Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

When is ICSI Recommended?

• Low sperm count (oligospermia or azoospermia)
• Low sperm motility – slow or poor movement
• Abnormal sperm morphology (shape)
• Sperm unable to penetrate the egg (functional issues)
• Poor sperm survival inside the uterus
• Previous IVF cycles with failed fertilisation

Tests Required Before ICSI

• Semen Analysis: To check sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Ovarian Reserve Testing: To measure the quality and quantity of eggs.

Steps in ICSI Treatment

• Ovarian Stimulation: The female partner receives injections to stimulate follicle growth.
• Egg Retrieval: Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
• Sperm Selection: A single healthy sperm is chosen (from semen or retrieved directly from testes).
• Sperm Injection: The selected sperm is injected directly into the egg.
• Embryo Culture: Fertilised eggs are monitored and grown in the lab.
• Embryo Transfer: Healthy embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation.

Benefits of ICSI

• Increases chances of fertilisation even with very poor sperm quality
• Helps men with very low sperm count or blockages become fathers
• Can use sperm retrieved directly from testis or epididymis if ejaculation is not possible
• Offers high success rates for couples with previous IVF fertilisation failures

ICSI gives couples a real opportunity to achieve parenthood and fulfil their dream of having a child.