Precision Fertilisation for Male Factor Infertility
ICSI is a specialised form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg to achieve fertilisation. It is one of the most significant advances in reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples where male factor infertility would otherwise prevent natural conception or standard IVF success.
How ICSI Works
After egg retrieval, our embryologists select the healthiest, most motile sperm under high-powered microscopes. A single sperm is carefully injected into each mature egg using a fine glass needle. The fertilised eggs are monitored in our embryology lab, and the best-quality embryo(s) are transferred to the uterus after 3 or 5 days.
Key Benefits of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- Overcomes severe male factor infertility
- Effective even with very low sperm counts
- Can be used with surgically retrieved sperm (PESA, MESA, TESE)
- Suitable when previous IVF cycles have had low fertilisation rates
- Gives embryologists precise control over fertilisation
Who Is a Good Candidate for ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?
- Men with very low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Men with poor sperm motility or morphology
- Couples with unexplained fertilisation failure in previous IVF
- Men who require surgical sperm retrieval
- Couples undergoing PGT who need confirmed fertilisation
ICSI Treatment Timeline
Day 1-10
Ovarian stimulation with hormone injections. Follicle growth monitored by ultrasound.
Day 10-14
Trigger injection given. Egg retrieval performed under light sedation.
Day of Retrieval
Sperm sample collected or surgically retrieved. Each mature egg injected with a single sperm.
Day 3-5
Embryo development assessed. Best embryo(s) selected for transfer or freezing.
Transfer Day
Embryo transferred to the uterus. A quick and painless procedure.
2 Weeks Later
Pregnancy test. Frozen embryos remain available for future transfers if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICSI
ICSI is recommended when there is a male factor issue. For couples with no sperm problems, standard IVF and ICSI have comparable outcomes. Your doctor will advise which is most appropriate.
Research shows that babies born via ICSI are as healthy as those conceived naturally or through conventional IVF.
All mature eggs retrieved are typically injected to maximise the number of fertilised embryos available for transfer or freezing.
The egg retrieval is performed under sedation and is not painful. Most women feel only mild discomfort afterwards, which passes within a day or two.