Microinjection (ICSI)
What is microinjection?
ICSI is similar to regular IVF. The only difference is that the sperm cells are injected into the egg, not just put in a dish together.
Who is microinjection for?
The fertilization method ICSI is used in almost half of all in vitro fertilization treatments. The probability of success is as good as with regular IVF, even when the man's sperm quality is severely reduced.
We use the method when
- the man has severely reduced sperm quality
- the egg has not been fertilized through conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)
ICIV – a mix of IVF and ICSI
Sometimes, very rarely, we do something called ICIV. Then half of the eggs are fertilized with regular sperm. in vitro fertilization (IVF) and half with microinjection (ICSI). This way we do not have to interrupt the treatment if it turns out that the sperm cells cannot fertilize the egg or that the egg will not be fertilized in the usual way. In such cases, this is done after an assessment of a number of criteria.
How is microinjection treatment performed?
The process of microinjection treatment is similar to regular in vitro fertilization (IVF), the only difference lies in the laboratory work.
1. Stimulation period
The woman is stimulated to develop more eggs than the one she normally produces each month. This is done by inserting a small syringe into the skin just below the abdomen. The stimulation period normally lasts 10-14 days.
2. Ultrasound examination
During the stimulation period, the woman comes for an ultrasound examination, usually twice. If you live far away, a local gynecologist can perform the ultrasound. Here we will find out how many follicles she is producing and how large they have become. After the second ultrasound, you will be told when the woman will be given the ovulation injection.
3. Egg retrieval and reset
Approximately 36 hours after the ovulation injection is given, you will meet at the clinic to retrieve the eggs. In the laboratory, a mature egg is cleaned of egg white cells, before the embryologist introduces the sperm into the egg using a needle. They are then cultured and divided in the IVF laboratory, before being put back into the woman. This usually happens after 5 days, when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage.
4. Supportive treatment and pregnancy test
In the days following egg retrieval, the woman is given the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for success. After 14 days, a blood test will tell you whether you have become pregnant.
5. The way forward
If the test is positive, the next step is an ultrasound examination after 5 weeks (i.e. week 7 of pregnancy). If you live far away, we can refer you to an ultrasound at a local gynecologist or at the nearest hospital. If the treatment is unsuccessful, you will receive advice and guidance on the way forward, whether it is a new attempt or other solutions.
