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Intracytoplasmic
sperm injection (ICSI)
provides new hope for couples with moderate to severe
male factor infertility In the past, the only option
for these couples was to use sperm from a donor. This
meant the child had genes from the natural mother but
not the father.
ICSI is performed as a part of an IVF cycle and involves
placement of a single sperm directly into the egg. The
sperm can be obtained from and ejaculate, or in the
case of severe male factor infertility, directly from
the male reproductive tract. Eggs are delicate and embryologists
use sophisticated micromanipulation equipment and microscopic
needles to pierce the egg and insert the sperm.
ICSI is sometimes employed when the cause of infertility
is unknown, when the female is older, or after failed
IVF cycles without ICSI. Approximately 47% of IVF cycles
in the United States included ICSI in the year 2000.
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