Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
ICSI makes it possible to specifically promote egg fertilisation, particularly in cases of poor sperm quality or after failed fertilisation in conventional IVF.
Injection of a sperm cell into the oocyte
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an additional method to IVF treatment. In this procedure, a sperm cell is injected directly into the female oocyte. This sperm cell is obtained from the ejaculate – or surgically from the testicle or epididymis. This means that there is no independent fertilisation of oocyte and sperm.
The ICSI method is helpful when sperm motility or quantity is severely limited or fertilisation has failed with conventional IVF treatment. The steps up to oocyte retrieval (link to IVF/treatment steps) are identical for IVF and ICSI.
How ICSI Works
The oocytes are fixed under a special microscope with a holding pipette. A sperm is then lifted into a thin injection pipette and injected into the oocyte. ICSI (microinjection) mimics the natural process of a sperm penetrating the oocyte. Using this worldwide established method about 50 to 70% of the retrieved oocytes can be fertilised.
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