Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Female reproductive system, Opens dialog

Treatment Overview

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART), Opens dialog used to treat certain infertility problems, such as sperm-related infertility. ICSI is used to enhance the fertilization phase of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Opens dialog by injecting a single sperm into a mature egg. The fertilized egg is then placed in the uterus or fallopian tube, Opens dialog.

Sperm collection

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.

Ovulation and egg retrieval

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, Opens dialog to see how your follicles, Opens dialog 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, Opens dialog or needle aspiration guided by ultrasound.

Sperm injection and transfer

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.