Is ICSI A Solution To Male Infertility? A Problem Very Less Talked About

In a developing country like India, where people don’t openly discuss about problems related to reproductive health, it is very important to reach out to the masses and educate them as growing ignorance and lack of proper knowledge about such issues not only gives rise to misconceptions and taboos but also prevents people from seeking proper medical help. Male infertility is one such problem which is very rarely addressed.

Around 12 to 18 million couples are diagnosed with infertility in India annually out of which male infertility accounts for nearly 40 to 50 per cent of the cases.

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child even after a year of unprotected sex. Reproduction is a natural phenomenon which starts with the spontaneous fertilization of the male and female gametes into a zygote. This happens when a healthy sperm pierces into the ovum. However, there are certain factors that can affect the quality of the sperm and prevent them from entering the ovum. Infertility is not something to be ashamed of. The problem can affect anyone irrespective of their gender.

Owing to the sea change in technology, various assisted reproductive techniques have come to light, which can help you to have a child of your own. One such procedure is ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is an additional technique that is followed in IVF cycles for certain specific indications.

If you want to learn about the procedure in detail, you can easily refer to ICSI fertility treatment procedure videos on Medflick.

Possible causes of male infertility

Some of the most common causes of infertility in men are mentioned below:

• Varicocele - It is marked by excessive swelling in the veins that drain the testicle. The problem is reversible and is usually caused by abnormal testicular temperature regulation. This can drastically impact the quality of sperms.
• Infection - These can lead to permanent testicular damage thereby affecting the quantity and quality of the sperms produced.
• Retrograde ejaculation - It is marked by the backward flow of the sperms into the bladder instead of flowing out.
• Antibodies that attack sperm - Production of anti-sperm antibodies which can destroy the sperms by identifying them as harmful.
• Tumours - Both malignant and benign tumours can affect male infertility. In fact, the treatment procedures like radiation therapy and chemotherapy that are used to combat these may also impact your ability to produce healthy sperms.
• Undescended testicles - It is a congenital problem in which either one or both of the testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum.
• Hormone imbalances - These can lead to hypogonadism i.e. low testosterone levels which eventually lead to infertility.
• Tubular abnormalities - This drastically impacts the transport of sperms and may be a result of inadvertent injury from surgery, infections, traumas, cystic fibrosis and inherited conditions.
• Chromosome defects - These can result in the abnormal development of the male reproductive organs and make it difficult to maintain an erection. Some of the most common genetic syndromes that can lead to male infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome.
• Environmental causes - Extended exposure to industrial chemicals, radiations and heavy metals can drastically affect the sperm quality and lead to decreased sperm count.
• Substance abuse - Excessive smoking, drinking and use of drugs can also lead to infertility

How ICSI can help you?

ICSI treatment procedure is the ultimate solution for males with low sperm count or unhealthy sperm production as the sperm used during the procedure is selected by the experts thereby giving them the power to choose the best from the lot which is then injected in the ovum and allowed to fertilize into a zygote. Once this happens, the zygote is placed inside the mother’s womb and allowed to grow naturally. ICSI gives you a chance to have your baby even with severe infertility issues.