Fertility Blog

What Is ICSI and Is it Right for You?

ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It's an advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique where sperm is injected directly into the egg to help with conception. Here's what you need to know about ICSI and whether you might be a suitable candidate for this particular fertility treatment.

ICSI vs Traditional IVF

With traditional IVF, thousands of sperm are placed next to an egg in a petri dish. Whether one of the sperm penetrates the egg to fertilize it is left up to chance. If the sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting embryos are inserted into the uterus of the intended carrier. In an ICSI procedure, a single sperm is directly injected into a single egg. While ICSI doesn't guarantee fertilization, it can help, especially if there are male fertility issues.

The ICSI Process

Similar to traditional IVF, the intended carrier will undergo ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then extracted through a simple procedure known as egg retrieval. Using a microscope and a small needle, a single sperm is injected directly into the center of the egg. If fertilization takes place, one or two embryos will be transferred to the uterus of the intended carrier, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy.

Who Does ICSI Benefit?

ICSI is most helpful for couples or individuals experiencing male infertility. You may be a good candidate for ICSI if you or our partner experience:

  • Anejaculation (the inability to ejaculate)
  • Blockages in your reproductive system
  • Low sperm count
  • Poor sperm quality
  • Retrograde ejaculation (semen that flows backward into the bladder)

ICSI is also a good option if:

  • Traditional IVF hasn’t led to the creation of embryos
  • The person whose eggs are being used is over the age of 35
  • You’re using previously frozen eggs or sperm

See if ICSI Is Right for You

ICSI can help maximize the chances of fertilization, especially when the male partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm quality. At Washington Fertility Center, our expert team can assess your fertility and help determine whether ICSI is the right treatment for you. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.