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Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Purpose, Procedure & Success Rate

Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon

March 12, 2025

What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

(ICSI Meaning and Definition)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced fertility treatment used to help couples facing severe male infertility. In this procedure, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist in fertilization.

It is a specialized form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and is commonly used when:

✅ A man has a low sperm count.
✅ The sperm quality is poor.
✅ The sperm cannot swim properly.
✅ There is a blockage preventing sperm release.

This treatment has given hope to thousands of couples who struggle with male fertility issues.

Why is ICSI Used?

(ICSI Fertility Treatment Purpose)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is mainly used for:

✔️ Severe Male Infertility – When a man’s sperm cannot fertilize an egg naturally.
✔️ Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia) – When there are very few sperm in the semen.
✔️ Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia) – When sperm do not move properly.
✔️ Abnormal Sperm Shape (Teratospermia) – When sperm have unusual shapes.
✔️ Previous IVF Failure – If normal IVF has not worked.
✔️ Frozen Sperm Use – If sperm are collected through surgical extraction or stored from earlier.

ICSI gives men with fertility problems the chance to become fathers biologically.

ICSI Procedure Step by Step

(How Does ICSI Work?)

The ICSI treatment process involves several important steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation (Egg Production)

📌 The female partner takes hormone injections to produce multiple eggs.
📌 Regular monitoring is done through ultrasound scans and blood tests.

2. Egg Retrieval (Egg Collection)

📌 Once eggs are mature, doctors collect them using a minor surgical procedure.
📌 This process is done under mild sedation to avoid discomfort.

3. Sperm Collection

📌 A semen sample is collected from the male partner.
📌 If needed, sperm is retrieved surgically from the testicles.

4. Sperm Injection (ICSI Procedure)

📌 A single, healthy sperm is selected and injected into the egg using a fine needle.
📌 This increases the chances of successful fertilization.

5. Embryo Culture

📌 The fertilized egg (embryo) is observed for a few days in the lab.
📌 The best-quality embryo is chosen for transfer.

6. Embryo Transfer

📌 The selected embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus.
📌 This step is painless and requires no anesthesia.

7. Pregnancy Test

📌 A blood test confirms pregnancy after 10–14 days.

ICSI Success Rate

(ICSI Pregnancy Rate & Success Factors)

The ICSI success rate depends on various factors, such as:

✅ Age of the Woman – Women under 35 have a higher success rate.
✅ Egg Quality – Healthy eggs lead to better fertilization.
✅ Sperm Health – Strong sperm increase the chances of success.
✅ Clinic Expertise – Experienced doctors and advanced technology improve results

👉 Overall Success Rate of ICSI:

📌 Women under 35 – 50-60% per cycle
📌 Women aged 35-40 – 40-50% per cycle
📌 Women above 40 – 20-30% per cycle

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection has helped thousands of couples conceive successfully, even in severe male infertility cases.

ICSI Treatment Cost

(ICSI IVF Cost in India & Worldwide)

The ICSI cost varies depending on the clinic, doctor expertise, and location.

✅ ICSI Cost in India – ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per cycle
✅ ICSI Cost in USA – $12,000 to $20,000 per cycle
✅ ICSI Cost in UK – £5,000 to £8,000 per cycle

This price usually includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm injection, embryo transfer, and monitoring.

Benefits of ICSI Treatment

(Advantages of ICSI IVF)

🔹 Helps couples with severe male infertility.
🔹 Increases fertilization chances compared to traditional IVF.
🔹 Useful for frozen sperm or surgically retrieved sperm.
🔹 Gives hope after multiple IVF failures.
🔹 Allows genetic testing of embryos before implantation.

Risks & Side Effects of ICSI

(Is ICSI Safe? Possible Risks)

While ICSI is a safe and effective procedure, it does have some risks, including:

❌ Egg Damage – Some eggs may not survive the injection process.
❌ Embryo Development Issues – Not all fertilized eggs develop into healthy embryos.
❌ Birth Defects – Slightly higher risk compared to natural conception, but still low.
❌ Multiple Pregnancies – Higher chances of twins or triplets, which may lead to pregnancy complications.

However, with proper medical supervision, these risks can be minimized.

Who is the Best Candidate for ICSI?

(ICSI vs. IVF: When to Choose ICSI?)

ICSI is best for:

✔️ Men with low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
✔️ Couples with failed IVF cycles.
✔️ Men with blockages in reproductive organs.
✔️ Cases where sperm must be extracted surgically.

If sperm quality is normal, standard IVF may be a better option.

ICSI vs IVF: What’s the Difference?

Factor	ICSI	IVF
Fertilization Process	Sperm is injected directly into the egg	Sperm is mixed with the egg in a lab
Male Infertility Cases	Best for severe male infertility	Suitable for mild or no male infertility
Success Rate	Higher for male infertility cases	Lower in severe male infertility
Cost	Slightly higher than IVF	Lower than ICSI

ICSI is recommended when traditional IVF fails due to male infertility.

Final Thoughts: Is ICSI the Right Choice for You?

ICSI has transformed fertility treatments and given hope to couples struggling with male infertility. If you or your partner have sperm-related issues, ICSI can significantly increase your chances of pregnancy.

🔹 High success rate
🔹 Best solution for male infertility
🔹 Safe & widely used worldwide
Always consult a fertility specialist to determine if ICSI is the right option for you. OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt🌸

FAQs About ICSI Treatment

Q. Can ICSI guarantee pregnancy?

No, but it increases the chances of fertilization, leading to pregnancy.

Q. Is ICSI painful?

No, it is a minimally invasive procedure with mild discomfort.

Q. How many Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection cycles are needed?

Success depends on age and fertility health. 1-3 cycles may be needed.

Q. What is better – ICSI or IVF?

ICSI is best for male infertility, while IVF is good for unexplained infertility.