What is ICSI?

ICSI is an intracytoplasmic injection of spermatozoa, that is, the injection of spermatozoa into the cytoplasm of egg cell. This is an effective method of fertilization, based on the direct injection of a single sperm into the egg cell with the help of special micromanipulators and a microscope. The first pregnancy and delivery after the application of the ICSI method were conducted in Belgium in 1992.

During the standard IVF procedure, one of the best spermatozoon penetrates into the egg cell, the remaining tens of thousands ensure the penetration of this one. If there are few spermatozoa or their activity is reduced, the embryologist injects the best spermatozoa into the egg with the help of a micro-needle. Thus, for a woman, the stimulation protocol, the procedure for ovarian puncture and embryo transfer in the cycle of IVF + ICSI do not differ from the same procedures during the standard IVF cycle. The difference between IVF and IVF + ICSI begins at the embryological stage after retrieving of an egg cell.

Only mature egg cells are suitable for ICSI. The procedure of ICSI is carried out under a microscope at a magnification of 400 times. For ICSI, the embryologist tries to select the fastest and morphologically normal spermatozoon. It is immobilized, and moved into a microneedle. Then, while holding the egg cell on the micro vacuum cap, pierce the egg shell with a micro-needle and inject the sperm into it.