Common Reasons for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Failure
Doctors and couples always share factors for the success or failure of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Both parties bear many responsibilities to avoid ICSI failure. In this article, we will learn together about the common reasons for ICSI failure. Here are the details!
How is ICSI Performed?
The ICSI procedure involves stimulating ovulation using specialized medications for use in the fertilization process. The doctor monitors this process using ultrasound and some blood tests for the wife.
Concurrently with the previous step, a semen sample is requested from the husband. This can be done using various methods, the simplest being ejaculation into a sterile cup on the same day as the ICSI procedure.
If the husband fails to ejaculate sperm, the doctor then extracts them using a fine needle from the epididymis or testicle under local anesthesia.
If the previous methods are ineffective in obtaining a sufficient quantity of sperm, a biopsy is taken from testicular tissue under general anesthesia.
Finally, each mature egg is injected with a single healthy sperm, and the development of the fertilized eggs is monitored day by day until they are ready for transfer into the wife’s uterus.
What are the Common Reasons for ICSI Failure?
ICSI is the hope that couples cling to after the failure of all natural and unnatural methods of conception. But even after undergoing ICSI, some cases experience fertilization failure.
Most research conducted on this subject has mentioned that a low number of mature eggs, failure to stimulate ovulation, or the unavailability of healthy sperm are the main reasons for ICSI failure.
Therefore, the tests and examinations preceding ICSI are essential to determine the suitability of both husband and wife for this procedure, which is costly emotionally, physically, and financially.
Since most individuals who experienced ICSI failure the first time succeed in subsequent attempts, most doctors advise repeating ICSI attempts again.
How Can ICSI Failure Be Turned into a Reason for Its Success?
Failure of ICSI the first time does not mean the absence of pregnancy chances in subsequent attempts. On the contrary, it increases the chances of success, as the cause of the first failure is discovered and addressed. Also, choosing the best specialist doctor to perform ICSI procedures can help avoid failure a second time.
Why are Pre-ICSI Tests Necessary?
Undergoing pre-ICSI tests is crucial because they enable you to anticipate the cause of ICSI failure before it happens and treat it.
For example, testing ovarian reserve for mature eggs helps determine the efficiency of the wife’s eggs, which is important for successful fertilization and embryo development inside the uterus.
Similarly, a detailed analysis of sperm in terms of quality, motility, count, and shape helps predict the male factor that might hinder ICSI success.
Finally, a precise evaluation of the uterus via ultrasound or hysteroscopy helps determine the condition of the uterus and whether it has fibroids that might hinder the implantation of the fertilized egg.
What are the Best Solutions for Repeated ICSI Failure?
After identifying common reasons for ICSI failure, it can be said that the main solution for ICSI failure is to avoid its causes in the first place. For example, using better alternative medications to stimulate ovulation or resorting to nutritional supplements.
Genetic testing of fertilized eggs can also be performed before transferring them into the mother’s uterus to detect any abnormalities that might lead to incomplete pregnancy or implantation failure.
There are also immunotherapeutic approaches that can be resorted to if the wife’s immune system nature considers the embryo a foreign body and seeks to expel it. Among the most effective types for this is intravenous immunoglobulin.
The Role of a Healthy Lifestyle and Complementary Therapies in Improving ICSI Outcomes
Adopting a healthy lifestyle greatly helps improve overall health and fertility levels in general. This is achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, attention to mental health, and avoiding causes of anxiety and stress.
Avoiding excess weight and abstaining from smoking or alcohol consumption also increases the chances of ICSI success.