Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It’s ideal for couples facing severe male infertility.
What is ICSI?
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) involves the direct injection of a single sperm into a mature egg using a micro-needle under a microscope. This technique significantly increases the chances of fertilization, especially in cases of male factor infertility.
When is ICSI Recommended?
- Low sperm count or motility
- High percentage of abnormally shaped sperm
- Previous IVF failure due to fertilization issues
- Use of frozen sperm or surgically retrieved sperm (TESA, PESA)
- Unexplained infertility
ICSI vs. Conventional IVF
While IVF allows sperm to fertilize eggs naturally in a petri dish, ICSI manually injects a selected sperm into the egg. This increases the fertilization rate especially when sperm count or quality is very poor.
Benefits of ICSI
- Higher fertilization rates in male factor infertility
- Required for cases with low sperm quality
- Can be used with very few sperm (even single sperm)
- Compatible with genetic screening (PGT)
ICSI Procedure
- Egg retrieval from the female partner
- Sperm collection and preparation
- Micromanipulation to inject sperm into egg
- Embryo monitoring and selection
- Embryo transfer into the uterus
Risks and Considerations
- Fertilization is not always guaranteed
- Embryos may still not develop properly
- Genetic abnormalities in sperm may affect embryo health
Why Choose DAARA Hospital for ICSI?
- State-of-the-art micromanipulation labs
- Skilled embryologists with years of ICSI experience
- Personalized treatment plans for each couple
- Excellent fertilization and embryo development rates
FAQs
Is ICSI painful?
The egg retrieval procedure is done under sedation. The injection itself is done in the lab under a microscope, not felt by the patient.
What’s the success rate of ICSI?
Fertilization rates with ICSI range from 70–85% depending on sperm and egg quality.
Can ICSI be used with donor sperm?
Yes, ICSI is compatible with both donor sperm and donor eggs, if required.