IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a common fertility treatment that helps couples who are struggling to conceive. I’ll break it down in simple terms, explaining how IVF with ICSI works, and how it’s done in Cyprus.
What is IVF with ICSI?
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This is a process where an egg is fertilized outside the body, in a lab, instead of inside the woman’s fallopian tube.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This is a specific type of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, rather than allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg naturally in the lab.
This method is often used when there are male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or poor sperm quality, because it directly involves selecting the best sperm and injecting it into the egg.
IVF-ICSI Treatment Steps in Cyprus:
- Initial Consultation:
- You and your partner will meet with a fertility doctor to discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and fertility concerns. Tests like blood work, ultrasounds, and semen analysis (for the male partner) are usually done to understand the cause of infertility.
- The doctor will explain your treatment options and help you decide if IVF with ICSI is the right choice for you.
- Ovarian Stimulation (for the female partner):
- The woman will be given hormonal medication (usually injections) to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, only one egg is released per cycle, but IVF aims to get several eggs, which gives the doctors more chances to fertilize them.
- You will need to visit the clinic regularly for ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor how the eggs are developing.
- Egg Retrieval:
- Once the eggs are ready, a minor surgical procedure is done to collect the eggs from the ovaries. This is done under sedation, so it’s not painful.
- The doctor uses a thin needle to aspirate (suck out) the eggs through the vaginal wall.
- Sperm Collection:
- On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner will provide a sperm sample. In cases where the sperm count or quality is an issue, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicle or epididymis using a small needle, if necessary.
- Fertilization with ICSI:
- The sperm sample is processed in the lab, and the embryologist will select the best sperm.
- The chosen sperm is then injected directly into the egg (this is where the ICSI part comes in).
- After this, the eggs are monitored to see if fertilization happens. If fertilization is successful, the embryos will begin to develop.
- Embryo Culture:
- The fertilized eggs (embryos) are kept in an incubator for a few days (usually 3-5 days). During this time, they grow and develop.
- The embryologist will monitor the embryos and select the healthiest ones for transfer.
- Embryo Transfer:
- A few days after fertilization, the best-quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus.
- This is a simple, non-surgical procedure. The doctor uses a thin catheter (tube) to place the embryo(s) into the uterus.
- In some cases, if there are multiple good embryos, some may be frozen for future use.
- Pregnancy Test:
- About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to check for pregnancy. If the test is positive, you will need to continue with regular follow-up visits to monitor the pregnancy and make sure everything is progressing normally.
Why Choose IVF-ICSI in Cyprus?
- Advanced Technology: Cyprus is known for its modern fertility clinics, many of which are equipped with the latest technology for IVF and ICSI procedures.
- Experienced Doctors: Many fertility specialists in Cyprus have years of experience, and some are internationally recognized.
- Good Success Rates: Clinics in Cyprus often have high success rates, particularly for IVF with ICSI, as they can offer personalized treatments and use advanced lab techniques.
- Affordable Costs: Compared to other European countries, fertility treatments in Cyprus are generally more affordable, which makes it a popular destination for people seeking IVF treatments.
- Regulations and Ethics: Cyprus has a well-regulated healthcare system for fertility treatments, ensuring that clinics adhere to ethical and medical standards.
- No Waiting Lists: You may have quicker access to treatment without long waiting times, which can be the case in other countries.
Additional Information:
- Embryo Freezing: If there are extra embryos from your IVF-ICSI cycle, they can be frozen for future use. This is useful if you want to try for a sibling later without undergoing the full IVF process again.
- Egg Donation: Some clinics in Cyprus also offer egg donation services if the woman cannot produce eggs of her own, either due to age or medical conditions.
Success Rates and Factors Affecting IVF
The success of IVF can depend on various factors, including:
- Age: Younger women tend to have higher success rates, as egg quality and quantity generally decrease with age.
- Egg and Sperm Quality: The health and quality of the eggs and sperm used for fertilization play a significant role in the outcome.
- Embryo Quality: Healthy embryos are more likely to implant successfully, which is why genetic screening (PGT) is sometimes recommended.
- Previous IVF Outcomes: If you’ve tried IVF before, your previous experience can provide useful insights for tailoring future treatments.
- Lifestyle Factors: Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can positively influence IVF success.