Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Treating Male Factor Infertility with ICSI and IVF

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a process of micromanipulation that is used to treat severe forms of male infertility.

With this technique, the embryologist injects a single sperm into the center of each egg retrieved as part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The sperm may be either 'washed' or 'unwashed' for the intracytoplasmic sperm injection.The fertilized egg grows in a laboratory. After five days, the egg is placed in the woman's womb.

With ICSI, an egg can be fertilized by a single sperm that otherwise would be unable to penetrate the zona pellucida (the permeable barrier around the egg) and bind to the egg. Once fertilization takes place, a couple's chance of giving birth to a single baby, twins, or triplets is the same if they have IVF with or without ICSI.

When is IVF with ICSI Implemented?

For the most part ICSI with IVF is used in cases of male factor infertility.

ICSI is offered to men:

  • Whose sperm with severe abnormalities
  • Whose sperm has failed to fertilize eggs in previous IVF cycles
  • Who have congenital or acquired absence or obstructions of the ejaculatory ducts
  • Who have had unsuccessful vasectomy reversals
  • With spinal cord injuries or pituitary deficiencies.

ICSI is used to counter a female infertility factor when a woman produces:

  • A lower number of eggs
  • Low quality eggs
  • Both low quality and a low number

For more information about intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), please contact us.

Fertility Specialists offer Female Infertility and Male Infertility Treatments including IVF & IUI