What Is ICSI Treatment?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a process similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF) that helps those trying to become pregnant, whether it be through surrogacy or another third-party reproduction option. In IVF, eggs and sperm are are combined and the sperm cell fertilizes the egg. From there, it becomes an embryo that is then implanted into a woman’s uterus.
However, in ICSI, only a single sperm is injected into the egg, meaning the sperm does not have to do the work of piercing the egg’s wall in order to fertilize it. If you are interested in learning more about when ICSI is used and its success rates and costs, read on.
When Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Is Used
In most cases, ICSI is used if a male has issues with fertility, such as a low sperm count or sperm that is not strong or fast enough to reach the egg and/or pass through the egg’s wall in order to fertilize it. These are known as motility and morphology issues, respectively.
In intracytoplasmic sperm injections, sperm is extracted from the male’s testicles and a single sperm is selected for insertion into the wall of the egg. ICSI is also used in cases where a couple has had multiple unsuccessful IVF fertilizations, with the goal of increasing the odds of fertilization occurring.
ICSI Success and Costs
The vast majority of the research conducted regarding ICSI suggests that ICSI has similar success rates to that of IVF. In either case, there is never a guarantee that the woman will become pregnant or that her egg will be fertilized, as there are a number of other factors that can contribute to egg fertilization, including the overall health of the woman and how old her eggs are.
If you are considering ICSI, you will likely need to know the costs so you can prepare your finances. The standard IVF process costs approximately $12,000 in the United States, but this does not include IVF with ICSI. You can expect ICSI procedures to costs up to $2,000 on their own, making each round of IVF and ICSI cost approximately $14,000.
Schedule Your Initial Appointment Today
To further discuss your alternative reproduction options, or if you are interested in how ICSI could benefit your family, reach out to Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc. today. You can schedule your intake appointment by calling our office at 412-281-9906 or by clicking on the contact button we have included at the top of this page.