ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced form of IVF designed to overcome severe male infertility and fertilization challenges. In this procedure, a single healthy sperm is selected and directly injected into a mature egg using high-precision micromanipulation tools.
This ensures fertilization even when sperm count or quality is extremely low. ICSI has revolutionized fertility care and is one of the most successful treatments for couples who would otherwise struggle to conceive naturally.
What is ICSI?
ICSI is recommended when fertilization may not happen naturally or through conventional IVF methods. It is mainly used to address male infertility or situations where eggs need additional support to be fertilized.
By placing a sperm directly inside the egg, ICSI maximizes fertilization chances and significantly improves the likelihood of embryo development.
Why is ICSI Done?
Situations Where ICSI is Preferred
1. Severe Male Factor Infertility
ICSI is ideal when sperm count, motility, or morphology is very low. Even with very few sperm, fertilization is possible because only a single sperm is required per egg.
2. Failed or Poor Fertilization in Previous IVF Cycles
If standard IVF results in poor fertilization or no fertilization, ICSI helps overcome sperm–egg interaction issues.
3. Sperm Retrieval Procedures
For men with azoospermia or blockage, sperm collected surgically (TESA, PESA, TESE) is suitable for ICSI, as these samples may have limited or immotile sperm.
4. Unexplained Infertility
When tests fail to identify a cause, ICSI can improve fertilization chances by ensuring sperm penetration of the egg.
5. Very Thick or Hard Egg Shell (Zona Pellucida)
In some women, especially those with advanced age or poor egg quality, the egg’s outer shell is difficult for sperm to penetrate. ICSI bypasses this issue completely.
6. Using Frozen Eggs or Sperm
Sometimes frozen gametes have reduced motility or function. ICSI ensures effective fertilization even with compromised sperm movement.
7. Donor Egg or Donor Sperm Cycles
ICSI is often used to maximize fertilization success in donor-assisted pregnancies.
Process of ICSI
01
Ovarian Stimulation
The woman is given hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
02
Egg Retrieval
Once follicles are ready, eggs are collected through a short, minimally invasive procedure under sedation.
03
Sperm Collection & Preparation
Sperm is collected from the partner (or donor) on the same day. If needed, surgical sperm retrieval is performed.
04
The ICSI Procedure
Using a microneedle under a powerful microscope, the embryologist selects a single, healthy sperm and injects it directly into the egg.
05
Fertilization & Embryo Culture
Fertilized eggs are grown in the lab for 3–5 days until they develop into healthy embryos.
06
Embryo Transfer
A healthy embryo is gently placed into the uterus to initiate pregnancy.
07
Pregnancy Test
A blood test is done after 10–12 days to confirm pregnancy.
ICSI
After the Process
Following the embryo transfer, women may experience mild bloating or discomfort, which is completely normal. Doctors may prescribe progesterone support to help the embryo implant. Normal activities can be resumed within a day, although heavy exercise and stress are usually avoided. Emotional and counseling support also helps couples stay positive during the two-week wait.
Is ICSI Safe?
Yes, ICSI is considered safe and is widely performed worldwide. The technique has been used for over 30 years and has resulted in millions of healthy births. Modern technology ensures eggs and sperm are handled with extreme precision, and strict quality control safeguards every stage of the treatment.
Benefits of ICSI
1. Highest Fertilization Rates
ICSI significantly improves fertilization success, especially when sperm quality is very low.
2. Overcomes Severe Male Infertility
Men with extremely low sperm count, poor motility, or sperm retrieved surgically can still achieve biological parenthood.
3. Prevents Fertilization Failure
Even when eggs and sperm have difficulty interacting, ICSI ensures sperm directly enters the egg.
4. Works Well With Frozen Gametes
ICSI maintains high success rates even with thawed eggs or sperm.
5. Helps in Previous IVF Failures
Couples who faced failed fertilization in earlier IVF cycles often benefit greatly from ICSI.
6. Uses Only a Single Sperm Per Egg
Even in cases of very limited sperm availability, fertilization can still occur.
7. More Control & Precision
The embryologist can choose the best sperm, increasing embryo quality and success rates.