Description of the Procedure The male, if fertile, refrains from
ejaculating for two or three days. He then collects semen
through masturbation. Penile scar tissue or other conditions may
block the natural release of sperm. If this is the case, a sperm
aspiration from the testicles may be done. Sometimes, the man's
sperm can be frozen ahead of time. If the male partner is unable
to produce viable sperm, donor sperm may be used. If male sperm
counts are low, the chance of successful fertilization may be
improved by directly injecting the sperm into the egg. This is
called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). An ultrasound-
guided technique is often used to harvest the eggs. The
ultrasound probe has a needle attached to the end. The
instruments are inserted into the vagina. The ultrasound uses
sound waves to view the ovaries and the developed egg follicles
in the ovaries. The needle punctures the egg follicles. fluid
and eggs are removed through the needle. The fluid is inspected.
It is immediately placed in