Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

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

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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Indication:
For women, Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) and Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) are indicated for 1) 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 and 2) for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
For men, Gonal-f® is also indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the main cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure.

Important Safety Information:
These products should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Use of Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF by women can result in multiple births. Patients should let their doctor know of any allergic reactions to recombinant FSH preparations or other product ingredients. Patients should also inform their doctor of a history of cancer of the sex organs or brain and uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease before starting or continuing treatment. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina, swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment. Gonal-f® and Gonal-f® RFF are potent gonadotropic substances capable severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can result hospitalization. Women should inform their doctor if they experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, or weight gain while taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF®. The most common side effects are headache, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, and sinus infections in women taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF. The most common side effects in men taking Gonal-f® are skin acne, breast pain and growth, and tiredness. Needle injections may cause some discomfort.

For more information, refer to the prescribing and patient information offered below and talk to your doctor.


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