All About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Assisted reproductive techniques help couples and individuals achieve their dream of having a child. Infertility can have many causes. In male infertility, sometimes sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg, which prevents fertilization. In these cases, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) used along with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can help fertilize the egg.

At Innovation Fertility Preservation & IVF, renowned infertility specialist Kutluk Oktay, MD, continues his pioneering work in the field of fertility preservation and IVF. If you’re struggling to conceive, infertility treatments can provide the hope of having a child. A comprehensive fertility evaluation helps to pinpoint the underlying cause. ICSI is one of the many ways our team can help improve your chances of having a child. 

How does ICSI work?

To fertilize an egg sperm must attach to and push through the outer layer of an egg. In traditional IVF, tens of thousands of sperm are placed next to an egg in a laboratory dish. Fertilization happens once the sperm pushes through to the inside (cytoplasm) of the egg. 

If the sperm are unable to push through the cytoplasm, either because the outer layer of the egg is too thick, or the sperm is weak, ICSI can be used.

The ICSI process involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg, bypassing the need for the sperm to pierce the outer layer on its own. Once the egg is fertilized an embryo grows in the lab for a few days before being transferred to the woman’s uterus. 

When is ICSI recommended?

There are a variety of ways ICSI can help couples overcome infertility. Some common reasons your provider may recommend ICSI include:

• Sperm motility issues
• Sperm having trouble attaching to egg
• Too few sperm
• Problem fertilizing egg using traditional IVF
• Fertilizing previously frozen eggs

Our team will discuss whether ICSI is the right option for you. 

What are the chances of success with ICSI?

ICSI fertilizes 50-80% of eggs, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Once fertilization occurs, your chance of giving birth is the same as it would be with IVF with or without ICSI. 

If you’re having trouble conceiving, our team of experts can help. To schedule your initial consultation and discuss your options for infertility treatment, call 877-492-3666 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Oktay, or use our online booking form to send your request.