Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a revolutionary assisted reproductive technique that involves injecting a single, carefully selected healthy sperm directly into the center of a mature egg. This advanced procedure is specifically designed to overcome severe male factor infertility, including very low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or cases where previous IVF cycles have resulted in failed fertilization.
At our fertility center, our highly skilled embryologists perform ICSI using state-of-the-art micromanipulation equipment and specialized microscopy. The procedure begins with the collection of eggs through a standard egg retrieval process. A single sperm is then immobilized, picked up with a fine glass needle, and carefully injected through the outer shell of the egg directly into its cytoplasm. This precise technique bypasses natural barriers to fertilization and significantly improves the chances of successful fertilization.
ICSI Treatment Process
- Initial Fertility Consultation
- Ovarian Stimulation
- Egg Retrieval Procedure
- Sperm Collection & Preparation
- Sperm Selection & Immobilization
- ICSI Micromanipulation
- Fertilization Confirmation
- Embryo Culture & Development
- Embryo Selection
- Embryo Transfer
- Luteal Phase Support
- Pregnancy Testing & Follow-Up
What to Expect
Maximized Fertilization Success
Frequently Asked Questions About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about ICSI treatment, the procedure process, success rates, and when ICSI is recommended.
ICSI is recommended for couples with severe male factor infertility including very low sperm count (less than 5 million per ml), poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or couples with a history of failed fertilization with conventional IVF. ICSI is also used for couples using frozen or surgically retrieved sperm, and those undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
ICSI achieves fertilization in approximately 70-85% of injected eggs, significantly higher than conventional IVF for male factor cases. The overall pregnancy success rates with ICSI are similar to conventional IVF, ranging from 40-50% per cycle for women under 35. Success depends on multiple factors including egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, and maternal age.
Yes, ICSI differs from conventional IVF in the fertilization method. In conventional IVF, eggs are placed with thousands of sperm and fertilization occurs naturally. In ICSI, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into each mature egg using a fine glass needle. ICSI is specifically designed for severe male factor infertility cases where natural fertilization is unlikely to occur.
ICSI is generally safe and well-established. Potential risks include the possibility of damage to the egg during injection (though rare in experienced hands), slightly increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, and the same risks associated with IVF including ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy. Our experienced embryologists minimize these risks through careful technique and comprehensive monitoring throughout your treatment.