What is ICSI, and when is it used instead of conventional IVF?
ICSI injects one sperm into a mature egg in the laboratory as part of an IVF cycle. It may be used for selected sperm problems or previous poor fertilisation, but does not guarantee pregnancy and is not necessary for every couple.
Details
What changes in the laboratory?
Conventional IVF places eggs with sperm; ICSI involves selecting a sperm for direct injection. Stimulation, retrieval, embryo monitoring and transfer remain part of treatment.
Ask why it is recommended
Low sperm count, poor motility or surgically retrieved sperm may support its use. Suspected inherited infertility may require counselling or appropriate tests. ICSI does not correct every cause of poor egg quality.
Consider benefits and risks
Discuss fertilisation and live-birth prospects and costs compared with alternatives. Some eggs may be damaged during handling, and stimulation and multiple-pregnancy risks still depend on the overall plan. Automatic superiority should not be assumed without a clear indication.
Related reading: What are the steps of IVF from stimulation to pregnancy testing?.