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 in vitro fertilization (IVF) by injecting a single sperm into a mature egg. The fertilized egg is then placed in a woman's uterus or fallopian tube.

The male sperm is collected through masturbation into a sterile dish. If there is blockage that prevents sperm from being ejaculated or when there is a problem with sperm development, a small surgical process in the scrotum may be needed to collect the sperm. The Center for Reproductive Health recommends male screening for possible genetic problems that could affect offspring when little or no sperm is found in the semen (not due to a blockage).

To prepare for an assisted reproductive procedure using the female's own eggs, she must undergo daily injections and close monitoring for 2 weeks before egg retrieval. At home, the female or partner injects her with gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs (superovulation). After the first week, the estrogen levels in the female will be checked to see whether eggs are maturing in the follicles. During the second week, the medication dosage may change based on test results and ultrasound. If follicles fully develop, a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection is given to stimulate the follicles to mature. The mature eggs are collected using laparoscopy or needle aspiration guided by ultrasound through the abdomen to the ovaries.

Under high-power magnification, the sperm is introduced to the eggs. After culturing in the laboratory overnight, eggs are checked for evidence of fertilization. After incubation, the eggs that have been successfully fertilized are selected. Two to four are placed in the uterus using a thin catheter that is inserted through the cervix. The remaining embryos may be cryopreserved or frozen for the couple to use for future attempts.

The ICSI procedure is performed for patients of The Center for Reproductive Health. For more information on the ICSI procedure, please click here to contact us or call us at (405) 271-9200 for an appointment.