What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) that involves the direct injection of a single healthy sperm into a mature egg to facilitate fertilization. It is one of the most effective assisted reproductive techniques, especially helpful in cases of severe male infertility or when previous IVF cycles have failed to result in fertilization.

How Does ICSI Work?

The ICSI process follows the standard IVF procedure, with an additional laboratory step that ensures fertilization even when sperm quality is low.

• Ovarian stimulation: The woman receives hormonal medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs.
• Egg retrieval: Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minimally invasive technique.
• Sperm collection and selection: Sperm are obtained from the partner (or donor) and examined for shape and motility. The healthiest sperm is carefully selected using a microscope.
• Microinjection: A single sperm is injected directly into each egg using a fine glass needle under a high-powered microscope.
• Embryo culture: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored in a controlled lab environment for several days.
• Embryo transfer: The best-quality embryo(s) are transferred into the uterus to initiate pregnancy.

Who Can Benefit from ICSI?

ICSI is especially beneficial for couples facing:

• Severe male infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology)
• Previous failed IVF fertilization cycles
• Obstruction or absence of vas deferens preventing sperm ejaculation
• Use of surgically retrieved sperm (TESA, PESA, or Micro-TESE)
• Unexplained infertility after years of natural attempts
• Frozen or donor sperm use

Advantages of ICSI

• Enables fertilization even with very few or poor-quality sperm
• Bypasses sperm motility and penetration issues
• High success rates in cases of male factor infertility
• Compatible with sperm retrieved through surgical techniques
• Can be combined with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) for healthy embryo selection

The ICSI Process

• Begin with a detailed consultation with Dr. Pragati Sharma, who will evaluate your medical history, fertility reports, and discuss the most suitable treatment plan.
• Hormonal medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries, allowing multiple eggs to mature for retrieval.
• Once the eggs are ready, they are gently collected through a minor, ultrasound-guided procedure under mild anesthesia.
• A high-quality sperm sample is then selected and carefully prepared in the embryology lab to ensure only the healthiest sperm are used.
• Under a high-powered microscope, a single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg using a fine needle — this precise step defines the ICSI process.
• Fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in controlled lab conditions for a few days before being transferred into the uterus.
• The remaining high-quality embryos can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future pregnancy attempts.

Why Choose Pragati IVF Fertility Clinic for ICSI?

At Pragati IVF Fertility Clinic, we specialize in advanced fertility treatments like ICSI with personalized care and cutting-edge embryology facilities. Our embryologists are skilled in microinjection techniques using high-precision microscopes to ensure every viable egg gets the best chance at fertilization.

With our evidence-based approach, emotional support, and transparent guidance, we help couples overcome even the most complex infertility challenges — turning the dream of parenthood into reality.