ICSI

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be used as a means of facilitating fertilization. Using a microscope under high magnification and micromanipulation tools, a single sperm is injected by a skilled embryologist into the cytoplasm of the mature egg. These injected eggs are then placed in a nutrient culture media overnight in a humidity and temperature controlled incubator. Fertilization is assessed the following morning. ICSI is recommended:

• when sperm concentration (count) is low
• with poor sperm motility
• with low normal sperm morphology
• when there is a high titre of antisperm antibodies
• and when previous IVF fertilization failure with conventional insemination has occurred.

ICSI may also be recommended to optimize egg fertilization rates when a low number of eggs have been obtained during oocyte retrieval.