Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

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What is ICSI and how does it work?

ICSI is a type of IVF treatment that involves drawing up a single sperm into a very fine glass needle and injecting it directly into the centre of the egg.

The fertilised egg (embryo) can then be transferred into the womb of the woman as in a normal IVF cycle.  The live birth rates for ICSI and conventional IVF are similar.



Is ICSI for me?

ICSI is often recommended if:

  • The male partner has a low sperm count.
  • The male partner does not ejaculate any sperm, but sperm have been collected from the testicles or epididymis.
  • When there are high levels of antibodies in the semen.

What does ICSI involve?


What are the risks of ICSI?

ICSI may carry slightly more risk than conventional IVF treatment. This includes:


You may want to discuss the full implications of taking these tests with your clinician or the clinic’s counsellor before going ahead.

Inheritance of cystic fibrosis gene mutations

Some men who have no sperm in their semen are found to have congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD).  In this condition, the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis are missing.  Two thirds of men with CBAVD are also carriers of certain cystic fibrosis mutations.  Men with CBAVD and their partners may therefore wish to undergo genetic testing before proceeding with ICSI.  You can be referred to the Genetics Department for more information and counselling about the implications of genetic testing.