Understanding ICSI
In conventional IVF, many sperm are placed near an egg and fertilisation happens on its own. With ICSI, an embryologist selects one sperm and injects it into the egg using a very fine needle under a microscope.
Apart from the fertilisation step, the treatment follows the same pathway as IVF — stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture and transfer.
Who may need this?
It may be considered in situations such as the following. Suitability is always decided after individual assessment.
- Men with low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal shape.
- When sperm has been retrieved surgically through PESA or TESA.
- Couples who had low or no fertilisation in a previous IVF cycle.
- When using a limited number of eggs or frozen sperm.
How does it work?
- 01
IVF preparation
Ovarian stimulation and monitoring as for IVF.
- 02
Egg retrieval
Eggs are collected and their maturity assessed.
- 03
Sperm selection
An individual sperm is selected and immobilised in the laboratory.
- 04
Injection
The sperm is injected into the centre of each mature egg.
- 05
Culture and transfer
Fertilised eggs develop into embryos, and a selected embryo is transferred.
Potential benefits
- Helps overcome many male factor fertility problems.
- Can be used when very few sperm are available.
- May improve fertilisation where it previously failed.
Important considerations
- ICSI increases the chance of fertilisation but does not guarantee embryo development or pregnancy.
- A small proportion of eggs may be damaged during injection.
- Some causes of male infertility may have a genetic basis; counselling may be advised.
Preparation and recovery
- Semen analysis and, where relevant, male hormone and genetic tests.
- Female partner preparation follows the IVF pathway.
After the procedure
- Recovery relates to egg retrieval and is the same as for IVF.
This information is educational and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Outcomes vary and no treatment can guarantee a particular result.
