Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI

ICSI may be able to help you welcome a healthy baby

If you’re facing severe male infertility, you might be wondering if parenthood is still possible for you. Our Southern California fertility doctors have helped many patients in this same situation welcome healthy babies with help from ICSI. Also known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, this laboratory technique can help promote fertilization during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is part of the IVF process. It involves injecting one healthy sperm into a mature egg, giving couples a better chance of achieving pregnancy. Success rates can be as high as 80%, compared to 50% for standard IVF.

Before using this laboratory procedure, the female partner must go through a series of steps, including ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The male partner must also provide a sperm sample.

After retrieving the eggs, our embryologist selects the healthiest sperm and carefully injects one into each egg. Once fertilization occurs, the embryo develops for a few days before the doctor transfers it into the woman’s uterus. If the embryo implants successfully, the woman is pregnant, and the couple moves one step closer to having a family.

Who should consider intracytoplasmic sperm injection?

Our Southern California fertility doctors may recommend ICSI in the following situations.

  • Male factor infertility, including low sperm count or poor sperm motility (movement)
  • A blockage in the male reproductive system
  • Previous failed IVF cycles
  • Unexplained infertility

Some couples without the problems mentioned above choose to include this laboratory technique with IVF to have a better chance of conceiving a child.

Other considerations for patients

No medical procedure comes without risks. With this procedure, there is a risk of the needle damaging the egg during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection. However, this risk is low, especially when experienced embryologists perform the procedure.

For many couples, the benefits outweigh any risks of this procedure, and they choose to try ICSI to give themselves a better chance of having a successful pregnancy.

When you come in for a consultation, we’ll answer any questions you have about this procedure and explain our IVF success rates. We’ll provide the facts so that you can determine the best option for you and your partner. If you’re ready to explore this treatment with our Southern California fertility doctors, contact us today.