Health Library
We have a vast digital library of medical information, including wellness and psychiatry topics as well as general medical topics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat certain infertility problems, such as sperm-related infertility. ICSI is used to enhance the fertilization phase of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by injecting a single sperm into a mature egg. The fertilized egg is then placed in the uterus or fallopian tube. If sperm can't be collected by means of masturbation, they are surgically removed from a testicle through a small incision. This method may be used when there is a blockage that prevents sperm from being ejaculated or when there is a problem with sperm development. People with little or no sperm in their semen (not due to a blockage) may have genetic testing before they start ICSI to screen for genetic problems. To prepare for a procedure using your own eggs, you will likely get daily hormone shots and be closely monitored for about 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will check your blood estrogen levels and use ultrasound to see how your follicles are developing. Your dose may change based on test results. If follicles fully develop, you are given a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) shot to stimulate the eggs to mature. The mature eggs are collected 34 to 36 hours later. This is done using laparoscopy or needle aspiration guided by ultrasound. A tool is used to hold an egg in place. A tiny tube is used to put one sperm into the egg. After culturing in the lab overnight, eggs are checked to see if they've been fertilized. After incubation, the eggs that have been successfully fertilized or have had 3 to 5 days to further develop are selected. One or more are placed in the uterus using a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through the cervix. Your doctor will recommend how many embryos to transfer, based on your age and other information about you. The other embryos may be frozen for future use. ICSI can be used to help fertilize an egg during infertility treatment. This is often done when there are sperm-related infertility issues, such as little or no sperm in the semen. ICSI can be used even if infertility is not related to a problem with sperm. Some choose to try ICSI after repeated in vitro fertilization has not worked. ICSI is also used for those who are planning to test the embryo for certain genetic problems. ICSI uses only one sperm for each egg. So there is no chance the genetic test can be contaminated by other sperm. When done using eggs of good quality, ICSI can help improve fertilization rates for people with sperm-related infertility. Once fertilization occurs, the chance of giving birth is about the same for people who have in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ICSI and people who have IVF without ICSI. Risks related to ICSI are the same as for in vitro fertilization. There may be a higher risk of birth defects for babies conceived by certain assisted reproductive techniques, such as ICSI. Talk with your doctor about these risks. If you are over 35, you may choose to have more embryos transferred than someone who is younger. This will give you the best chance of getting pregnant using your own eggs and having a healthy pregnancy. But this increases your risk of multiple pregnancy. Because of the risks to the babies of multiple pregnancy, experts recommend that you limit the number of embryos transferred. Your doctor will recommend a certain number of embryos based on your age and other factors. If you are over age 40, there is a high rate of embryo loss when using your own eggs. Donor eggs may work better. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Treatment Overview
Sperm collection
Ovulation and egg retrieval
Sperm injection and transfer
Why It Is Done
How Well It Works
Risks
Treatment success versus the risk of multiple pregnancy
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.