If you’re undergoing IVF and considering ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), you might wonder if this advanced fertility technique can be used with frozen sperm or frozen eggs. After all, freezing eggs and sperm has become a common practice for individuals who want to preserve their fertility for the future—whether due to age, health conditions, or lifestyle choices.
The good news is that ICSI can be used with both frozen sperm and frozen eggs. However, a few important factors are to consider when using frozen material for ICSI. In this article, we’ll break down how ICSI works with frozen eggs and sperm, what the success rates are, and what you need to know before proceeding with this fertility treatment.
How Does ICSI Work with Frozen Eggs or Sperm?
ICSI is a procedure used in IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, bypassing the egg’s protective outer layer. This technique is commonly used in cases of male infertility, where sperm quality or motility is an issue, or in situations where traditional IVF methods might not result in successful fertilization.
When it comes to frozen eggs and frozen sperm, the ICSI process remains very similar to that of fresh material, with a few important considerations.
ICSI with Frozen Sperm
Frozen sperm has been used in fertility treatments for decades, and ICSI is one of the most effective techniques for using frozen sperm to achieve fertilization. The sperm is thawed and then selected for its motility and quality before being injected directly into the egg.
- How It Works: After sperm freezing (cryopreservation), the sperm is thawed before being used in ICSI. The freezing and thawing process can sometimes reduce sperm quality, particularly motility. However, ICSI bypasses these issues by directly injecting the sperm into the egg, ensuring that fertilization still occurs, even if the sperm is not highly motile.
- Success Rates: When frozen sperm is used in ICSI, the fertilization rates are typically comparable to fresh sperm. Research shows that ICSI with frozen sperm is successful in around 60-80% of cases (depending on the quality of the sperm and other factors such as age and egg quality).
ICSI with Frozen Eggs
Freezing eggs is a more recent development, but it has become increasingly popular for women who want to preserve their fertility for the future. ICSI can be used with frozen eggs just like with fresh eggs, although there are some specific considerations to remember.
- How It Works: The frozen eggs are thawed before fertilising via ICSI. Since the egg has been cryopreserved, slight changes to its structure during the thawing process may impact fertilization. However, ICSI can often overcome these challenges by directly injecting the sperm into the egg, bypassing the outer shell of the egg (zona pellucida).
- Success Rates: The success rates of ICSI with frozen eggs are generally lower than using fresh eggs. Studies have shown that the egg freezing and thawing process can affect the quality of the eggs, leading to slightly reduced fertilization rates. However, ICSI significantly improves the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development, even with frozen eggs.
Factors to Consider When Using ICSI with Frozen Eggs or Sperm
While ICSI is a highly effective technique for using frozen eggs and sperm, there are several factors that can influence the success rates of the treatment:
1. Freezing and Thawing Process
- Egg Quality: The freezing and thawing process can damage eggs to some extent, leading to a decrease in egg quality. The success of ICSI with frozen eggs depends on the quality of the eggs before they were frozen and how well they survive the thawing process.
- Sperm Quality: Similarly, the freezing and thawing process can impact the motility and morphology of sperm. While ICSI can help mitigate these issues, the quality of the sperm will still influence fertilization rates.
2. Age of the Woman
The age of the woman plays a critical role in the success rates of both IVF and ICSI. Women who freeze their eggs at a younger age (before 35) typically have better success rates when using frozen eggs. For women who freeze their eggs later in life (after 35), egg quality may decline, impacting fertilization and implantation success.
3. Number of Eggs or Sperm Available
Another consideration is the number of eggs or sperm available. When using frozen sperm, it’s important to have enough sperm for the ICSI procedure. In cases where sperm was previously frozen in low quantity, multiple sperm injections might be necessary. Similarly, if a woman has fewer eggs available after freezing, it may reduce the chances of having enough healthy embryos to transfer after fertilization.
Success Rates of ICSI with Frozen Eggs and Sperm
ICSI with Frozen Sperm
The success rates of ICSI with frozen sperm are comparable to fresh sperm, with fertilization rates of 60-80% depending on sperm quality. ICSI allows fertilization to happen even when sperm quality is compromised, which is a significant benefit for men with male factor infertility.
ICSI with Frozen Eggs
The success rates of ICSI with frozen eggs are lower compared to fresh eggs, as the freezing and thawing process can affect egg quality. However, ICSI still offers a better chance of success with frozen eggs compared to traditional IVF, as it bypasses the egg’s outer layer. Success rates typically range between 30-40%, depending on the woman’s age when the eggs were frozen and how well the eggs survive thawing.
Expert Tip
“Using frozen eggs and sperm in IVF with ICSI is a reliable way to achieve pregnancy, but it’s important to understand that the freezing and thawing processes can impact success rates. Women who freeze their eggs at a younger age and men who freeze sperm with good motility typically experience better outcomes.”
Final Thoughts
ICSI can be a highly effective way to fertilize eggs, whether the eggs and sperm are fresh or frozen. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals or couples with male infertility issues or those using frozen eggs for fertility preservation. While there are some considerations—such as the potential impact of the freezing and thawing process on egg or sperm quality—ICSI significantly improves the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.
If you’re considering using frozen eggs or sperm in an ICSI IVF cycle, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your fertility specialist. Understanding the potential challenges and outcomes will help you make informed decisions for your fertility journey.
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Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
