ICSI
Plain-English guide for patients and families.
ICSI is a micromanipulation technique used alongside IVF: embryologists inject one selected sperm directly into the cytoplasm of each mature egg. It is the standard approach when sperm count, motility, or morphology makes natural fertilisation in a dish unreliable, and when sperm comes from surgical retrieval (Micro-TESE, PESA/TESA).
ICSI vs conventional IVF
In conventional IVF, droplets of sperm are added around eggs and fertilisation occurs without injection. ICSI does not "fix" egg quality problems, but it bypasses barriers at the fertilisation step for sperm-related issues. For couples with normal semen, studies generally show similar outcomes — ICSI is used when clinically indicated.
What to expect in the lab
After your eggs are retrieved, mature (MII) eggs are denuded and injected under a high-powered microscope. Fertilisation is checked the next day; embryos are cultured and transferred or frozen according to your protocol.
AI Information
EducationalICSI revolutionised the treatment of severe male factor infertility when it was introduced in 1992. Before ICSI, men with very low sperm counts or poor motility had limited options for biological parenthood. Today, ICSI achieves fertilisation rates of 70–80% per injected egg in experienced hands, even with very few sperm available.
Key Points
- ICSI requires only one viable sperm per egg, making it possible to achieve pregnancy even with extremely low counts.
- It is the standard technique when sperm is surgically retrieved (Micro-TESE, PESA, TESA) for azoospermia cases.
- Fertilisation rates with ICSI are typically 70–80% per mature egg injected.
- ICSI babies have comparable health outcomes to naturally conceived children in large population studies.
- The procedure is performed by a trained embryologist using a micromanipulation system under an inverted microscope.
Who Should Know This?
Men diagnosed with severe oligospermia, asthenospermia, or azoospermia; couples with previous fertilisation failure in conventional IVF; and those using surgically retrieved or frozen sperm.
Clinical Context in Pakistan
ICSI is widely used across Pakistan and is a core capability of the IVF Experts embryology laboratory in Lahore. Dr. Adnan Jabbar recommends ICSI based on semen parameters, prior cycle history, and sperm source to maximise fertilisation success.
Important Disclaimer
This AI-generated summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Adnan Jabbar or your fertility specialist for personalised clinical guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Related Glossary Terms
Continue learning about connected fertility concepts.
Go Deeper on Treatment
See how Dr. Adnan Jabbar approaches this clinically at IVF Experts Lahore.
ICSI treatment in LahoreFrequently Asked Questions
Common patient questions about intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Does ICSI guarantee fertilisation?
Is ICSI safe for babies?
Can ICSI use frozen sperm?
Questions About Your Own Case?
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