How Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Is Performed

Many couples who have had a difficult time conceiving a child wonder how Intractyoplasmic Sperm Injection is performed. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is performed as part of the in vitro fertilization process. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the process where a single sperm is injected into an egg. In many cases, the sperm cannot push their way through the egg. This is why the injection of the sperm into the egg may be necessary.

The Process

Before begining the intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the woman will be placed on fertility medications. She is placed on fertility medications to help the body produce more healthy eggs. The more eggs produced, the better the chances of producing a viable fetus. These medications are taken for usually around two weeks before the procedure is performed. After the woman is done taking the fertility medications, she will then go to the doctor to have her eggs removed. This process can be done under IV sedation to reduce any discomfort, although it is completely up to the patient if she wants this type of sedation or not.

While the eggs are being removed from the woman, the sperm are collected from her partner. This is usually done in the office by masturbation. After both the eggs and semen have been collected, they will be looked at under microscopes to find the best and healthiest ones for the implantation. After the best eggs and sperm have been chosen, the sperm are injected into the eggs by the use of a tiny needle. This is also done with the use of a microscope. This is the actual intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The eggs are kept in the laboratory for up to five days for them to grow before implantation takes place.

After Fertilization

After the eggs have been fertilized by the sperm, they will then be implanted into the woman's uterus. In most cases, two or three embryos will be implanted. This can increase the chance of having one of them work. This is done by using a small catheter. The doctor will place a speculum into the vagina and then the catheter will be placed into the uterus. The embryo's are then pushed through the catheter into into the uterus. Then the waiting period will begin to determine if the process has worked. It takes around two weeks to determine if it has worked. For the couple, this can seem like forever.

After two weeks, a blood test may be performed to see if the procedure has worked. If a pregnancy has been achieved, then the couple will begin prenatal care. If the process has not worked, they may try the procedure again or there are other options the doctor may discuss with them.

For many couples who are having a difficult time conceiving a child, IVF may help them to get the child they want. This is not an easy process, and the couple should be prepared for what they are about to go through. It may not be an easy process, but it is one that can be very rewarding.

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