Microinjection
“Microinjection (ICSI – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)” is an advanced IVF method used in cases of male infertility. In this technique, a single sperm cell selected under a microscope is directly injected into the egg using special micro needles. The aim is to increase the likelihood of fertilization and ensure healthy embryo development. The microinjection method offers a high success rate in cases such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology (shape disorder). Today, it has become one of the fundamental fertilization methods in IVF laboratories. 9ec
What is Microinjection?
Microinjection is an assisted reproductive technique that ensures fertilization occurs in a laboratory environment. While in the classical IVF method, sperms are left around the egg to fertilize on their own, in microinjection, this process is performed directly. That is, a single selected sperm is injected into the egg using a micromanipulation device. Thus, even in cases where sperm motility or count is low, the chance of fertilization is achieved. Microinjection is a revolutionary development in male factor infertility.
How is Microinjection Performed?
The treatment progresses simultaneously with the IVF process. First, the ovaries are stimulated with medication to ensure the development of mature eggs. Mature eggs are collected through the egg retrieval (OPU) process. The sperm sample taken on the same day is evaluated in the laboratory, and the highest quality sperms are selected under a microscope. A single sperm is injected into each egg using thin glass needles called micropipettes. After this process, fertilization is checked, and the resulting embryos are taken into the development process. After 3-5 days, the best quality embryo is transferred into the uterus.
Advantages of Microinjection
The most important advantage of this method is that fertilization can be achieved even in cases where the sperm count is very low. Additionally, healthy embryos can be obtained from sperms with poor motility or shape abnormalities. Pregnancies that are not possible naturally can be achieved with microinjection. In genetically risky situations, embryos can be examined before transfer with PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) to select healthy ones. 338
In Which Cases is Microinjection Applied?
Microinjection is particularly preferred in the following cases:
– In cases of low sperm count (oligospermia)
– In cases where sperm motility is low (asthenospermia)
– If there is a severe abnormality in sperm morphology (teratospermia)
– If fertilization could not be achieved with classical IVF before
– In men where sperm is obtained via testicular biopsy (TESE/TESA)
– In cases of unexplained infertility
In these groups, microinjection significantly increases fertilization success.
Microinjection and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
The ovarian reserve of the woman directly affects the success of microinjection. The most important indicator of this reserve is the AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) level. If AMH is low (for example, in cases of DOR – Diminished Ovarian Reserve), the number of eggs may be limited. However, each of the few eggs obtained has a chance of fertilization with microinjection. Therefore, in women with low ovarian reserve, microinjection ensures the most efficient use of available eggs.
Embryo Development During the Microinjection Process
Fertilization usually occurs within 16-18 hours after microinjection. The resulting embryos are monitored for 3-5 days in special incubators under conditions similar to the womb. Embryo quality is evaluated under a microscope. If necessary, genetic screening (PGT) is performed on the embryos to select healthy ones. The best quality embryo is transferred, and other embryos can be frozen for future use.
Success Rate of Microinjection
The success rate varies depending on the woman’s age, egg reserve, AMH level, sperm quality, and embryo development. The average pregnancy rate per cycle is around 40-60%. Young age, healthy eggs, and good laboratory conditions are factors that increase success. Microinjection provides a higher fertilization rate compared to the classical IVF method, especially in cases where the male factor is dominant. 705
Possible Risks of Microinjection
The procedure is generally safe. However, rarely, damage to the egg, fertilization failure, or a halt in embryo development may occur. There is also a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) due to ovulation-stimulating drugs applied to the woman. The entire process should be carefully monitored under the supervision of a specialist physician and embryologist. 97a
Pregnancy Process After Microinjection
Approximately 10-12 days after embryo transfer, a blood pregnancy test (b2-hCG) is performed. If the test is positive, the pregnancy sac and heartbeat are evaluated by ultrasound within a few weeks. The follow-up of pregnancies obtained with microinjection is no different from normal pregnancies. However, support treatments (such as progesterone) are generally applied after embryo transfer.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Ovarian Stimulation | Mature egg development is ensured with a 10-12 day medication treatment |
| Egg Retrieval (OPU) | Mature eggs are collected under short anesthesia |
| Microinjection Procedure | A single sperm is injected into each egg under a microscope |
| Embryo Development | Monitored in a laboratory environment for 3-5 days |
| Embryo Transfer | The best quality embryo is placed into the uterus |
Microinjection Prices
The cost of microinjection treatment varies depending on the dose of medication used, laboratory technology, embryo freezing procedures, and whether genetic tests are included. In our clinic, each couple’s situation is evaluated individually, and the most appropriate treatment plan is created. For current price information, please contact us. 4de
In conclusion, the microinjection (ICSI) method is one of the most effective laboratory techniques that increase the chance of pregnancy in cases of male factor or unexplained infertility. When the egg reserve is correctly evaluated with the AMH test and the male factor with sperm analysis, the microinjection process can be successfully managed. 337
Frequently Asked Questions About Microinjection
Question: Who is microinjection suitable for?
4a1 It is applied in men with low sperm count, poor motility, or shape abnormalities, as well as in cases of unexplained infertility.
Question: Is the microinjection procedure painful?
4cc No, the egg retrieval process is performed under short-term anesthesia; there may be mild groin pain after the procedure.
Question: Can embryos obtained through microinjection be genetically examined?
705 Yes, embryos are genetically evaluated before transfer with PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing).
Question: Can embryos be frozen after microinjection?
Yes, if there are a large number of healthy embryos, they can be frozen for use in future periods. 9ec
