What is an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a fertilization technique done in a laboratory to create an embryo. During ICSI, our embryologists (embryo specialists) use a microscope and small tools called micropipettes to inject a sperm into an egg. Once we see signs that the egg is fertilized, we transfer it into a person’s uterus.
ICSI is used during IVF to increase the chance of successful fertilization. Our fertility and reproductive care providers often recommend the treatment to couples undergoing IVF who are experiencing male infertility.
What are the success rates of ICSI?
Success rates of IVF with ICSI are the same as IVF done without ICSI. However, ICSI increases the fertilization rate for couples with male fertility issues such as low sperm quality or ejaculation problems.
Penn Medicine embryologists have extensive experience in ICSI. They thoughtfully select high-quality sperm and closely monitor injected eggs for fertilization. Our expertise may improve your fertilization rates even if you’ve had low rates in past in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
Who is a candidate for ICSI?
Our reproductive endocrinology specialists recommend ICSI for couples who want to build a family but are experiencing:
- Azoospermia
- Blockages in the male reproductive tract
- Ejaculation problems
- Sperm problems (low count, poor movement, abnormal shape)
Some people may decide they want to have a biological child after a vasectomy. If a vasectomy reversal doesn’t work, or it’s not an option, you may still be able to fertilize an egg through ICSI and advanced sperm retrieval techniques offered at Penn Medicine.
You may choose to use ICSI if you’re using frozen eggs or frozen sperm during your fertility treatment. The freezing and thawing process can make fertilization more difficult. ICSI helps overcome these difficulties and boosts the chances of fertilization since we place the sperm directly into the egg.
What to expect during the ICSI process
You and your provider will decide if intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be part of your IVF treatment plan. If it is, you’ll follow the traditional steps of IVF: ovulation induction, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer.
A Penn Medicine embryologist walks you through the ICSI procedure steps:
We collect sperm for ICSI through masturbation, electro-ejaculation, or microsurgery. You and your provider decide which method to use based on your health history and reproductive goals.
We look at the collected sperm sample under a microscope and select a single high-quality sperm. Then, in a laboratory, our embryologist uses a micropipette to inject the sperm into the egg. Our on-site lab is accredited by the College of American Pathologists, meaning that we meet high standards and rigorous regulatory guidelines.
Our team monitors your egg closely for the next 24 hours as we look for signs of fertilization. When we confirm your injected sperm fertilized the egg, we transfer it into your partner or surrogate’s uterus within 3 to 7 days.
ICSI procedure risks
It’s important to understand that intracytoplasmic sperm injection doesn’t guarantee a pregnancy. The egg may be damaged by the sperm injection procedure, or it may not become fertilized.
Our experienced providers use leading reproductive technology to give you the best chance of becoming pregnant. If ICSI doesn’t work for you, your provider will help you understand what happened. Together, you can discuss whether another fertility treatment may be a better option.
Cost of intracytoplasmic sperm injection
ICSI cost depends on your health insurance coverage and whether you need a sperm collection procedure. We understand that paying for fertility treatments can be overwhelming. We talk through treatment costs before you start IVF with ICSI so you know what to expect.
Expertise in intracytoplasmic sperm injection at Penn Medicine
ur fertility care providers help individuals and couples achieve their family-building goals. Our highly trained reproductive endocrinologists use advanced fertility testing to pinpoint what may be causing male infertility. The diagnosis confirmation helps us decide if ICSI is right for you.
If you need surgery to retrieve sperm for ICSI, you’re in highly capable hands. Our surgeons are world-renowned for their expertise in microsurgery sperm retrieval. We find small pockets of sperm inside the testicles (organs that produce sperm) and carefully extract the sperm.
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