As a companion to Lauren’s episode, Mary talks about ICSI and what this procedure is.

There are two ways that an egg may be fertilized by IVF: traditional and ICSI. In traditional IVF, 50,000 or more swimming sperm are placed next to the egg in a laboratory dish. Fertilization occurs when one of the sperm enters into the cytoplasm of the egg. In the ICSI process, a tiny needle, called a micropipette, is used to inject a single sperm into the center of the egg. With either traditional IVF or ICSI, once fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) grows in a laboratory for 1 to 5 days before it is transferred to the woman’s uterus (womb).

ICSI helps to overcome fertility problems, such as:

* The male partner produces too few sperm to do artificial insemination (intrauterine insemination [IUI]) or IVF.

* The sperm may not move in a normal fashion.

* The sperm may have trouble attaching to the egg.

* A blockage in the male reproductive tract may keep sperm from getting out.

* Eggs have not fertilized by traditional IVF, regardless of the condition of the sperm.

* In vitro matured eggs are being used.

* Previously frozen eggs are being used.

Consult with your fertility doctor if this procedure is right for you.

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals. Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

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