Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

For couples with sperm-related difficulties, ICSI provides extra support. A single healthy sperm is carefully selected and injected directly into the egg. This precise technique is often used as part of IVF.

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed as an additional part of an IVF treatment cycle where a single sperm is injected into each egg to assist fertilisation using very fine micro-manipulation equipment. In most cases, ICSI can be used to overcome severe male infertility.

Who is ICSI suitable for?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is recommended for couple’s who have been diagnosed with male fertility issues such as low sperm count, low sperm morphology or motility, anti-sperm antibodies or have previously had a vasectomy or unsuccessful vasectomy reversal.

We can also use this technique for couples who have experienced poor or no fertilisation rates using standard IVF.

What are the success rates for ICSI?

Together with IVF, ICSI is one of the most common techniques used in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Since it was introduced, it has led to the birth of many thousands of babies worldwide that otherwise might not have been conceived.

The success rates for ICSI are like those of standard IVF.

While success rates can give you an indication of your chance of conceiving they are not specific to your situation. Your fertility specialist will be able to give you an indication of your individual chance of success using ICSI.