ICSI

Service List

Who it may help

  • Male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, movement, or shape
  • Previous IVF cycles with low or no fertilization
  • Where sperm has been surgically retrieved
  • When only a small number of eggs or sperm are available
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    ICSI — Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

    A specialised IVF technique in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist fertilization.

    What is ICSI?

    Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to help fertilization take place. The early steps mirror IVF; the difference lies in how fertilization is carried out in the laboratory.

    ICSI is often considered where there are concerns about sperm quality, or where a previous IVF cycle resulted in low or no fertilization.

    How ICSI works

    The stimulation, monitoring, and egg-retrieval steps are the same as in a standard IVF cycle.

    In the laboratory, an embryologist selects a single healthy sperm and injects it directly into each mature egg. Any embryos that develop are monitored, and a suitable embryo may then be transferred to the uterus.

    The ICSI process

    Tap any step to read more. Your plan is always personalised — not everyone experiences every step.

    Consultation

    Your history and any prior treatment are reviewed to consider whether ICSI may be appropriate.

    Fertility Assessment

    Investigations for both partners help personalise the plan, including a review of sperm quality.

    Ovarian Stimulation

    Medication encourages the ovaries to develop multiple eggs, followed closely with monitoring.

    Egg & Sperm Collection

    Eggs are collected in a short procedure and a sperm sample is prepared in the laboratory.

    Sperm Injection (ICSI)

    An embryologist injects a single selected sperm directly into each mature egg to assist fertilization.

    Embryo Development

    Fertilized eggs are cared for as they develop into embryos and are assessed over several days.

    Embryo Transfer

    A suitable embryo is gently transferred to the uterus, and any additional good-quality embryos may be frozen.

    Pregnancy Test

    A pregnancy test is arranged after the transfer, with support from your team at every stage.

    Common questions about ICSI

    1. What is ICSI?

    ICSI is a specialised IVF technique in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to help fertilization take place.

    ICSI is often considered where there are concerns about sperm quality, or where a previous IVF cycle resulted in low or no fertilization. Your specialist will advise based on your assessment.

    ICSI is a form of IVF. The stimulation, monitoring, and egg-collection steps are the same; the difference is that a single sperm is injected directly into each egg in the laboratory.