Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI & IVF Treatment Options

Within IVF, there are two different insemination techniques: standard insemination and ICSI insemination. Standard insemination is a procedure in which the eggs retrieved are maintained within their cumulus complex and are combined with sperm in the same culture dish. Because their cumulus complex is maintained, egg quality and maturity cannot be evaluated.

In order to perform ICSI insemination, the cumulus complex of the egg is removed and the egg maturity and quality are evaluated. Maturity of the oocyte is important because only mature eggs have the opportunity to fertilize. ICSI involves the insertion of a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. ICSI is typically recommended if a patient has one or more of the following:

1. Male factor infertility
2. Diminished ovarian reserve
3. Advanced maternal age
4. Previous poor fertilization results from standard insemination