Male Infertility Treatment: ICSI Technology
Among fertility treatment technologies, the ICSI method (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) holds a special place. This approach is used in situations where standard in vitro fertilization methods are ineffective due to a male factor.
The main indications for using this technology are:
- Critically low sperm count in the ejaculate.
- Poor motility of male germ cells, preventing them from independently penetrating the egg membranes.
The essence of the technique lies in a delicate microsurgical manipulation: the specialist artificially introduces a single, most viable spermatozoon directly into the cytoplasm of the oocyte (egg). This allows achieving fertilization even with minimal reproductive potential of the sperm.
Surrogacy
In cases where a woman is medically unable to carry a fetus herself, the surrogacy program is used.
This reproductive technology involves the participation of a third party—a volunteer woman who undertakes the function of carrying the child. A key legal and ethical feature of this method is that after the completion of pregnancy and childbirth, the newborn is unfailingly returned to its genetic parents. The surrogate mother acts solely as a gestational carrier, having no genetic relationship with the carried child (in the classic version of the program).
Significance of IVF in Biomedicine and Biotechnology
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is of fundamental importance not only for the treatment of infertility, but also for the development of world science.
First, IVF plays a crucial role in preventing the transmission of severe hereditary diseases.
Second, the IVF procedure is closely linked to the development of fundamental biomedical research. During artificial fertilization, so-called "excess" embryos are often formed—those that were not transferred into the uterine cavity. At the earliest stages of their development, these human embryos can be used for crucial scientific purposes.
The main value of such embryos is that embryonic stem cells are harvested from them. The study and application of these cells open up colossal prospects in regenerative medicine, the therapy of degenerative diseases, and the understanding of early embryogenesis processes.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What surgical methods exist for sperm retrieval in severe male infertility for performing ICSI?
For sperm retrieval in severe male infertility for IVF/ICSI, the sources indicate the following surgical options:
- Testicular or epididymal aspiration — surgical retrieval of spermatozoa.
- Testicular biopsy — performed, in particular, in azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, followed by referral for IVF/ICSI.
In azoospermia, a combination of IVF + ICSI is used, and spermatozoa are surgically retrieved from the epididymis or testis.
What main clinical and embryological stages does the classic IVF protocol consist of?
The classic in vitro fertilization protocol consists of a consecutive series of clinical and embryological steps.
- Superovulation stimulation — activation of folliculogenesis with exogenous gonadotropins to obtain multiple oocytes.
- Follicle puncture — transvaginal egg retrieval under ultrasound guidance.
- Gamete collection and preparation — sperm retrieval and assessment of germ cell quality.
- Fertilization — insemination of eggs with sperm in vitro (in a special medium).
- Embryo culture — growing in vitro for 48 hours or 2–3 days up to the morula stage.
- Selection and transfer — selection and introduction of 1–2 embryos into the uterine cavity.
How does the IVF program prevent the transmission of severe hereditary diseases?
The prevention of the transmission of severe hereditary diseases within the IVF framework is associated with genetic testing of the embryo before transfer.
The sources indicate that genetic testing of embryo cells is advisable in case of:
- risk of chromosomal abnormalities;
- suspected monogenic diseases.
To obtain material, invasive methods of preimplantation diagnosis can be used:
- embryo biopsy at the 8-blastomere stage — extracting one or more blastomeres with a micropipette;
- polar body biopsy — extracting the polar body of the oocyte or zygote for subsequent genetic analysis.
Following PGT-A in IVF programs, the transfer of a euploid embryo is possible.
What is the technological and biological difference between the ICSI method and standard in vitro fertilization?
The difference between ICSI and standard in vitro fertilization lies in the method of delivering the spermatozoon to the oocyte.
| Characteristic | Standard IVF | ICSI |
|---|---|---|
| Method of fertilization | Retrieved oocytes are placed in a special medium containing at least 100,000 spermatozoa | A single spermatozoon is micromanipulatively injected into a mature oocyte |
| Sperm count | At least 100 thousand spermatozoa in the medium | A single spermatozoon |
| Gamete contact | There is contact between the oocyte and a sperm suspension | Intracytoplasmic sperm injection into the oocyte; there is no prolonged contact of the oocyte with a large volume of sperm suspension |
To memorize the ICSI method, use the breakdown: Intracytoplasmic Injection — a single spermatozoon is directly injected into a single oocyte.
Class and exam questions
In which cases is the ICSI method used?
The ICSI method is indicated for severe forms of male infertility, in particular, with low sperm count or extremely poor motility.
What happens to a child after surrogate pregnancy?
According to the program principles, after birth, the child is transferred to their genetic parents, for whom the volunteer surrogate mother carried the pregnancy.
Why are "excess" embryos after IVF used in science?
Human embryos at early stages of development left over from IVF are used in biomedical research to obtain embryonic stem cells.
What else to study on this topic
- Stages of microsurgical sperm injection (ICSI)
- Morphology and properties of embryonic stem cells
- Mechanisms of hereditary disease screening in IVF
- Stages of early human embryo development
Master the entire topic in the "Biology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Modern Reproductive Technologies" and 3,793 more pages on the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 129 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in the section "Patterns of Individual Development"
Free video lessons: BiologyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.