IVF & ICSI (1)

Infertility treatment :

• IVF (In vitro fertilization), 
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

It involves ovarian stimulation to produce a number of eggs, which are collected under ultrasound guidance. With IVF, the eggs are mixed with prepared sperm and fertilization takes place over the next few hours. With lCSl, a single selected sperm is injected into the egg to fertilize it.

The resulting fertilised eggs are allowed to develop for 23 days Embryos are selected for transfer in to the uterus. Following embryo transfer, any remaining suitable embryos are cryopreserved for future transfer.

Indications for IVF may include:

Blocked, damaged or absent fallopian tubes;

Endometriosis;

Ovulatory problem;

Unexplained infertility; and

Sperm problems

ICSI may be applicable in particular when:

The sperm count is very low;

The sperm have low motility;

Very few normal sperm are present;

An attempt at IVF has resulted in failure of fertilization; and

Sperm are retrieved directly from the testis or epididymis using a

surgical technique.

Reference: fertility.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult obstetricians and gynecologists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.