's center, composed of water, salts, and various molecules.
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a specialized form of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Unlike traditional IVF, where numerous sperm are placed near an egg in a laboratory dish and fertilization occurs by chance, ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into a single egg. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of fertilization, but it does not guarantee it. After fertilization—whether through ICSI or traditional IVF—the fertilized egg (embryo) is implanted into the uterus. Successful pregnancy depends on the embryo's ability to attach to the uterine lining.
