ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat sperm-related infertility problems. ICSI is used to enhance the fertilization phase of IVF by injecting a single sperm into a mature egg. Although certain severe forms of male infertility have a genetic origin, others may be the result of environmental factors. Immature sperm collected usually can’t move about and are more likely to fertilize an egg through ICSI. This procedure can be used even if a couple’s infertility is not related to a problem with sperm. It is also used for couples who are planning to test the embryo for certain genetic problems. These procedures are done on an outpatient basis. They require only a short recovery time.