Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, pronounced "ICK-see") is a procedure used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization.

Using a microscope, a laboratory technician tries to inject a single sperm directly into each egg. ICSI is often used if the male partner has very low sperm count, low sperm motility or poor-quality sperm. If fertilization occurs after ICSI, the embryo may then be transferred into the uterus.1

In some cases, the healthcare provider may use other advanced procedures, such as microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE). These procedures allow the healthcare professional to extract the sperm directly from a man's epididymis or testicle. These procedures usually require local anesthesia and are not usually painful.

ICSI and the accompanying sperm extraction techniques helped many men overcome infertility. Keep in mind that these treatments are not effective for men who do not produce any sperm at all. In these cases, donor sperm would be necessary.1

  • 1. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection PDF. American Society for Reproductive Medicine Web site. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/ICSI-Fact.pdf. Accessed: February 6, 2009.

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Important Considerations:
Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the oligo-anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® RFF Pen is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, and multiple births. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to FSH preparations, primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction and pregnancy. Nursing women should not use Gonal-f®. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, and injection site disorders. For complete product details, see full prescribing information.

Important Considerations:
Women: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Men: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure. Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be prescribed by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs, and an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor; and in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Gonal-f®. The most common side effects in patients using Gonal-f® include headache, ovarian cysts, nausea and upper respiratory infections in women and in men, acne, breast pain and growth, and fatigue. Injection site reactions were also reported. Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® treatment. For complete product details, see the full prescribing information.

For complete product details, please read the Prescribing Information offered below.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
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