- It is a technique where a single spermatozoa is injected directly into the cytoplasm of the oocyte in order to achieve fertilization.
- Sperm is initially taken from the ejaculate.
- If sperm cannot be retrieved TESE or MESA is done.
- In this procedure, the oocytes are collected the same way as in IVF.
- Both the egg and the sperm are then brought under a micromanipulator, which is an inverted microscope with 2 pipettes.
- A micropipette holds the oocyte and an injection pipette deposits the spermatozoon directly into the ooplasm of the oocyte.
- Fertilization rates are very high and pregnancy rates are 20-40%
Indications of ICSI are severe oligospermia (<5 million sperms per ml), asthenospermia (reduced sperm motility), Teratozoospermia(abnormal sperm morphology), the presence of sperm antibodies, failure of fertilization by IVF, unexplained infertility.