ICSI [Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection]
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced assisted reproductive technique performed as part of an IVF cycle. In ICSI, a single carefully selected sperm is injected directly into a mature egg in the laboratory to assist fertilisation. It is particularly useful in selected cases of male-factor infertility or when fertilisation has been unsuccessful or poor in a previous IVF cycle.
Who Can Benefit from ICSI?
ICSI may be considered for couples with:
Low sperm count (oligospermia)
*Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
*Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia)
*Severe male-factor infertility
*Previous IVF fertilisation failure or very low fertilisation
*Surgically retrieved sperm
*Selected cases requiring donor or cryopreserved sperm
*Selected fertility cases based on the couple's individual evaluation.
How Does the ICSI Procedure Work?
1. Ovarian Stimulation:
Fertility medicines are used to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple mature follicles. Ultrasound and, when required, blood tests are used to monitor the response.
2. Egg Retrieval:
When the follicles are appropriately developed, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries through an ultrasound-guided egg retrieval procedure.
3. Sperm Preparation:
The semen sample is processed in the laboratory and suitable sperm are selected. In cases of very severe male-factor infertility, sperm may sometimes be obtained surgically.
4. ICSI – Sperm Injection:
Using specialised laboratory equipment, an embryologist injects one selected sperm directly into a mature egg to assist fertilisation.
5. Embryo Culture:
Fertilised eggs are carefully cultured in the laboratory while the embryos develop. Their development is monitored by the embryology team.
6. Embryo Transfer / Freezing:
Depending on the treatment plan, a suitable embryo may be transferred into the uterus, while suitable additional embryos may be cryopreserved for future use.
7. Pregnancy Test:
A blood pregnancy test is performed at the appropriate time after embryo transfer, as advised by the fertility specialist.
Is ICSI Painful?
The ICSI injection itself is performed on the egg in the laboratory and is not felt by the patient. The associated IVF process, particularly egg retrieval, may involve medication for comfort or anaesthesia according to the clinic's protocol. Your fertility team will explain the procedure and preparation beforehand.
What Determines ICSI Success?
ICSI does not guarantee pregnancy. Outcomes can be influenced by:
*Woman's age
*Ovarian reserve and egg quality
*Sperm quality
*Number and maturity of eggs retrieved
*Embryo development and quality
*Uterine and endometrial factors
*Underlying fertility condition
*Overall reproductive health
*Your fertility specialist will assess these factors and determine *whether IVF with ICSI is appropriate.
Benefits of ICSI
1.Allows direct injection of a selected sperm into a mature egg
2.Particularly useful in selected male-factor infertility
3.Can be useful when sperm numbers or motility are very low
4.May help when previous IVF cycles have resulted in poor or failed fertilisation
5.Can be performed using surgically retrieved sperm in selected cases
6.Provides an additional fertilisation option within an IVF treatment cycle
Take the First Step Towards Parenthood
For couples facing infertility, a detailed evaluation can help identify the most appropriate treatment pathway. ICSI may be recommended when there is a specific indication for assisted fertilisation, particularly in selected cases of male-factor infertility or previous fertilisation problems.
👩⚕️ Dr. Aishwarya Parthasarathy
Consultant Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist
MD (OBG) | DNB (OBG) | FNB (Reproductive Medicine) | MRCOG (UK)
At ASCAS Fertility & Women’s Centre, Dr. Aishwarya evaluates the couple's fertility history, ovarian reserve, sperm factors and previous treatment outcomes to determine whether IVF with ICSI is appropriate. She guides ovarian stimulation, monitoring, egg retrieval planning, embryo-transfer strategy and follow-up in coordination with the embryology and clinical team.
📞 Book Your Consultation Today
ASCAS Fertility & Women’s Centre
14, Arunachalam Road, Next to VB World,
Saligramam (Vadapalani), Chennai – 600093
Phone: +91 93452 93609.
Accumed Speciality Clinic and Scans
24 Chowdhury Nagar Main Road,
Majestic Colony, Chennai – 600087
Phone: +91 93425 21779.
