Rescue ICSI
What is Rescue ICSI?
As the name suggests Rescue ICSI is a process that can be performed 18-24 hours (sometimes even sooner) after a conventional IVF cycle if the eggs haven't been successfully fertilized by any sperm.
During a standard IVF procedure, eggs are mixed with sperm and left to fertilize naturally. However, in some cases, some of the eggs or all of the eggs show no sign of fertilization hours after the IVF process. When this happens, based on your circumstances and the clinic’s policy, the embryology team may use rescue ICSI to try to fertilize the eggs by injecting sperms directly into the unfertilised eggs similar to conventional ICSI.
Rescue ICSI is typically performed less than 24 hours after the initial fertilization attempts by IVF process, however, each clinic have their different policies in place for this. Rescue ICSI must be performed while the eggs are still viable, which is often a short window of time.
Who should consider Rescue ICSI?
Rescue ICSI is often offered to the couples who have a limited number of eggs available which in case of failed fertilization by IVF, their chance of achieving a viable embryo in that cycle would drastically decrease. Rescue ICSI can give a chance of fertilization without the need of a new cycle.
What does the research say?
Case studies1 and a more recent systematic2 review analyzing results from more than 14 primary papers support that Rescue ICSI can possibly be an efficient procedure for couples facing fertilization failure after standard IVF cycle. It is key to note that studies have shown that fresh ICSI cycles are more effective than rescue ICSI. However, it can give the best chance to the couple following a failed IVF cycle.
myfertility’s take on Rescue ICSI
We believe that Rescue ICSI can be a valuable option for couples who experience fertilization failure after conventional IVF. Although it may not be as effective as a planned ICSI cycle, Rescue ICSI provides an additional opportunity for fertilization within the same cycle without needing to start over. This can be particularly important for couples with a limited number of eggs available. Make sure you ask your clinic what their policy is for rescue ICSI, and as always, it's crucial to discuss your specific circumstances with your fertility specialist to determine the best course of action.
When you're going through a challenging and emotional journey like fertility treatment, it can be tempting to try everything available. However, it's crucial to remember that more isn't always better. Over-promises on the benefits of new technologies or "add-ons" might not deliver meaningful results. That’s why we believe that being well-informed about your fertility treatment options can significantly improve your infertility treatment journey.
Myfertility’s take on ICSI
More ICSI is performed that conventional IVF, not jut because of male infertility being on the rise, but because of patients and clinics wanting to maximise the yield of embryos available to them. As this procedure has become synonymous with fertility treatment since it’s breaktrhough a few decades ago, we see it as a normal part of treatment, albeit a bit overprescribed over conventional IVF.
It's important to consult with a fertility specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
If you want to learn more about the best fertility clinics for you, and which clinics do these treatments, be sure to check out our clinic finder and clinic matcher. We built these tools to help you find and match with IVF clinics and fertility specialists near you, and filter through them all based on their success rates, prices, patient reviews, technologies and support services offered.
Find low cost IVF near you and top fertility clinics near you, and get a breakdown of all the hidden IVF costs and what to look our for. You can also join the myfertility circle on slack and chat with with other patients going through their fertility journey and our team of dedicated and experienced experts. Being well-informed about your fertility treatment options can significantly improve your infertility treatment journey.