What is ICSI? A Deep Dive into Male Infertility Treatment Technology

ICSI: A Beacon of Hope for Couples Facing Male Factor Infertility

When it comes to infertility, many people tend to think primarily of female-related issues. In reality, male health problems—especially sperm quality—are also a significant cause. In the past, severe male infertility was difficult to treat, but with advances in assisted reproductive technology, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) has become a solution and a major hope for countless families seeking to have children. This article from Siam Fertility Clinic will explore what ICSI is and how it works.

What is ICSI?

A Simple Definition

ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, an advanced form of external fertilization performed alongside IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The procedure involves selecting the single sperm with good quality and injecting it directly into the egg using a very fine glass needle under a high-magnification microscope to ensure fertilization.

Key Differences Between ICSI and Conventional IVF

In standard IVF, eggs and multiple sperm are placed together in a culture dish, allowing the strongest sperm to fertilize the egg naturally. In contrast, ICSI “assists” the sperm by injecting it directly into the egg, effectively guiding the sperm past obstacles that might prevent fertilization.

How is ICSI Performed? 

The ICSI process is largely similar to IVF, with the key difference being in the fertilization step:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman receives hormones to stimulate multiple eggs.

2. Egg and Sperm Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries, and sperm is collected from the man on the same day.

3. Sperm Selection and Injection: This is the core of ICSI. Embryologists select good quality sperm under a microscope and inject it directly into the egg using a fine needle.

4. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory for about 3–5 days until they develop into embryos.

5. Embryo Transfer: The best quality of embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation and ongoing pregnancy.

Who is Suitable for ICSI? 

ICSI was developed to overcome fertilization obstacles and is particularly suitable for couples facing:

• Severe male infertility: Such as very low sperm count (Oligospermia), poor sperm motility (Asthenospermia), or high levels of abnormal sperm (Teratospermia).

• Male infertility due to vasectomy or azoospermia: Sperm can be retrieved directly from the testes (PESA/TESE) for ICSI.

• Previous IVF failure: Couples whose eggs did not fertilize or had very low fertilization rates during conventional IVF.

• Frozen eggs or sperm: In some cases, egg shells may harden after freezing; ICSI helps facilitate fertilization more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICSI (FAQ)

Q: Does ICSI increase risks for the baby?

A: According to current medical evidence, the main risks associated with ICSI are the same as those with IVF in general, such as multiple pregnancy or premature birth. There is no clear evidence that ICSI itself directly increases risk to the baby, but individual risk factors should be discussed with a doctor.

Q: Does ICSI guarantee pregnancy?

A: ICSI greatly increases the fertilization rate, but it does not guarantee 100% pregnancy success. Pregnancy outcomes depend on several factors, including embryo quality and the readiness of the uterine lining for implantation.

Q: Is ICSI much more expensive than IVF?

A: Generally, ICSI is more expensive than conventional IVF due to the complex laboratory procedures and specialized skills required. However, at Siam Fertility Clinic, the cost of IVF and ICSI is the same.

ICSI at Siam Fertility Clinic: Expert Care to Build Families

The success of ICSI depends not only on technology but also on the precision and expertise of embryologists in selecting the best sperm and performing gentle fertilization.

At Siam Fertility Clinic, our team of experienced doctors and embryologists work with modern equipment and laboratories. We understand that this journey requires both hope and confidence. We are committed to providing warm, transparent care at every step.

If you are planning to have a child and want consultation about IUI, ICSI, or IVF in Thailand, schedule an appointment with our fertility specialists to evaluate the most suitable options for you.