Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

In the case of male factor infertility, standard insemination techniques may not be successful. In cases where sperm counts are very low or where fertilization has failed to occur with a prior IVF attempt, special egg insemination techniques may be used to help the sperm fertilize the eggs. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, known as ICSI, is the most common specialized insemination technique.

The use of ICSI represents a major advance in reproductive medicine. From the patient's perspective, the process is similar to a regular IVF cycle. The difference is in the laboratory handling of the sperm and eggs. The embryologist takes a single sperm and, using a sharp glass needle, places the sperm directly into the center of the egg. In many cases, ICSI offers couples the hope of conceiving a child without the use of donated sperm.

In general, we recommend ICSI for those having the following conditions: low count, low motility, low percentage of normal forms, vasectomy reversal, presence of antisperm antibodies, prior low percentage fertilization during IVF.

The Center for Reproductive Medicine has had excellent results using this revolutionary procedure.