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Preparing the eggs and sperm
After eggs are retrieved as part of your IVF cycle, they are prepared in the laboratory. A sperm sample is also evaluated so the embryology team can identify sperm for the ICSI procedure.
Understanding in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ICSI
Sometimes sperm need a little help reaching the egg. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an IVF technique that places a single sperm directly into an egg, creating another opportunity for fertilization.
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an advanced fertilization technique performed in the embryology lab as part of IVF. Instead of placing eggs and sperm together and allowing fertilization to happen on its own, an embryologist carefully selects a single sperm and injects it directly into a mature egg. The eggs are then monitored to see whether fertilization occurs and embryos begin to develop.
Could IVF with ICSI be right for me?
Your fertility specialist may recommend ICSI when sperm may have difficulty fertilizing an egg on their own. This can include a low sperm count, poor sperm movement (motility), abnormal sperm shape, or previous IVF cycles where fertilization did not occur as expected.
ICSI may also be considered when using frozen or surgically retrieved sperm or as part of certain treatment plans involving genetic testing. Your care team will determine whether ICSI or conventional insemination is the best approach for you.
Understanding the ICSI process
While much of ICSI happens behind the scenes, every step is carefully managed by your embryology team. From preparing the sperm and eggs to monitoring fertilization, the goal is to give each mature egg the best opportunity to develop into an embryo.
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Selecting and injecting the sperm
Using a microscope and specialized tools, an embryologist selects a single sperm and carefully injects it directly into a mature egg.
3
Monitoring for fertilization
After ICSI, the eggs are carefully monitored in the laboratory to see whether fertilization occurs. Fertilized eggs can then continue developing into embryos as part of the IVF process.
Dr. Wright suggested my husband freeze several samples, have several tests to see if she could determine the cause and start me on the process toward an IVF cycle with ICSI. A biological child for us was still possible!”
Kristen & Nathan
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Inside our embryology labs
Much of IVF happens beyond the exam room. In our labs, experienced embryologists closely manage fertilization and embryo development
Navigate the IVF with ICSI process confidently
Explore trusted guidance from our fertility experts to better understand IVF with ICSI and feel more confident about your next step.
How does ICSI work?
How do I know if ICSI is right for me?
How is ICSI different than conventional insemination?
Learn more about fertility treatment
Frequently asked questions
How is ICSI different from conventional IVF fertilization?
The difference is how sperm and egg come together. With conventional insemination, multiple sperm are placed with an egg and one must penetrate the egg on its own. With ICSI, an embryologist selects a single sperm and injects it directly into the egg, bypassing some of the barriers that can prevent fertilization.
Does everyone undergoing IVF need ICSI?
No. ICSI is particularly helpful when there are concerns about sperm count, movement, shape, or the ability to fertilize an egg. Conventional insemination may be appropriate when sperm parameters are normal. Your fertility team will recommend the approach that best fits your diagnosis and treatment history.
How does an embryologist choose sperm for ICSI?
Before ICSI, the sperm sample is evaluated in the laboratory. An embryologist then identifies and selects an appropriate sperm under a microscope before carefully injecting it into a mature egg.
Does ICSI guarantee that an egg will fertilize?
No. ICSI helps sperm reach the inside of the egg, but it cannot guarantee fertilization or that an embryo will develop. After ICSI, your embryology team monitors each injected egg to see whether fertilization occurs and development continues.
Can ICSI be used with frozen or surgically retrieved sperm?
Yes. ICSI may be recommended when using frozen sperm or sperm retrieved directly from the reproductive tract, particularly when only a limited number of sperm are available.
What happens after the ICSI procedure?
If fertilization is successful, the resulting embryos continue developing in the laboratory. Your care team will then guide you through the next stage of your IVF treatment, which may include embryo testing, freezing, or embryo transfer depending on your treatment plan.
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