Treatments

What is it?

Is a technique that consists of the fertilisation of the eggs (ovocitos). The sperm is injected directly into the centre of the egg. For this, the eggs are extracted and the procedure is carried out in the laboratory. Finally, the better quality embryos are selected, by means of a rigorous system of classification, and they are transferred to the uterus of the patient.

How it is carried out?

To carry out an ICSI, previously is necessary the stimulation of the ovaries in order to obtain the growth and ripening of the follicles. For this wee administer daily gonadotropins (medication to stimulate the ovaries) in subcutaneous form, and ultrasounds are carried out and hormonal tests to control the follicular development. When an optimum development of the follicles has been obtained, we proceed to the induction of the ovulation and the follicular puncture is programmed in which the eggs of the ovary are extracted. Once the eggs are obtained , the procedure continues under a microscope in the laboratory using multiple micromanipulation devices and after processing the semen sample, we proceed to the microinjection of the eggs in the laboratory.

The embryos obtained are maintained in cultivation until the day of the embryonic transfer that consists of the introduction of the embryos selected in the uterus of the woman by means of a catheter.

When is it used?

When there is an insufficient number of spermatozoa to carry out a conventional IVF. Total absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculated (azoospermia), in these cases the possibility to obtain spermatozoa can exist directly of the testicle by means of testicular biopsy or aspiration of epididymis. Spermatozoa with little mobility or altered morphology. It is also the technique of election when there has been failure from prior attempts of conventional. IVF.

What is the duration of the treatment?

The processing begins from the 2nd-3rd day of the woman’s period and lasts approximately 10-12 days. A pregnancy test in the form of a blood test is carried out after 13 days after the ovarian puncture, in this form we know results quicker than with the conventional pregnancy test.

What are the risks?

The most habitual risks can be:

• Multiple pregnancies, nevertheless this risk is practically nil since in practice only one or two embryos are transferred, because this has been seen to have the best rate of success.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Is a complication from some forms of fertility medications, to minimise the risk of this we control it with regular ultrasounds and tests.
• Ectopic pregnancy: . Occasionally the embryo implants into the Fallopian tube instead of the uterus, creating an ectopic pregnancy, commonly known as a "tubal pregnancy". This only happens in about 3% of cases, because of this our centre carries out ultrasounds, and although we can not eliminate the risk, in this way we assure ourselves that we place the embryos in the adequate place.
• LThe risks of the sedation-anesthesia: During all the intervention (10-15 minutes) the process is controlled by the anaesthetist, and the patient will be monitored during all the intervention.

Rate of success?

The rate of success in patients less than 35 years old is around the 50% mark, from 35 years old upwards the probability diminishes with age. Nevertheless, this technique is also utilised with the donation of eggs and can bring rates of pregnancy close to the 60% mark, in this way the limitations that involves age are not as big a factor.