What is ICSI and when is it needed?
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, rather than letting fertilization happen spontaneously in the dish (conventional IVF).
Clear indications: severe male factor infertility (low count, low motility, abnormal morphology), prior IVF cycle with low fertilization, previously frozen sperm, surgically retrieved sperm.
Unclear indications: 'just to be safe' in cases without male factor — ICSI is over-used in many programs. Studies show no benefit (or slight harm) when used for non-male-factor infertility.
If ICSI is recommended, ask why specifically. Routine ICSI without male factor is over-treatment.
Jibu hili ni taarifa ya jumla, si ushauri wa kitabibu. Daktari wako anapaswa kuthibitisha kinachohusu hali yako.