Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Treatment

What Is Microinjection (ICSI)?

Microinjection, medically known as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), is an advanced assisted reproductive technology applied especially in cases of severe male infertility. Today, in cases where many couples cannot conceive naturally, classical IVF methods can fall short. This is where microinjection treatment comes in. In this method, a single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg using a special microneedle. In this way, fertilization is achieved without waiting for the sperm and egg to combine spontaneously. The microinjection method offers promising results, especially for men with a very low sperm count, low motility, or morphological abnormalities.

In Which Situations Is Microinjection Applied?

The answer to the question of in which situations microinjection is applied generally focuses on male-factor infertility cases. However, it can also be preferred in certain female-factor and unexplained infertility cases:

• Severe male infertility: In men with a very low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
• Cases requiring sperm retrieval from the testicles: When sperm is obtained through surgical procedures such as micro-TESE.
• Unexplained infertility: Cases where all tests are normal, yet fertilization does not occur.
• Previously failed IVF or insemination attempts: Especially in cases where fertilization did not occur.
• Couples with a risk of genetic disease: Fertilization via microinjection allows genetic testing (PGT) to be performed.

These are the most common indications for microinjection treatment and make this method necessary.

How Is Microinjection Performed?

The question of how microinjection is performed is quite important for couples curious about the technical details of the process. This method is carried out in an advanced laboratory setting, under a microscope, using precision instruments.

1. Mature eggs are obtained through the egg retrieval (OPU) procedure.
2. The cumulus cells surrounding the eggs are removed for microscopic examination.
3. The sperm sample taken from the male partner is prepared in the laboratory. A motile, healthy-looking sperm cell is selected.
4. The selected sperm is injected directly into the egg with the help of a special micropipette.
5. After fertilization, the eggs are placed in an incubator, and fertilization is checked after approximately 18-20 hours.

The IVF microinjection process proceeds through these steps. Success in this process can vary depending on both the quality of the woman's egg and the genetic structure of the sperm cell.

In Which Situations Is Microinjection Successful?

The microinjection method can produce successful results in many different clinical situations. However, the level of success varies depending on both the age of the couple and the cause of infertility.

• In women under 35, egg quality is higher, which increases fertilization and embryo development rates.
• In conditions such as azoospermia, successful pregnancies can be achieved even with sperm obtained from the testicles.
• In couples who previously experienced fertilization problems, success rates with the ICSI method increase significantly.
• When combined with advanced techniques such as embryo freezing and genetic screening, the chance of success can increase further.

Overall, microinjection treatment can increase fertilization rates by 20-30% compared to the classical IVF method.

Advantages of the Microinjection Method

Microinjection treatment offers many advantages, which is why it is frequently preferred in modern reproductive technologies:

• It offers a chance of fertilization even in cases of severe male infertility.
• Pregnancy can be achieved even with sperm obtained from the testicles.
• It offers promising results in previously failed IVF attempts.
• It allows embryo selection to be performed in couples carrying genetic disease.
• Because it can be applied individually to each egg, it provides a high degree of control over fertilization.

Disadvantages of the Microinjection Method

As with any treatment method, the microinjection method also has certain disadvantages:

• The procedure can be more expensive than classical IVF methods.
• It requires special equipment and an experienced laboratory team.
• In some cases, fertilization may not occur.
• Embryo development may not reach the expected level.
• Factors such as stress, lifestyle, and age can negatively affect success.

What Should Be Considered Before Microinjection?

Before microinjection treatment, the general health of both the woman and the man is among the factors that directly affect the success of the treatment. Being well prepared for the process, both physically and psychologically, is quite important for fertilization and embryo development. Here are the main points to consider during this period:

• The general health status of both the female and male partner should be evaluated.
• Lifestyle habits such as nutrition, sleep, and stress management should be improved.
• Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption should be limited, and stopped entirely if necessary.
• Medications and instructions given by the physician should be followed completely.
• Necessary vitamins and supplements should be taken under specialist supervision.

All of these preparations are of great importance for achieving maximum success from microinjection treatment and laying the groundwork for a healthy pregnancy process.

What Should Be Considered After Microinjection?

After the microinjection procedure, the process of embryo implantation in the uterus begins. This period is one of the most critical stages of treatment and requires careful monitoring. Below are the key points to consider after the procedure:

• Heavy activities should be avoided for the first few days.
• Staying away from stress and maintaining emotional balance is very important.
• Attention should be paid to nutrition, and plenty of water should be consumed.
• Progesterone or similar support treatments should be taken regularly under the physician's supervision.
• Check-ups and blood tests should be carried out at the specified intervals.

Following these recommendations makes it easier for the embryo to implant in the uterus and contributes to the healthy progression of the pregnancy.

What Complications Can Occur After Microinjection?

As with any medical procedure, certain side effects or complications can occur after microinjection treatment. While these complications are mostly rare, timely recognition and intervention are important:

• OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)
• Failure of the embryo to implant in the uterus
• Early pregnancy loss (risk of miscarriage)
• Infection (after egg retrieval)
• Rarely, egg damage or fertilization failure

The risk of such complications can be significantly reduced when microinjection is performed by an expert team at a well-equipped IVF center. Regular follow-up and patient education help prevent potential problems from arising.

Antalya Microinjection Prices 2026

Antalya is one of the leading cities for microinjection treatment thanks to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and experienced specialists. In particular, advanced reproductive techniques such as the microinjection method, ICSI IVF, and microinjection with insemination are successfully applied at many centers in Antalya. Microinjection prices can vary depending on the equipment of the center where treatment is performed, the experience of the physician, and the clinical needs of the couple. For this reason, an individual evaluation is important. Expert consultation is essential to get more information and proper guidance. For microinjection treatment in Antalya, you can consult Op. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı, a Gynecology, Obstetrics, and IVF Specialist experienced in this field.