By australianconcept 
Introduction:
When couples face challenges trying to conceive, one common reason is low sperm count in the male partner. This condition, also known as oligospermia, can significantly lower the chances of fertilization happening naturally. But thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, there’s a highly effective solution Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
ICSI has become a game-changer for treating male infertility. But how exactly does it help couples struggling with low sperm count? Let’s explore.
Understanding Low Sperm Count
A man is considered to have a low sperm count when there are fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Some men may have even lower counts or almost no sperm at all. This condition can result from various causes, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic issues
- Infections
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, poor diet)
- Heat exposure (like hot baths)
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
In many cases, even if sperm are present, they might have poor motility (movement) or morphology (shape), making it harder to fertilize the egg naturally.
What Is ICSI Treatment?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is carefully selected and injected directly into an egg using a tiny glass needle under a microscope. This process bypasses the need for the sperm to swim through the female reproductive tract, which is especially helpful when the sperm count is very low.
ICSI is often recommended when:
- Sperm count is low
- Sperm motility is poor
- Previous IVF attempts failed
- There’s a history of male infertility
- Sperm has been retrieved surgically
How ICSI Helps with Low Sperm Count
When sperm count is too low for natural conception or even traditional IVF (which needs thousands of healthy sperm), ICSI comes into play. Here’s how it helps:
1. Maximizes the Chances of Fertilization
In regular IVF, eggs are mixed with thousands of sperm, hoping one will fertilize the egg. But in ICSI, only one viable sperm is needed per egg. Even if a man produces only a few usable sperm, fertilization is still possible.
2. Bypasses Sperm Deficiencies
Sperm that have trouble swimming or cannot penetrate the egg naturally are given a “shortcut.” The embryologist selects the best sperm and injects it directly into the egg, bypassing all natural barriers.
3. Works with Surgically Retrieved Sperm
In severe cases of low sperm count or azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate), sperm can be retrieved from the testicles using procedures like TESA or PESA. These retrieved sperm are often weak and immobile, but ICSI can still use them successfully.
4. Higher Fertilization Rates
ICSI significantly improves fertilization rates compared to standard IVF in men with low sperm count, leading to better chances of forming embryos and achieving pregnancy.
ICSI Procedure: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the ICSI treatment process:
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
The female partner takes fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration.
Step 3: Sperm Collection
Sperm is collected either naturally or through surgical retrieval if sperm count is extremely low.
Step 4: Sperm Injection (ICSI)
A skilled embryologist selects a healthy sperm and injects it into the egg using a microneedle.
Step 5: Fertilization & Embryo Development
The fertilized egg is monitored for a few days in the lab as it develops into an embryo.
Step 6: Embryo Transfer
One or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Who Should Consider ICSI for Low Sperm Count?
ICSI is ideal for couples where the male partner:
- Has a sperm count lower than 15 million/mL
- Has abnormal sperm shape or motility
- Produces sperm only through surgical extraction
- Has antibodies affecting sperm function
- Has had failed fertilization in a previous IVF cycle
ICSI Success Rates with Low Sperm Count
ICSI offers high fertilization success, even when sperm count is low. While exact success rates vary depending on age and egg quality, fertilization occurs in 60–80% of injected eggs.
Pregnancy success rates after ICSI range between 30% to 50% per cycle for women under 35. This rate decreases with age, but remains a highly effective option for many couples.
Advantages of ICSI for Male Infertility
- Requires only one sperm per egg
- Can work even with very low sperm counts
- Can use frozen or surgically retrieved sperm
- Higher fertilization rates
- Helps couples with previous IVF failure
Is ICSI Safe for the Baby?
Many couples worry about the risks associated with ICSI. Fortunately, numerous studies show that ICSI is generally safe, and most babies born through ICSI are healthy. However, as with any fertility treatment, there is a slightly increased risk of:
- Low birth weight
- Preterm delivery
- Certain rare genetic conditions
Your fertility specialist will discuss any concerns based on your individual health profile.
Preparing for ICSI Treatment
To improve outcomes, couples should follow these tips:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Reduce stress through mindfulness or light exercise
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
- Take prescribed supplements (e.g., folic acid, zinc)
The male partner may also be advised to abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days before sperm collection to optimize quality.
ICSI Cost and Accessibility
In Pakistan and other countries, ICSI treatment is widely available at leading fertility centers. The cost varies depending on location and additional services, but in general, ICSI is more expensive than traditional IVF due to the advanced lab work and expertise involved.
However, for couples with low sperm count, the investment is often worthwhile, considering the higher chances of fertilization and pregnancy.
Conclusion:
ICSI offers a powerful solution for men with even extremely low sperm counts by allowing fertilization to happen with a single, carefully selected sperm. It removes many barriers to conception that couples with male infertility might face and opens the door to parenthood.
If you or your partner have been diagnosed with low sperm count, don’t lose hope. Consult an experienced fertility specialist to see if ICSI.
For More Details: https://acimc.org/ivf-lahore/