Introduction:

For couples struggling with male infertility, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) offers a powerful solution. One common concern is whether the procedure can be done using frozen sperm instead of fresh. 

Let’s explore how ICSI Treatment works with frozen sperm, the reasons for choosing it, and what couples can expect from this advanced fertility option.

What Is ICSI?

ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced form of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). It involves the direct injection of a single healthy sperm into an egg under a microscope. This method is especially helpful in cases of:

  • Low sperm count

  • Poor sperm motility or morphology

  • Obstructive azoospermia

  • Previous IVF failure

  • Use of surgically retrieved sperm

The goal is to overcome natural barriers to fertilization and maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Can Frozen Sperm Be Used for ICSI?

Absolutely. ICSI can be performed using either fresh or frozen sperm, depending on the couple’s medical needs and personal circumstances. Sperm freezing, also known as cryopreservation, has been successfully used in fertility treatments for decades.

Fertility clinics are equipped to thaw and prepare frozen sperm for use in ICSI procedures. Once thawed, the most viable sperm are selected and injected into the mature eggs, just as they would be with fresh sperm.

When Is Frozen Sperm Used in ICSI?

There are several medical and practical situations where using frozen sperm is recommended or necessary:

1. Medical Treatments (Cancer or Surgery):

Men undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may freeze their sperm before therapy, as these treatments can affect fertility.

2. Male Partner’s Unavailability:

If the male partner cannot be present on the day of egg retrieval, frozen sperm can be used to avoid delaying the cycle.

3. Sperm Retrieval Procedures:

In cases like azoospermia (no sperm in semen), sperm retrieved via TESA, PESA, or Micro-TESE are often frozen for later use.

5. Backup Option:

Sometimes, couples freeze sperm as a backup in case of difficulty collecting a sample on the day of treatment.

Is ICSI with Frozen Sperm Successful?

Yes, ICSI with frozen sperm shows comparable success rates to ICSI with fresh sperm, especially when high-quality sperm are frozen and thawed correctly. Advances in cryopreservation techniques have improved sperm survival and function after thawing.

Success Factors:

  • Sperm quality before freezing

  • Thawing and handling protocols

  • Egg quality from the female partner

  • Expertise of the fertility clinic and lab

Average Success Rates:

  • Fertilization Rate: 70–80% of injected eggs fertilize successfully

  • Pregnancy Rate per Cycle: Around 35–45% (depending on maternal age and embryo quality)

  • Live Birth Rate: Comparable to fresh sperm ICSI cycles when conditions are optimal

Advantages of Using Frozen Sperm in ICSI

Using frozen sperm comes with several benefits:

  • Flexibility and Convenience: No need for sperm collection on the day of egg retrieval

  • Medical Readiness: Useful for men undergoing treatments that might affect fertility

  • Multiple Uses: One sample can be divided and used for several cycles

  • Safety: Screening and quarantining reduce risk of disease transmission in donor cases

What to Expect During the Process

If you’re planning to use frozen sperm for ICSI, here’s what typically happens:

  1. Sperm Collection and Freezing: The sample is collected, analyzed, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen.

  2. Thawing: On the day of ICSI, the frozen sperm is thawed and examined for motility and viability.

  3. ICSI Procedure: Viable sperm are selected and injected into mature eggs.

  4. Embryo Transfer: After fertilization, the best embryos are transferred into the uterus.

Are There Any Risks?

Frozen sperm may show slightly reduced motility after thawing, but this has minimal impact on ICSI outcomes since the procedure selects individual sperm. The overall risks are low, especially in experienced fertility clinics.

Final Thoughts

Whether used due to medical needs, convenience, or sperm retrieval procedures, frozen sperm offers flexibility and comparable success to fresh samples. Couples considering this option should consult a qualified fertility specialist to determine the best approach based on their unique situation.

For More Details: https://acimc.org/