Microscopic Image showing
Injection of Sperm into an Egg

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves a separate procedure to directly place a sperm in an egg during an IVF cycle. Couples may require this procedure if the male partner has severely abnormal sperm characteristics, if the couple previously underwent IVF with poor fertilization rates, or if the outer covering of the eggs is very thick.

Some patients may need to have this procedure performed. Other couples may elect to have ICSI performed if there is less than adequate fertilization in a previous IVF cycle. Other couples may utilize this procedure if they are having their embryos tested for genetic abnormalities.