Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

In this process, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is used. This means that medication is given from day 2-3 of your cycle to stimulate your ovaries to produce a large number of follicles. These medications, typically gonadotropins, are designed to promote the growth of multiple follicles simultaneously.

Your response to the medication will be closely monitored through regular visits to the clinic, where ultrasound scans are performed to count and measure the developing follicles. Blood tests may also be conducted to monitor hormone levels, ensuring that the ovaries are responding appropriately to the stimulation. The idea is to get as many follicles to grow at the same rate, which can vary according to different protocols, and to become large enough to contain a mature egg. It is important to note that a follicle can never contain more than one egg.

When the follicles have reached the correct size, usually around 18-20mm, a final maturation injection, often of hCG, will be given prior to the retrieval of the follicles. This injection triggers the final maturation of the eggs, preparing them for retrieval. Approximately 36 hours after the injection, the egg retrieval procedure takes place. This is typically done under mild sedation or anaesthesia to ensure comfort. A thin needle is used to extract the follicles from the ovaries.

The details linked to visits and stimulation are exactly the same as with IVF. The only difference is what happens in the lab and has no impact on your visits or medication. In the lab, the eggs are fertilised under a microscope by injecting one sperm into each egg, a process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This method significantly enhances the likelihood of successful fertilisation and subsequent embryo development.