ICSI is a procedure in which a single sperm is injected into the egg. In this procedure, the female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation with the help of fertility medication for follicle growth and egg development. These eggs are then collected under ultrasound guidance. The semen sample is prepared by centrifugation, which isolates good quality live sperms. The ICSI procedure is then conducted by injection of a single live sperm into the egg.
ICSI is used cases of male factor infertility especially when the male partner has an abnormal semen analysis. Other conditions where ICSI may be used are:
There is a small chance of egg damage during an ICSI procedure due to needle insertion.
There is no difference between embryo quality or success rates of ICSI vs. Non-ICSI embryos.