Assisted Reproductive Technologies

1) Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an artificial path shortening of sperm to egg. Sperm is injected directly into uterine cavity which increases chances of successful fertilization. Indications for intracytoplasmic sperm injection:
- ejaculatory dysfunction (breakdown of ejaculation process)
- immunological infertility
- oligozoospermia (low sperm count)

2) In vitro fertilization
In this procedure ovums are taken from female egg after preliminary hormonal stimulation which then are fertilized with male sperm (sperm of husband or donor). Embryos are grown in incubator during 48 – 72 hours, then they are inserted into female alvus. The success of this type of fertilization depends on state of female endocrine system. Frequency of pregnancy is higher in cases where more than 5 eggs were fertilized with sperm.

3) Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Chances of azoospermia correction are low. However, today was implemented technique of sperm injection directly in cytoplasm of ovum (ICSI). Here are used singular sperm cells of epididymal (taken from male epididymis) or testicular origin. Indications for ICSI:

• concentration of sperm cells is less than 10 mil. (2 mil. for ICSI)
• sperm motility less than 10% (5% for ICSI)
• more than 70% pathological forms of sperm cells (over 96% for ICSI)
• opportunity to get sperm cells only surgically
• failure of other methods of infertility treatment

The effectiveness of artificial insemination techniques is 30% after just one attempt. Using of assisted reproductive technologies do greatly increases facilities of correction of most severe forms of male infertility including azoospermia. Effective treatment of infertility is possible only when urologists, ginecologists and in vitro fertilisation specialists do interact. Patient must be informed enough about modern techniques of infertlity treatment.