Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A Precise IVF Technique When Sperm Quality Is a Concern

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced form of IVF where a single healthy sperm is directly injected into an egg in the lab. This method gives nature a helping hand — especially when the male partner’s sperm has trouble reaching or penetrating the egg naturally.

ICSI significantly improves fertilisation chances in couples facing male factor infertility, previous IVF failure, or other complex fertility concerns. At Dr. Aishwarya’s clinic, this technique is performed with utmost precision by an experienced embryology team under her direct supervision.

What Is ICSI?

In natural conception or standard IVF, thousands of sperm surround the egg and one eventually enters to fertilise it. But when the sperm is weak, low in number, or not moving properly, this process can fail.

ICSI solves this by selecting a single healthy sperm and injecting it directly into the egg using a microscopic needle.

This advanced lab procedure increases fertilisation success — especially in difficult cases — and is commonly used alongside IVF for better outcomes.

Who Is ICSI Recommended For?

ICSI is a preferred choice when there are concerns related to sperm health, fertilisation, or previous IVF results. It is typically advised when:

  •  Male Factor Infertility

– Low sperm count (oligospermia)
– Poor motility (asthenospermia)
– Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia)
– Blockages preventing sperm release

  •  Previous IVF Cycle with Poor Fertilisation

If a previous IVF cycle failed due to poor fertilisation, ICSI gives better control and improved chances.

  •  Sperm Retrieved Surgically

For men with no sperm in ejaculate (azoospermia), sperm can be retrieved from the testes and used in ICSI.

  •  Use of Frozen Sperm or Donor Sperm

When the sample is limited or not fresh, ICSI ensures better utilisation of available sperm.

  • Unexplained Infertility

Sometimes, even with normal reports, eggs fail to fertilise. ICSI improves outcomes in such cases.

How ICSI Works: Step-by-Step

The ICSI procedure is part of the IVF cycle, but the fertilisation method in the lab differs:

1. Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval

Just like IVF, the woman is given injections to stimulate multiple eggs. Mature eggs are collected through a safe, minor procedure under anaesthesia.

2. Sperm Collection

The male partner provides a semen sample. If needed, sperm can be retrieved surgically (PESA/TESA).

3. Microscopic Sperm Selection

The best-looking and most motile sperm are selected under a microscope by the embryologist.

4. Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A single sperm is injected into each mature egg using a fine glass needle under high magnification.

5. Embryo Culture & Transfer

Fertilised eggs (embryos) are grown for 3–5 days and the best one(s) are transferred into the uterus.

Benefits of ICSI

  • Helps overcome male factor infertility
  • Improves fertilisation rates, especially in previous failed IVF cycles
  • Allows use of limited or poor-quality sperm
  • Essential when sperm is surgically extracted
  • Minimises fertilisation failure
  • Increases control over the IVF outcome

Why Choose Dr. Aishwarya for ICSI?

  • Fellowship-trained in IVF & ICSI techniques from Milann, Bangalore

  • Experience with 50+ egg retrievals and 20+ embryo transfers

  • Works closely with expert embryology teams for optimal results

  • Keeps you fully informed — from fertilisation updates to transfer planning

  • Honest advice on when ICSI is truly needed — never overused

FAQS

FAQs About ICSI

No. The injection is done in the lab under a microscope — not inside your body. The egg retrieval is done under anaesthesia and is painless.

ICSI is better only when sperm issues are present or previous IVF attempts failed. It’s not needed for every case. Dr. Aishwarya will advise based on your reports.

No. Twins occur only if more than one embryo is transferred. You and the doctor will decide how many embryos to transfer.

ICSI is safe and widely used. Very rarely, an egg may get damaged during injection — but experienced embryologists minimise this risk.

Yes. You’ll receive clear updates after fertilisation, embryo development, and before transfer — so you feel confident and involved.

Precision Where It Matters Most

When sperm quality is a challenge, ICSI offers the exact support your fertilisation process needs. Take the next step with a team that puts your outcome first.