ICSI is a laboratory procedure that helps achieve fertilisation by injecting a single sperm directly into each mature egg. At Oasis, our experienced embryology team performs ICSI with care and precision, providing clear guidance throughout your treatment.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a laboratory procedure which aims to achieve fertilisation in the eggs of couples struggling with unexplained, or male factor infertility. ICSI is the process by which an Embryologist assesses the maturity of all eggs retrieved via egg collection and selects a single good quality sperm to inject directly inside each mature egg. This method is recommended to couples who may have reduced sperm parameters, have had failed or poor results with traditional IVF in the past, or those using precious frozen sperm samples.
Both IVF and ICSI are methods used to bring sperm and egg together in the laboratory - the difference lies in how fertilisation occurs.
ICSI requires only one sperm per egg and can help overcome challenges where sperm may struggle to reach or penetrate the egg on their own.
Couples may be recommended ICSI in hopes of overcoming suboptimal sperm parameters which may be contributing to struggles conceiving naturally, or with traditional IVF. In some cases, the egg and sperm simply may not be interacting with each other as expected. For these couples, ICSI may provide a chance at successfully creating their own biological embryos.
ICSI may help overcome the following limiting sperm factors:
Step 1
The embryologist assesses the maturity of all retrieved eggs before selecting the mature eggs for ICSI.
Step 2
A single good-quality sperm is selected based on its motility and appearance, then prepared for injection.
Step 3
Using micromanipulation needles and high-powered microscopy, the selected sperm is injected directly into each mature egg.
Step 4
Following ICSI, the eggs are placed in Time-Lapse Incubators for continuous observation. Fertilisation is confirmed the next day, and developing embryos are monitored for 5–6 days before embryo transfer or freezing.
After an ICSI insemination, the eggs are placed into our Time-Lapse Incubators for continuous observation. Fertilisation can be confirmed the following day, and the developing embryo is then given 5-6 days to grow before either embryo transfer or freezing. At Oasis, the couple will receive a call from an Embryologist the day after egg collection with their fertilisation results and updates on the embryo development every second day thereafter.
ICSI is a well-established and widely used technique.
Current evidence shows that babies born from ICSI have similar health outcomes to those conceived through standard IVF or naturally.
We understand that every fertility journey is unique. Our experienced embryology team performs ICSI with great care and precision, and we're here to support you with clear information and guidance every step of the way.
We’re here to support you with clarity, care, and understanding - so you can move forward feeling informed, supported, and never alone.
