Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:06
The Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes: A Refined Approach for Rapid Observation of In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 18, 2024
Does intracytoplasmic sperm injection improve the fertilization rate and decrease the total fertilization failure
Lauren N C Johnson1, Isaac E Sasson, Mary D Sammel
1Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. lauren.johnson2@uphs.upenn.edu
Fertility and Sterility
|June 19, 2013
Summary
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) significantly increases fertilization rates and reduces total failed fertilization (TFF) in couples with unexplained infertility. This method is favored over conventional insemination for improved IVF outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infertility Treatment
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
Background:
- Unexplained infertility affects numerous couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Conventional insemination methods may lead to suboptimal fertilization rates and total failed fertilization (TFF).
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an alternative fertilization technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of ICSI versus conventional insemination in improving fertilization rates.
- To assess the ability of ICSI to prevent TFF in couples with unexplained infertility.
- To synthesize existing evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1992 and 2012.
- Inclusion of studies involving sibling oocytes randomly allocated to ICSI or conventional insemination.
- Application of Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 11 studies involving 901 couples and 11,767 sibling oocytes.
- ICSI showed a higher pooled relative risk (RR) for oocyte fertilization (RR 1.49) compared to conventional insemination.
- ICSI significantly reduced the pooled RR of TFF (RR 8.22), with an estimated number needed to treat of five to prevent one TFF case.
Conclusions:
- ICSI is favored for increasing fertilization rates and decreasing TFF risk in unexplained infertility.
- The findings support the use of ICSI in couples with well-defined unexplained infertility.
- Further research is required to evaluate the impact of ICSI on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:28Infertility in Females
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
01:57Meiosis II
Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each containing...