Male Infertitlity (ICSI)

It is estimated that up to forty percent of infertile couples are unable to conceive because the man's sperm production is less than optimal. Male Infertility evaluation and treatment focuses on establishing the correct diagnosis and using advanced treatment techniques to make it possible for many of these couples to conceive.

Where indicated, men are thoroughly evaluated. The initial evaluation includes a medical history, physical examination, complete semen analysis and, if appropriate, sperm function tests. Once the most appropriate and simplest treatment for each couple is determined, alternatives recommended may include medical or surgical treatment of the man to increase sperm counts, inseminations with superovulation therapy, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to aspirate or retrieve sperm from the testicle, IVF with ICSI, or the use of sperm from an identified or anonymous donor.

Micromanipulation (ICSI)

For men with severe infertility, a form of assisted fertilization called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. One sperm is injected into each egg obtained through ovarian stimulation and IVF. This way an egg can be fertilized by a single sperm that otherwise is unable to bind or penetrate the zona pellucida (the permeable barrier around the egg) or underlying egg membrane.

ICSI is generally offered to men whose sperm has not fertilized eggs in previous IVF cycles, whose sperm has severe abnormalities, or who have abnormalities in the steps required to achieve normal fertilization. Men with unsuccessful vasectomy reversals, congenital or acquired absence or obstructions of the ejaculatory ducts, spinal cord injuries, or pituitary deficiencies are also potential candidates.

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