What does ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) mean exactly?

ICSI is one of the most common methods of artificial insemination. Similar to the IVF method, one or multiple ovules are being extracted from the female body and consequently directly fertilised with a single vital sperm cell via a fine tube. This procedure is mainly employed, when the man’s sperm count or quality is low.

What does the ICSI treatment look like?

In many ways, an ICSI-treatment works just like the classical IVF-procedure. The woman typically receives a hormonal stimulation prior to the treatment so that she produces more ovules. Doctors then try to determine, whether one or more ovules are developed enough to induce ovulation. In that case the fully developed ovules can be removed from the ovaries after 36 hours and under mild anaesthesia. This procedure takes place in the hospital or fertility centre, whereas the woman can leave the clinic after about two to four hours already. The fertility specialist fertilises one or more ovules on the day of extraction, needing to use vital sperm cells. Here the couple can decide, whether to use fresh sperm or previously frozen one, that has been extracted from the epididymis or the testicles. Should the couple go for the fresh sperm, the man has the option of masturbating in a separate room within the clinic. The sperm is then directly being tested and washed, with vital sperm cells being extracted for fertilisation. If frozen sperm cells are used, these are defrosted and specially prepared on the day of the ovules extraction. Doctors use a special microscope to fertilise the ovum with the sperm cell and put the fertilised eggs into an incubator. In case of a successful fertilisation and further development of the ovum, the embryo is being re-injected into the uterus, using a special catheter. This re-injection has to happen between the second and sixth day after extraction of the ovules. The reintroduction of the embryo into the uterus is typically painless.

What are costs for an ICSI treatment in Germany?

Depending on the method of treatment, you will have to pay between 3.000 and 3.600 EUR per fertilisation cycle in Germany. Health insurance companies only partly cover the costs and differ in the services they provide. Some insurance companies pay up to 50 % of the costs for the first three treatments, however that is only the case for married couples.

Which requirements have to be fulfilled to be eligible for an ICSI treatment?

As a woman you should be between 25 and 40 years old, men should not be older than 50. In addition, should you not want to bear the costs by yourself, you need to be married.

What is the success rate of an ICSI procedure?

Whether a treatment is successful or not depends in large on the couples’ previous medical and physical condition as well as the treatment itself. Usually, chances for a pregnancy range between 20 and 25 % per cycle. Even fertile couple have a chance of only 30 % success. However, success rates may increase with repeated treatment cycles, so that you can have a 40 % chance of success after three ICSI-cycles. Unfortunately, between 50 and 60 % of all couples using ICSI or IVF, still remain without children.

Are there any risks with an artificial insemination treatment?

The development of children, conceived via an ICSI treatment is usually without complications. However, the risk of premature birth, miscarriages and multiple births is slightly higher than normal.

ICSI in Turkey Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

ICSI offers a method of fertilisation, in which the ovules are fertilised via a fine tube with the partner’s sperm outside the woman’s body. They are then implanted back in the safe environment of a specialised embryonic laboratory. This method is especially used when the man’s sperm quality is insufficient to induce natural conception. During ICSI a single vital sperm cell is injected directly into the ovum via a fine tube. A certain number of embryos is then re-injected into the female body.

This procedure will be explained to you in detail by your fertility expert, including possible risks and complications. You will also be informed of possible alternatives as well as all costs for the ICSI procedure. Based on a comprehensive examination of your previous medical history as well as a full diagnosis, doctors will determine whether ICSI is the best choice for you and develop an individual concept for treatment and fertilisation.

ICSI has led to pregnancies and even multiple births in the past. Do not lose hope and see this procedure as a chance to become parents and start your own family!

ICSI in Turkey