Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Click to Watch the Video

ICSI is indicated for severe male factor infertility where even IVF is not helpful. These special cases require that oocytes (eggs) be collected as in IVF or GIFT However, unlike those techniques, where sperm is allowed to spontaneously enter the egg, ICSI involves microscopic capture of a single sperm cell. Using an ultrathin glass needle, the sperm is injected directly into the center of the egg cell. There, it is hoped that the sperm nucleus will activate the egg and initiate cell division (cleavage). Any resulting embryos are then transferred directly into the uterus as in IVF.

There are several other assisted reproductive techniques that are similar to IVF and GIFT. In men with an obstruction or previous vasectomy, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) can be used to recover sperm for ICSI. The epididymis is a storage sac located on the testicle. This simple procedure is done in our office under local anesthetic.

Click here to find out more about Male Infertility and how we can help you.