What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI is a medical procedure done to improve a woman's chances of getting pregnant. ICSI is used for many etiologies (causes) of infertility — typically for "male factor infertility." It is specifically helpful when there is not enough sperm available for fertilization. ICSI is a procedure added to IVF, in-vitro fertilization when there is not enough sperm available for the IVF procedure.

How is intracytoplasmic sperm injection performed?

1. First, an egg is obtained from the ovary by inserting a needle into a follicle.
2. One sperm is then taken from the ejaculate and picked up with a fine, glass needle.
3. A mature egg is then held with a specialized holding pipette.
4. In a technique called 'micromanipulation,' the tip of the fine glass needle is then inserted through the outside of the egg (zona) and into the inside (cytoplasm) of the egg.
5. The sperm is then injected into the inside of the egg.
6. The egg is then placed into an incubation solution and checked the next day for evidence of fertilization.