ICSI

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF in which a single sperm is directly injected into an egg using a fine glass needle under a microscope, rather than allowing fertilisation to occur naturally in a dish. It is used mainly to overcome severe male factor infertility, such as very low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm shape, where standard IVF fertilisation rates would be low. ICSI is performed as part of the same overall IVF cycle, using eggs retrieved through ovarian stimulation. It significantly improves fertilisation rates in couples facing significant male infertility factors.

ICSI is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific conditions where other approaches have been insufficient. Your Reproductive Medicine & IVF specialist will assess your suitability based on your diagnosis, health history, and treatment goals.

The typical duration is 4-6 weeks per cycle. This may vary based on the complexity of your case and individual response to treatment.

Recovery typically takes Recovery mirrors a standard IVF cycle, with most women resuming normal activity within a day or two after retrieval and light rest after embryo transfer. A pregnancy test follows about two weeks after transfer to determine the outcome.. Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your response and overall health.

Side effects vary by individual and are detailed in the section above. Your specialist will discuss all risks and benefits with you before treatment begins. Serious adverse effects are uncommon but are part of the informed consent process.

ICSI has a documented success rate of 45-50% fertilisation success at accredited facilities. Outcomes depend on disease stage, patient health, and adherence to the treatment plan and aftercare instructions.