Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in Los Angeles
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For couples struggling with infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a way to dramatically increase the odds of conception. ICSI can be used with IVF to help couples with fertility concerns on the sperm side of conception.
What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can overcome many of the challenges associated with male sperm motility and female eggs with a hard outer layer that is difficult to penetrate. This procedure involves injecting a single healthy sperm into the cytoplasm that composes the outer layer of the egg to allow for successful fertilization.
Who Should Consider ICSI?
ICSI is an effective treatment that males with deal with sperm issues related to:
- Male factor infertility, including low sperm count or lacking mobility
- Males with a blockage in the reproductive system
- Previously failed IVF treatments
- Or unexplained issues with fertility
What are the Benefits of ICSI?
A major reason patients choose to use ICSI is that it increases the chance of successful conception. This occurs because the procedure eliminates certain variables that can cause sperm to fail to fertilize the egg during natural intercourse or IVF without ICSI. By removing these variables, the chances of egg fertilization dramatically increase.
Secondly, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatments use sperm chosen from a semen sample size using microscopic techniques. This means that the sperm used will be the healthiest and most viable sperm from the sample. By only using the best sperm available, the ICSI treatment increases the odds of a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Finally, ICSI treatments only require a single healthy sperm to be viable. Men with deficiencies in semen, such as a low sperm count or abnormal sperm motility (movement), may be able to produce the sperm necessary for successful fertilization. This means that male infertility can be overcome, and a male partner may be able to have a child that is genetically his.
For more information on ICSI and the process please contact our dedicated Los Angeles team online here or call our office for help 310-881-8846
How does the ICSI Process Work?
Being that ICSI is a common procedure when undergoing an IVF cycle, here is what you and your partner can expect from the sperm side of the process.
Sperm Acquisition
Semen can be acquired in one of three ways.
- Semen sample from the father: The intended father can provide his semen sample on the day of the procedure. The sample will be immediately used as part of the ICSI process.
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): For male patients who cannot collect sperm in a traditional manner, sperm can be extracted directly from the testicle. This involves using local anesthesia to numb the testis, and then a sperm sample is extracted with a needle. This process is known as testicular sperm aspiration (TESA).
- Donor Sperm: frozen sperm from a donor can be used as part of the ICSI process. This involves using a defrosted sperm sample either from a known donor or a sperm bank.
Sperm Washing and Separation
The sperm sample is washed in a chemical solution to remove any contaminants and other elements. The sample is then spun through a centrifuge to separate healthy sperm from the rest of the sample.
Using special micromanipulation techniques under microscopic control, our fertility specialists can select the most viable sperm for the procedure.
Injection during In Vitro Fertilization
After picking out the most viable sperm, the doctor injects a single sperm cell directly into the cytoplasm of an egg that has been retrieved through ovulation induction treatments.
The fertilized egg is cultured for three to four days as it develops into an embryo. It is then ready for implantation in the uterus via embryo transfer.
Contact a Double-Board Certified Fertility Specialist in Los Angeles today!
If you or your partner are considering undergoing IVF or interested in the ICSI process, please reach out to our dedicated office staff to get started. Our double-board certified doctor and office is ready to help you achieve the ultimate goal of a healthy and happy baby every step of the way.
Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846
Most Frequently Asked
How does Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection differ from traditional IVF?
Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection safe?
How successful is ICSI in achieving pregnancy?
Are there any risks or side effects associated with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection?
Can ICSI be combined with other fertility treatments?
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We just celebrated our son’s first birthday, and thought we should send out warm wishes to Dr. Saadat and his team as well. Without them this would not have been possible. We had “unexplained” infertility issues and the first clinic we went to was not very friendly and we felt like we were just another “cycle”. Dr. Saadat was always willing to answer questions and the nurses there were terrific. I felt like everyone in the office was on our side, and that makes a huge difference. So thank you to everyone from Anna, Michael and Alex.
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We traveled across the world to be treated by Dr. Saadat. My wife was not able to have babies and we could not get an answer from Doctors in our country why. It is also important in our culture that our first baby be male. Dr. Saadat was able to help my wife get pregnant and make sure that we had a baby boy. They were helpful in every way and we felt comfortable even though we are not from the United States. Everyone was patient and understanding and respectful. We will be back in a few years to grow our family.
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I came to Dr. Saadat’s office because I felt like the Doctor I was working with was not a good fit. It isn’t that they were doing anything wrong but I did not feel a connection. This is such a personal type of medical treatment, and I want the people helping me to make me feel cared for. Dr. Saadat’s approach is also a bit different – he does all the ultrasounds himself – which is very reassuring. His staff is great, and his bedside manner is comforting. I am thankful for everything they all did, and thankful everyday for my daughter!
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