For fertilization of the ovum and subsequent development of an embryo to occur, the head of the sperm must cross the ovule wall. Alterations in sperm can make this task not possible.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows this dysfunction to be corrected by injecting the sperm directly into the cytoplasm of the ovule, this procedure is known as in vitro fertilization ICSI. Once the embryo is developed, the process is the same as conventional In Vitro Fertilization.
SPECIAL INDICATIONS FOR THE USE OF THIS TECHNIQUE
Reduced number of sperm.
Spermatozoa with alterations of mobility or with structural alterations.
Spermatozoa that have difficulty attaching to the ovule.
Repeated failures of fertilization.
MICROINJECTION OF SPERMATOZOIDS
It can be done with sperm obtained directly from the testicle through biopsy or puncture of the epididymis.