ICSI
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Precision fertilisation — one sperm, one egg, one hope.
What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF in which a single, carefully selected sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using a fine glass needle under high-powered microscopy. ICSI has revolutionised the treatment of severe male factor infertility and is now used in the majority of IVF cycles worldwide. At Ova IVF, our expert embryologists perform ICSI with the highest precision.
Who is this for?
- Severe oligospermia (very low sperm count)
- Asthenospermia (poor sperm motility)
- Teratospermia (abnormal sperm morphology)
- Azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate) with surgical retrieval (TESA/PESA)
- Previous failed fertilisation in conventional IVF
- Frozen or surgically retrieved sperm
Key Benefits
Step-by-Step Procedure
A clear, transparent walkthrough of every stage of your ICSI treatment at Ova IVF.
Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval
Identical to standard IVF: hormonal stimulation, monitoring, trigger injection, and transvaginal egg retrieval under sedation.
Egg Maturity Assessment
Retrieved eggs are assessed for maturity in the embryology laboratory. Only mature (MII) eggs are suitable for ICSI.
Sperm Selection
The embryologist selects a single morphologically normal, motile sperm from the prepared semen sample under 200–400x magnification.
Microinjection
Using a micromanipulator, the selected sperm is immobilised and drawn into a fine glass needle, which is then carefully inserted through the egg’s outer shell and injected into the cytoplasm.
Fertilisation Check
Injected eggs are incubated overnight. Fertilisation is confirmed 16–18 hours later by the presence of two pronuclei (2PN).
Embryo Culture & Grading
Fertilised embryos are cultured for 3–5 days. Daily assessments grade embryo quality to identify the best candidate(s) for transfer.
Embryo Transfer
The highest-quality embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. Remaining good-quality embryos may be frozen for future use.
Pregnancy Test
A blood beta-hCG test 12–14 days post-transfer confirms pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ICSI better than conventional IVF?
ICSI is specifically indicated for male factor infertility. For couples with normal sperm, conventional IVF achieves equivalent results. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate approach.
Does ICSI increase the risk of birth defects?
Large studies show no significant increase in birth defect rates with ICSI compared to natural conception. Any marginal difference is largely attributable to the underlying male factor infertility rather than the procedure itself.
Can ICSI be used with frozen sperm?
Yes. ICSI is routinely performed with frozen-thawed sperm, including surgically retrieved sperm from TESA or PESA.
Ready to Begin Your ICSI Journey?
Our specialists are here to guide you. Call us or book a consultation today.