ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a process of micromanipulation that is used to treat severe forms of male infertility, particularly when there is a concern about the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. ICSI is used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

About ICSI

With this technique, the embryologist injects a single sperm into the center of each egg retrieved as part of the IVF cycle. Sperm washing may or may not be performed prior to the procedure. The fertilized egg grows in a laboratory for five days and is then transplanted into the woman’s womb. Extra embryos can be frozen for future implantation.

With ICSI, an egg can be fertilized by a single sperm that otherwise would be unable to penetrate the permeable barrier around the egg (zona pellucida) and bind to the egg.

When is the procedure for IVF with ICSI used?

ICSI is offered to men:

• Whose sperm have 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 when a woman produces a low number of eggs, low quality eggs, or both.

For more information about ICSI, please contact us.